Presented at
UX Research Paper
To attempt the scope of contamination
due to unavoidable touching of public surfaces within the educational campus mitigating the spread of covid infection.
Presented at ICoRD'23
Introduction
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV. It is transmitted through droplets through the air, direct contact with the person, or surface contact. In this project, we have researched how the transmission of viruses through contaminated surfaces poses a problem and how we came up with potential solutions. The type of surface, temperature, humidity and UV radiation are all the major factors for the survival of the virus on public surfaces. The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well-informed about the disease and how the virus spreads. However, by knowing these facts, we saw a lot of places on and around campus where we observed that the contamination was due to unavoidable touching of public surfaces.
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This research aims to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus through the unavoidable touching of contaminated surfaces. The objective of this research is to develop a possible solution that helps prevent the spread of the virus through contaminated surfaces.
How does Surface Contamination Occur?
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV. It is transmitted through droplets through the air, direct contact with the person, or surface contact. Droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces are the most frequent transmission modes of COVID-19.
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Laboratory evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 can survive on dry surfaces and in aerosols for days to weeks, particularly on nonporous surfaces. Direct contact with devices such as elevator buttons, beepers, telephones, computer mice, and keyboards can contribute to the spreading of viral diseases.
Methodology
Contextual Inquiry in Karnavati University, Gandhinagar.
The contextual inquiry is made by visiting a nearby village and observing the people and their lifestyles. We had interesting conversations with the villages and identified problems that could provide us with scope for research. We then conducted our contextual Inquiry in and around the Karnavati University campus.
During our study, it was interesting to note that some of the problems we identified in the university campus were similar to the ones identified in the village.
Methodology
Commonly Touched Public Surfaces.
We tried to focus our research within Karnavati campus as then we could focus on a particular type of user in a space which in this case is an educational campus.
Methodology
Narrowing down the Problem - Card Sorting.
Based on our findings and the observations made, we conducted a card sorting activity to group all the various observations made into categories. These categories in turn formed the basis for us to choose the most prevalent problem at hand and frame the research statement.
Methodology
Expert Interview with Doctor
Our interviewee is Dr. Devender Sardana who is a general surgeon practicing
for more than 18 years. He feels that the young population of this generation
are more prone to degraded health due to the consumption of alcohol, drugs
and tobacco.
Below are the key take-aways from the interview
1
It takes 10-12 mins
for the coronavirus
to contaminate any surface.
2
The virus lasts on the surface anywhere
between 2 hrs to 7 days depending on the
type of surface.
3
One of the main reasons of surface contamination
is improper sanitization and disregard for
impacts brought on
by the virus.
4
Our immune system also plays a major role in this context.
Methodology
Contamination based on Porosity of Surfaces.
The spread of the coronavirus through surface transmission occurs mainly when droplets from the infected person fall on a surface and an uninfected person touches that surface. The virus can survive on a variety of porous and non-porous surfaces.
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On porous surfaces, studies report an inability to detect viable viruses within minutes to hours. On non-porous surfaces, viable viruses can be detected for days to weeks. The apparent, relatively faster inactivation of the virus on porous compared with non-porous surfaces might be attributable to capillary action within pores and faster droplet evaporation.
COVID-19 Surface Life
Design Intervention
Based on the primary and secondary research conducted, we went on
to prioritize a specific surface which we will be working upon. We decided to
work on brainstorming solutions to minimize surface transmission of virus
through door knobs.
Brainstorming
Possible Solutions?
Based on the brainstorming, we ideated a few possible solutions which could be potentially implemented. We then moved on to shortlisting them based on their priority after consulting with the stakeholders and users.
Brainstorming
Short-listed Solutions.
Foot Lever
The user presses the lever with a foot to unlock. He uses the front portion to push the door away. Use the cavity in the middle to pull the door closed.
1.
Pros:
No direct contact with skin. Safe to use and convenient foot rest on lever to press open and close. Portable and can be easily installed on doors.
Cons:
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Less ease of use as users are required to balance on one foot and requires effort to turn open the lever. Not cost effective and can only be used for doors with a hand lever.
2.
Foot Pedal System
The foot pedal is to be pushed downward and the joint helps to press open the handle.
Pros:
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No direct contact with skin. Very easy to use with a push down motion. Can operate from both the side and front angle. Cost effective solution. Safe to use for all age groups.
Cons:
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Not easily portable. The foot pedal might be unstable and dangling if not fitted properly. Can get dirty easily. Can only be used for doors with a hand lever.
3.
Portable Door Opener
One end easily grips onto the V door handle and the other end is used to grip fingers. Its wide
surface enables users to provide a more pressure while pressing. It p can be used in all directions.
Pros:
Very safe,easy and intuitive to use. Highly cost effective. fantastic problem addressability. Easily portable and can be carried in a pocket or pouch. No direct contact with skin.
Cons:
Difficult to grip onto large door handles.
Working on Solution
User Testing Weighted Matrix.
User testing is done by adopting a weighted matrix tool known as Pugh chart. It is a useful decision-making tool that helps to evaluate multiple entities based on specific evaluation criteria weighted by importance. The scores given by the users also help in rethinking the design process and facilitate iteration.
Sample Type: Random Sampling
Sample Size : 37
Sample Background : From different urban cities in India studying at Karnavati University
Working on Solution
Analysis of Results.
In our survey, we identified that the highest value which was 62.7% was given to the handheld device by the users. While 12% was given to the Foot lever and 25.3% to Foot Pedal.
Conclusion.
Designing a physical intervention as a user-centered portable door assistance device to facilitate the opening and closing of doors to minimize human contact with public surfaces and therefore reduce the spread of COVID-19 through contaminated surfaces.
Product Features and Description:
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Portable
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A wide surface enables users to provide more pressure while pressing.
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Used for holding railings in a bus.
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Can resonate with a wide variety of age groups.
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There is a clear distinction for both ends so that only one of them
comes in contact with the surfaces. -
It is a cost-effective product, easy and handy to carry.
Presented at ICoRD23'
We were called to present our research paper in ICoRD'23 in Indian Institute of Science,Bangalore.
