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Context Mapping Study

At the beginning of the project research towards a brought amount of topics was conducted to gain a better understanding of co-designing and the disability of our co-designer.

Human-centered design

The human-centered design approach includes the users that the product is designed for throughout the entire design process. A persona of the user gets created and multiple scenarios will give a good insight in the user's experience. This helps with gaining a better understanding of the users and the context in which the potential product is being used. Many prototypes and user tests improve the product significantly because feedback is received at stages where changes can still be implemented.  

The user has a direct impact on the product, and it also aids in understanding the user's needs. Human-centered design is about creating products that help people and make them happy when they use them; it is more about what people want than what technology can do. 

Co-Design is a user-centered design process in which designers collaborate with people who are not trained in design but provide expertise in specific roles throughout the design process.  

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Ataxia

Ataxia is a degenerative disorder which significantly affects the nervous system, in particular the brain. It is characterized by its irreversible and progressive impairment nature which eventually results in the loss of function of limbs or speech. The disorder is caused by malfunction or damage of the neural circuitry. Main characteristics of this disease are problems with talking, problems with walking, difficulty moving limbs and difficulty moving eyes 

As ataxia is irreversible, the patient cannot be cured. Most patients notice the deterioration from day to day. The social life of diagnosed people is affected by the disorder. 

Conclusion

It is important to include the Jack throughout the whole design process of assistive technologies to avoid any abandonment in later stages. The goal is to design a product or assistive technology that can be of help for a longer period, taking the progressiveness of Ataxia into account. The product should help Jack move his cup or stabilize his arm while walking, but also when in he is in a wheelchair. The product should look normal and appear independent, not like the most medical aids on the market right now. 

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