MINOR PROJECT / PRJ62204

22/9/2025 - 28/12/2025 / (Week 1 - Week 14)

Aricia Man Yi Xuan / 0375026

Minor Project / PRJ62204

Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media

Google Drive Link

TABLE OF CONTENT

5. Reflection

LECTURES

WEEK 1 / (22/9/2025)

This week, Mr. Sylvain briefed us about the MIB and we formed our team of 6 members, with no more that 2 specializations. My group members are:

Alicia Low Ker Chia (leader) - Graphic Design
Aricia Man Yi Xuan (Me) - UI/UX
Katherine Alexandra Sutanto - Entertainment Design
Chloe Tee Zi Tong - Immersive Design
Areeya Foo Xue Ting - UI/UX
Tan Ying Xuan - Immersive Design

WEEK 2 / (29/9/2025)

This week, we had an online class where the Dr. Wong briefed us about the new group project. The client for our project. After discussing, our group decided to go with Project 3: Centre for Active Living, and the topic focuses on designing a Patient Transfer Device for elderly or bed-ridden individuals who face mobility difficulties.

WEEK 3 / (6/10/2025)

During this week’s class, we had a meeting with the client regarding Project 3: Patient Transfer Device physically. The client explained in detail what the project is about and what they expect from us. We learned about the main problem — the difficulty of transferring elderly patients between bed and wheelchair — and the need for a more practical and affordable solution. Our group took notes in a docs to record the client’s key points. After the meeting, we decided to start brainstorming ideas for the product design in the next class.

WEEK 4 / (13/10/2025)

In this week’s lecture, Dr. Wong guided us on how to organize and work on our FigJam board for the project. We learned how to arrange our research findings, plan the project timeline, and collaborate as a group. She also conducted a demonstration on how to conduct interviews, explaining the proper way to approach participants. After the demo, every group shared their prepared interview questions for each project and Dr. Wong reviewed them and provided feedback on how to make our questions clearer and more focused on users’ real experiences.

WEEK 5 / (20/10/2025)

[Deepavali Holiday]

WEEK 6 / (27/10/2025)

[Online Class] Dr. Wong checked on our progression in Teams.

WEEK 7 / (3/11/2025)

This week, Dr. Wong asked us to write a proper problem statement for our project and checked if it's suitable. Later on, we have an activity of drawing 8 ideas (crazy 8s) of our project individual and we discussed about it.

Fig.1.1.1 My Ideations / (Week 7, 3/11/2025)

WEEK 8 / (10/11/2025) / [Self-directed learning week]

This week, we drew our ideation of the wheelchair design and we discussed which of the idea was suitable and prepared the ppt for mid-term presentation to client.

WEEK 9 / (17/11/2025)

Today, our group presented our wheelchair proposal to the client, showcasing the overall concept, features, and designs. The client provided feedback that helped us identify areas for improvement.

WEEK 10 / (24/11/2025)

This week, Dr Chui Yin introduced us to the topic "Testing in Design Thinking", explaining what are usability testing, feedback sessions, A/B testing, eye-tracking, heatmap analysis, card sorting, tree testing, and Wizard of Oz. After that, we have group consultation with her and she gave feedback to each group.

WEEK 11 / (1/12/2025)

This week, we have group consultation with Dr. Chui Yin and she gave feedback to us on our presentation slides.

WEEK 12 / (8/12/2025)

This week lecture conducted online and we have group consultation as well.

WEEK 13 / (15/12/2025)

This week lecture conducted online and we update our progress to Dr. Chui Yin, and also write the tasks of our project.

WEEK 14 / (29/12/2025)
This week is our final presentation to the client. We did it well and received feedback from him and Dr. Chui Yin.

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INSTRUCTIONS

Fig.2.1.1 Module Information Booklet

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MINOR PROJECT

Fig.3.1.1 Project #3 Brief / (Week 3, 6/10/2025)

TASK PROGRESS

- Group Formation & Introduced MIB-

Fig.3.1.2 Group Members / (Week 1, 22/9/2025)

On the first week, Mr. Sylvain briefly went through the module information to us and we were instructed to form a group with people from different specializations. Above were our group members, and Alicia Low was the group leader.

- Clients' Project Briefing -

Fig.3.1.3 Project 3 Brief / (Week 2, 29/9/2025)

After forming our group, we opened a WhatsApp group for better communication. Then, Dr. Wong briefed us about all the available client projects through an online session. Each project had different themes and target users. After discussing with our group, we decided to choose Project 3: Patient Transfer Device under the Centre for Active Living, as we found it meaningful and suitable for our design direction.

- Client's Meeting -

Fig.3.1.4 Notes taken / (Week 3, 6/10/2025)

In Week 3, we met the related client, Professor Manohar Arumugam, from the Centre for Active Living. He explained the background, goals, and real-life issues faced by elderly or bed-ridden patients when transferring from bed to wheelchair. Our team took detailed notes in Google Docs during the session to record key points and expectations from the client.

