My role
As an artist on the team, I conducted research for materials, prototyped aesthetic features, designed the logo with another member, and the mobile remoter interface.
I also help drafted the testing, safety harness, and aesthetic section for the final design review packet, you can access it here.
Tools
Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, Figma, Nylon Fabric, Wood-Cutting
Problem Space
Motivation:
A visit to the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department provided our team with profound insights into the impact of Cerebral Palsy (CP) on children and their families.
Objective:
BabyBot, developed in collaboration with UC Santa Barbara Early Childhood Care and Education Services (ECCES), is an automated therapy device for children aged 9 months to 4 years with cerebral palsy.
BabyBot is to introduce a device that imitates the actions of ball therapy for over 10,000 children born with cerebral palsy every year.
Challenge
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of abnormal brain disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture.
This is the area where BabyBot has the most potential to help these families and therapists.
Primary Research
Our team conducted a 21 page research on market analysis, therapy functions, and mechanical functions. I researched on Infant Stimulations on Visual, Auditory, and Motor Functions, below are the main findings related to my final remoter design. You can access the full research here.
Therapy for Infants with Cerebral Palsy Used in Babybot
Infant Stimulations on Visual, Auditory, and Motor Functions
For infants, the Babybot should prioritize texture, color, sound, and touch, avoiding complexity. Older children benefit from toys that encourage self-awareness and cognitive development in their movement. The gaming or entertainment section should create a safe, engaging, and comfortable environment to make physical therapy enjoyable for them.
Competitive Analysis of Baby Bouncer Products
This product review analysis will inform ergonomics and mechanism features for the BabyBot. All customer reviews are compiled from Amazon.
Based on the results of the product analysis, infants prefer Devices that
V.S
Secondary Research
Our team conducted in-person interviews with 2 therapists and 10 families dealing with cerebral palsy to understand the challenges they face through the treatment sessions. Here are some notable quotes:
In-Depth Interview
Art Team’s Design goal:
Assist the engineer team in improving the safety coverage, design a game system that attracts infant’s attention spans, and enhance the aesthetic appeal.
Ideations
The art team assessed four scopes for device feasibility, considering factors such as cost, time, necessity, and cleanliness, and created prototypes. The drawings include designs for the platform, linkage covering, and remote control.
Gamification
The initial game bar features:
four-bar mechanics with a swiveling tablet.
prioritizes buttons, toggle, and preset programs.
Harness and attachment
The harness prototype is marked noted with a material that is easily wipeable.
Remote Control
My initial remote control design provides users with a joystick interface. It features two modes: Preset movement plan mode and Manual mode.
Physical Prototype
Art Team's Game Bar Design
ME & EE Team’s Chassics Linkage and Platform Rework
Final Design
Logo Design
colors
HEX# 8CBDE8
HEX# AAD5FB
HEX# FACCC4
HEX# FDFBC2
HEX# FCFAED
I and Janet created the Babybot logo, combining pastel colors of primary colors and a customized icon resembling a baby's head, is clinically approved and baby-friendly. The icon features line pattern similar to those on a Bosu ball.
Babybot Final Concept Drawing
I've coordinated with the engineering team to draw the full BabyBot, including the game system, exterior cover, and patient.
First, the harness attaches the patient to the Bosu ball with a set of straps, adjusting to fit the entire age range. The game bar features interactive toy elements so the patient can stay engaged and entertained during therapy.
Then, the platform features a soft play-mat that is aesthetically pleasing and easily wipeable. Finally, the exterior fabric encloses the linkage and mechanical components of the device, functioning as a colorful and safe covering.
Final Design
Final Design - Mechanisms
Testing
Two sessions at UCSB's Children's Center assessed the game system's viability. The first, with a focus group of around 20 children, identified novelty as crucial for sustained interest, leading to the design choice of interchangeable central activities on the game bar.
In the second session, 8 children interacted with the final game system prototype, evaluating general responses, harness fit, ease of use, and button accessibility in different positions, with patient mode disabled.
Testing with children between 15 mo and 4.5 years old. Figures Extracted from Full Design Packet.
Future Improvements on Safety Harness and Aesthetic Covering
The art team identifies further iterations in the next Babybot:
Improve harness with a more supportive back strap for seated patients.
Consider adding a retractable handle for enhanced portability.
Optimize smooth movement using existing wheels.
Part II. Remoter Design
Based on the final product above, I created an app for the remote control to help parents and therapists monitor the baby’s behavior metrics.
Ideation
Personae & User Journey Mapping
I narrowed it down to three user personas based on individuals involved in the cerebral palsy treatment, time and accessibility to therapy-related activities, and the cererbal palsy patient’s specific needs.
Jane Harper
CCS Pediatric Physical Therapist
Age
35
Location
Santa Barbara，CA
“I want to help caregivers have more independence from their cerebral palsy child”
About
Jane has a decade of experience working with children with CP. She is passionate about early intervention and believes in the power of frequent, specialized therapy.
Goals
To provide effective, individualized therapy to as many children as possible.
Challenges
Struggles with low therapist-to-patient ratios, scheduling conflicts, and ensuring effective communication and collaboration with families.
Need
Efficient scheduling tools, better communication channels with families, and more support staff to handle increasing patient load.
Maria Gonzales
Full-time parent, part-time retail worker
Age
28
Location
Santa Barbara，CA
“I want to have more flexibility and ensure my child engage with cerebral palsy therapy”
About
Maria's 8 Months child was diagnosed with CP. She is dedicated to supporting her child's development and juggles work with multiple therapy sessions each week.
Goals
To ensure her child receives consistent and effective therapy for improved mobility and independence.
Challenges
Balancing work and therapy schedules, financial constraints, travel difficulties for therapy sessions and ensuring her child stays engaged in therapy.
Need
Affordable, accessible therapy options that are engaging for her child, and can be easily incorporated into a busy family schedule.
Lucas Gonzales
Child with Cerebral Palsy
Age
8 Months
Location
Santa Barbara，CA
About
Diagnosed with CP at birth, Lucas requires therapy to develop limb functions for walking and fine motor skills.
Goals
To be able to play with friends; To gain more independence in movement and play.
Challenges
Difficulty in maintaining attention during therapy sessions, limited access to frequent and specialized treatment.
Need
Engaging and fun therapy sessions, more frequent treatment opportunities, and personalized care that addresses his specific medical and developmental needs.
Journey Map of Maria, Parents of Cerebral Palsy Child’s
problems & Possible solutions
The problem was divided into 4 and their possible solutions were provided.
Limited Awareness of Child's Progress and Emotions
Introduce monitors with real-time data insights into the child's stages and well-being.
Time and Frequency Pressure associated with clinic visits.
Develop a medical record keeping that streamlines information sharing.
Complexity in Controlling Automated Device
Create a feature for documenting rehabilitation training progress; Ensure the intuitive flows.
Safety Concerns during Therapy
Integrate safety protocols and real-time alerts into the therapy device.
Development
Information Structure
Low Fidelity Prototype
Delivery
Key Takeaways
Product: Due to budget and time constraints, iterations can reduce components rather than adding them.
Refine UI / Assess Module: Based on user feedback, I'm removed a discussion forum within the app, considering that the primary focus is on user adoption and device control.
Next Project 👉
