Week+5+volos

The Nation Master Encyclopedia defines bodystorming as “a technique sometimes used in interaction design or as a creativity technique. The idea is to imagine what it would be like if the product existed, and act as though it exists, ideally in the place it would be used” (Bodystorming). Bodystorming entails simulating some sort of a disability, in order to get an insight of the sort of problems one encounters while dealing with that particular disability. It mimics a certain kinetic or cognitive-constraining ailment to invent solutions, which would help make one’s life easier.
 * Bodystorming**

The individual had to cope with a visual disability, namely blindness. To best simulate the disability, the participant was blinded folded and given a cane. She felt disoriented and heavily relied on her other senses. She had to mentally map out her surroundings where sound and touch had become vital sensory cues, which helped her get around.
 * Case Study #1**

The Participant in this case simulated someone with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), a cognitive disorder. The subject had to solve math problems while reciting a telephone number. Majority of the time, the participant recited an incorrect number, as it was difficult to focus on two things at once. This task caused a lot of frustration, however, it enabled researchers to understand what sort of environment and activities would best help to improve attention.
 * Case Study#2**

In this case, the participant had to simulate someone with chronic arthritis. To best understand this illness, the subject made his fingers and wrists immobile by taping rigid objects along the palm and wrist area. When cutting vegetables, he experienced great fear of injury. He suffered anxiety and his body temperature rose. It was concluded that speech recognition as well as accessible routes, passing space and objects made of safe materials would all lead to decreased anxiety when performing everyday tasks.
 * Case Study#3**

I believe that bodystorming would be a great idea for our final project. The interactive design approach will shed light onto the actual problem from the user’s perspective and will help us, the designers, to invent a creative, beneficial solution.

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