W a r C h i l d
Unit 96 & 97: Human scale design & Product design
In order to complete this project I
would have to produce a range of diverse design ideas for children living in conflict
zones. To do this I will focus my ideas around the problems that the children
in these war zones may face and some of the troubles that my client, war child,
may have in trying to amend certain issues. To do this I will base my product
around one specific problem facing many of the children in these societies. War
Child is a charity that provides help to children who are affected by war all
around the world.
The main aim of this project is to design
around the human scale and to use anthropometrical data to inform ergonomic
design ideas. Our designs have to be functional, original, innovative,
eye-catching and exciting. I need to investigate anthropometrical data and
ergonomic features and refine them to produce a range of design ideas then to
develop a suitable outcome for a specific user (Children affected by war). Materials,
processes and manufacturing will be things I will have to consider during the
design process. As well as these things, I have to produce a final product and
model.
It may be argued that this project
has its constraints as war child is a charity based company, relying completely
on public donation; therefore cost is a major issue when purchasing materials
and shipping as funding is limited. The material used in my final product has
to be practical. Durable and cost effective materials and processes are a main
focus of my product.
Having identified what the project
consisted of, I decided to find out ways in which I could help my clients
resolve any problems they may be facing. The main problem areas I focused on
are Transport, Displacement and Privacy. These are realistic problems for the
children affected by war in developing countries that I believe I can help with
directly. I believed that transport, displacement and privacy were I major
problem facing war child as I read through the convention on the rights of
children, created by the United Nations. A key aspect I focused on was the idea
that ‘children have the right to privacy as well as a healthy living
environment’. I have taken an interest into the living conditions of these
children as they contrast with the conditions we live in here in Britain, and I
believe that all children are equally
entitled to a safe and healthy life, regardless of poor conditions of the
country.
In certain parts of Africa and
Asia, transportation is extremely limited. Families lack transport of any kind,
however it is needed in many cases, for instance, gathering food,
transportation to hospitals and collection of clean water and medical supplies.
A lot of the times, these destinations are at a distance. Journeys are carried
out by foot and can often cause extreme fatigue, pain and dehydration,
particularly for young malnourished children.
Due to the vast amount of war that
occurs in these countries, families with young children are forced to flee
their homes and forced to search for nearby refugee camps. This problem is a
major issue In Syria. Families have been split due to illness and death on
these long walks and children have been left to fend for themselves and younger
siblings.
After
looking at the problems and rights of children that war child focus on, I aim
to produce a product that helps in the best way possible.
My product was created to help the user in a number of ways. Shelter and privacy is
just one of the advantages that it holds, it can sleep one fully grown child.
It provides a private place for them to rest and feel safe in. Transportation
is another clear function of my design. It will help to transport food, water
and other necessary supplies that families may need, as well as the
transportation of children when needed.
The
ergonomic features of the design are most important. I have applied
anthropometrics to almost every aspect of the finished product as human scale
design and ergonomics are key features. Specific ergonomic features such as the
height of the pulling mechanism that is adjustable to suit the height of the
user, this will reduce muscle fatigue and pain. The shape of the pulling
mechanism handle has been designed to fit human hands of all ages therefor it
is universal. The length and width of my product when the fold out board is
open has been adapted to suit children age from 2-10 years old.
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