- FigJam Development -

Click here to view FigJam: [HERE]

During Week 4, we started developing our FigJam board to organize our project information. We included the problem statement, target users, research goals, and interview plans. This helped us structure our ideas clearly and prepare for our upcoming user interviews and design development.

Contextual Research:

Fig.3.1.5 My Contextual Research

To understand the background, users, and existing issues in wheelchair usage, we started to do our own contextual research based on:

Researching ageing population statistics and mobility disability trends
Studying challenges faced by elderly wheelchair users and caregivers
Reviewing accessibility and independence issues in current mobility devices
Collecting secondary research (reports, journals, articles)

Fig.3.1.6 Contextual Research

After gathering each contextual research of every group members, we summarized our research data into categories:

Wheelchair Study:

Fig.3.1.7 Contextual Research & Comparison

Later on, we analyze existing wheelchair models and innovations, focusing on:

Traditional manual wheelchairs
Electric-powered wheelchairs
Transport Wheelchair
Standing Wheelchair

Problem Statement:

Fig.3.1.9 POV Problem Statement

After the studies, we came up with a problem statement.

Fig.3.1.10 POV Problem Statement

Interviews:

- Visit to Assunta Hospital -
(Week 4, 14/10/2025)

Fig.3.1.11 Visit day / (Week 4, 14/10/2025)

Today (18/10/2025), our group visited Assunta Hospital together. We tried to find potential interviewees, specifically elderly wheelchair users or caregivers for our project. However, it was quite challenging to approach patients, as many were either resting or not comfortable being interviewed. We only managed to interview one patient, while the rest rejected our request.

The staff member in charge told us that weekdays are generally less busy, and it would be easier for us to interview patients or even nurses at that time. Therefore, we decided to return again next Friday to continue collecting. We also tried to reach out to our own, like asking friends if they have family members who use a wheelchair.

(Week 5, 24/10/2025)

Fig.3.1.12 Visit day / (Week 5, 24/10/2025)

Fig.3.1.13 Wheelchair in Hospital / (Week 5, 24/10/2025)

This week, our group revisited Assunta Hospital to interview the hospital staff. I also observed different types of wheelchair in the hospital (Fig.3.1.7). Besides the hospital visit, I conducted an individual interview with my friend and his grandfather at their home.

Fig.3.1.14 Personal Interview Transcript - Patient / (Week 5, 24/10/2025)

Fig.3.1.15 Personal Interview Transcript - Caregivers / (Week 5, 24/10/2025)

Google Drive Folder: Link

Affinity Diagramming:

Fig.3.1.16 Affinity Diagramming

After completing the interview, we analyze all responses into individual notes and sorted them into categories based on recurring themes. (Fig.3.1.16)

Key Findings & Analysis:

From the affinity mapping, there are several core insights became clear:

Fig.3.1.17 Key Findings & Analysis

Emotional & Psychological Needs
Independence
Limitations of Mobility Aid
Physical Challenges
Accessibility
Environment Barriers
Needs/Desires for Mobility Aid

User Personas:

Fig.3.1.18 User Persona

Based on the patterns discovered from the affinity diagramming, we created a user persona (Wheelchair user & Caregiver) to represent the main type of user we are designing for. The persona included:

Background & Description
Goals
Motivations
Needs
Frustration (Pain Points)
Behaviors/Habits

- Proposal -

Group 16 Patient Transfer Device

Fig.3.1.19 Proposal - PDF / (Week 6, 2/11/2025)

- Ideation -

Fig.3.1.20 Crazy 8s / (Week 8, 10/11/2025)

Later on, each group member started to contribute their own wheelchair design concept in FigJam. Everyone gave explanations to introduce their ideas. After all ideas were placed in FigJam, we have to select the final concept, so we voted which of the idea is the best choice.

Selected Design Attempt #1:

Fig.3.1.21 Selected Idea / (Week 8, 10/11/2025)

This is the selected design, the concept stood out because it successfully balances functionality, safety, comfort, and usability. This is not the final design, we still have to refined it after present to the client to see which areas can be improved or missing next week.

- Mid-Term Presentation to Client -

This week, we presented our project proposal to the client. We introduced the final wheelchair concept, explaining the design features, user insights, and the reasoning behind our decisions. After listening to our explanation, the client provided many useful and insightful that helped us to refine our design further.

Client's Feedback:

The data was very useful and the design is interesting.
Each insight clearly guide how we design the wheelchair.

Design Improvements Suggested:

Add a pull-out handle in front of the wheelchair to help users stand up with more support.
Include simple illustrations on the wheelchair frame to show the correct way to transfer a patient safely.
Add a seatbelt to prevent patients from sliding or falling, especially on ramps.
Remove or redesign the side support arm pillars so wider users can sit comfortably.
Reduce the size of the back wheels so they don’t interfere with the seating area or user comfort.
Consider the seat's materials and design for comfort and long-time sitting.
The leg-rest area can be separated / split into two individual footrests (foldable).

- Revised Wheelchair Design -

Fig.3.1.22 Wheelchair Design Attempt #2 / (Week 9, 23/11/2025)

Design Explanation:

Added a pull-out front handle to help users stand up
Added a seatbelt to prevent users from sliding or falling
Removed side support pillars to create more space
Reduced the back wheel size
Changed the leg-rest to two separate foldable footrests

- Final Wheelchair Design -

Fig.3.1.23 Final design (Front & Back) / (Week 13, 17/12/2025)

Fig.3.1.23 Final design (3D) / (Week 13, 17/12/2025)

Final Wheelchair Design:

Comfortable, ergonomic seat with cushioning
Adjustable headrest for extra support
Armrests with easy-to-reach control buttons
Separated footrests
Foldable design for easy storage and portability
Back view shows storage pockets for personal items
Lightweight
Balanced focus on comfort, usability, and modern design

- Wheelchair Walkthrough Video -

This is a short video created by Katherine showcasing the 3D model of the wheelchair with a human figure seated. It demonstrates the wheelchair's looks during daily activities, such as transferring to a bed and into a car. It helps viewers understand how the wheelchair supports real-life user movements and transitions.

- Wheelchair Application Design -

Fig.3.1.25 SmartWheel Prototype Design / (Week 14, 28/12/2025)

SmartWheel App:

In addition to designing the physical wheelchair, we also created a companion application that connects to the wheelchair via Bluetooth. This app allows users to control the wheelchair’s functions, customize settings, and communicate with family or caregivers.

The Figma Design includes:

Landing and Log In Pages: Clear entry points for wheelchair users and caregivers.
Bluetooth Connection: Easy setup to link the app with the wheelchair.
Controller Page: Allows users to adjust the features from the app.
Customization Page: Users can modify seat settings, LED, alert tone, and air cushion level.
Contact Page: Messaging system for family and caregivers.
Profile Page: Manage account settings, accessibility preferences, and notifications.

I collaborated with Areeya on this design, focusing on making the interface user-friendly for both elderly users and caregivers, while ensuring it complements the wheelchair’s physical features. The design emphasizes simplicity, accessibility, and real-time control.

- Final Presentation Slides -

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FEEDBACK

WEEK 6

Specific Feedback: I'm ok you have four patients, is it difficult for y'all to find caregiver as I think you can find one more caregiver? You need to add a real user persona based on your collected data. I'm ok with your group, I think it's excellent.

WEEK 11

Specific Feedback: I love your layout, it's clean and straightforward. Some of the images are not related to the content, you may have to change them. The content can separate into two paragraph and highlight the points, change the colour same as your colour scheme.

WEEK 14

Client's Feedback: The footrests should can fold away from the surface like swing it away, it is important. The stand-assist is confusing, what it the purpose of it, it block the way out. The wheel stand need to be stronger, it's too thin. I love the application design, it's good that caregivers and users can directly control the wheelchair movement through apps.

Specific Feedback (Dr. Chui Yin): Overall is good, I like your slides, it's straightforward and clean. You may considered what the client mentioned and also considered about the economy, the seat materials. The png images need to be clear, maybe the lightning issues.

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REFLECTION

Experiences

At the beginning of the project, I meet many new friends and work closely with them. I feel our group worked well together, although our progress was sometimes a bit slow, we managed to successfully complete the project in the end. Visiting patients in hospitals was quite challenging and more difficult than I had imagined. We had to be very careful about their feelings and avoid sensitive topics, which meant we could only collect limited data. Through this project, I learned a lot, especially in terms of design. I conducted extensive research on wheelchairs and was responsible for designing the application. From this experience, I learned how to make the app suitable for elderly users and how to coordinate it with the physical functions of the wheelchair to improve user experience. Overall, this project was a novel and exciting challenge that allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.

Observation

I noticed that teamwork and clear division of responsibilities are extremely important in group projects. Communication and self-discipline are crucial, no one should wait for the leader to remind them to work, everyone must be proactive and responsible. I also observed the difficulties and struggles faced by wheelchair users in their daily lives. Seeing their challenges made me feel empathetic and motivated me to think about ways to design wheelchairs that can genuinely improve comfort and quality of life.

Findings
Through this project, I gained knowledge in several areas. I learned about wheelchair mechanics, design considerations, and how technology can enhance usability for different users. I also learned important lessons about teamwork, including the importance of communication, collaboration, and accountability within a group. Most importantly, I developed a deeper understanding and empathy for people with mobility challenges, which has inspired me to consider how design can make a real difference in their lives.

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Aricia Man Yi Xuan (0375026)

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