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Simulator • Mobility & Dexterity

Geriatric Tremor Simulator

is a unique tool designed to provide users with an immersive experience of tremors i.e. involuntary rhythmic movements that affect the hands, arms, or other parts of the body. This simulator replicates the physical sensations and challenges faced by individuals with tremors, especially on fine motor control, coordination, and daily activities.

What disability or impairment does this simulate?

The Geriatric Tremor Simulator is a unique tool designed to provide users with an immersive experience of a common motor impairment known as tremors. Tremors are involuntary rhythmic movements that affect the hands, arms, or other parts of the body. This simulator replicates the physical sensations and challenges faced by individuals with tremors, offering design students a firsthand understanding of the impact on fine motor control, coordination, and daily activities.

Tremors can be caused by various factors, including neurological conditions, certain medications, or even normal physiological responses. Here are some examples of conditions that can lead to tremors:

Essential Tremor:

Essential tremor is one of the most common types of tremor and often runs in families. It typically affects the hands but can also involve the head, voice, or other body parts. Essential tremor is more prevalent with advancing age but can also occur in younger individuals.

Parkinson’s Disease:

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. Tremors are a characteristic symptom of Parkinson’s disease, usually appearing as a resting tremor, which means they occur when the affected body part is at rest and diminish with voluntary movement.

Multiple Sclerosis:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Tremors can occur as a result of MS, typically manifesting as intention tremors, which occur during purposeful movement.

Stroke:

A stroke can damage the brain and disrupt its communication with the muscles, leading to tremors. Tremors caused by stroke can vary in type and severity, depending on the location and extent of the brain damage.

Medication-induced Tremors:

Certain medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and asthma medications, can cause tremors as a side effect. These tremors are referred to as drug-induced tremors and may subside or reduce when the medication is adjusted or discontinued.

Hyperthyroidism:

Hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland, can lead to tremors as one of its symptoms. The tremors associated with

hyperthyroidism often affect the hands and may be accompanied by other signs of an overactive thyroid, such as weight loss,

rapid heartbeat, and irritability.

It’s important to note that tremors can occur in various contexts, and their causes can differ. While some tremors may be associated with age-related changes or specific diseases, others may be temporary or reversible.

By using the Geriatric Tremor Simulator as design students, you can gain valuable insights into the experiences of individuals living with tremors, enabling them to develop more inclusive and empathetic designs that cater to the needs of this specific user group.

How to put it on?

The Geriatric Tremor Simulator includes several parts, and to help you out, here is a list and image of all the components.

1. The Handset or “Electronic Pulse Massager”

2. Electronic cables and connectors

3. 5 x sets of EMS pad

4. AAA batteries

5. Sanitising alcohol wipes

Keep it clean

Before you start, remember to wipe your skin with rubbing alcohol or sanitising alcohol wipes; this will ensure the pads adhere properly to your skin.

Connect the pads

Insert the white pins from the EMS pad cable into the blue EMS cable connectors, one for each pad used.

Connect to the handset

Plug the EMS pad cable into the top-left-side cable jack of the handset (the Prospera Electronic Pulse Massage)

Stick on the pads

Adhere EMS pads to your skin. Place one in the middle of the forearm and the other in the middle of the upper arm, near the bicep. Either arm is acceptable. The tremor sensation may vary slightly depending on where the EMS pads are adhered.

Press the “ON/OFF” button

Press the “ON/OFF” button to turn the handset on.

Select the tremor setting

Verify that the main screen shows the top left icon is selected; the icon should show two hands. If it is not, use the MODE arrows to navigate to this setting. You should now begin to feel a slight beating sensation in your arm.

Set the Speed

The speed, indicated by the number next to the lightning icon, should be set to 1-3 as a default. If it is not, use the minus button to adjust.

Set the Intensity

Use the “WEAK” and “STRONG” buttons to increase or decrease the intensity until your hand begins to tremble when resting on a table.

Now, you should be ready to start your empathy exercises!

Refer to section 4. Suggested Exercises and Scenarios for some ideas and guidance.

When you have completed your empathy exercises

Press the “ON/OFF” button to turn off. Remove pads from the skin. Place on the plastic strip for storage.

How to embrace and avoid?

DOs

DO take your time to read this manual and understand the functionality and settings of the simulator before using it.

DO apply the pads only to normal, intact, clean, healthy skin.

DO work in pairs and take turns to wear and observe your peer.

DO make sure that you wear the simulator for a minimum of three minutes to fully understand how the tremor simulator works before starting the empathy scenarios.

DO engage in activities that mimic daily tasks, such as eating, dressing, and writing, to understand the impact of a tremor on functional abilities.

DO approach the simulation with empathy and an open mindset to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with tremors.

DO try and consult with individuals who have firsthand experience with tremors to gain additional perspectives and insights for your design process.

DO engage in reflective practices, such as journaling or discussions, to document your observations and insights while using the simulator.

DON'Ts

DON’T use the simulator if you have a cardiac pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, or other implanted metallic or electronic device.

DON’T use the simulator if you are a high-risk individual, either with a heart condition, at risk for having a stroke or seizure, or with neurological or mental illness.

DON’T apply the EMS pads over painful areas, open wounds, rashes, or over swollen, red, infected, or inflamed areas or skin eruptions

DON’T attempt to drive a car or operate any heavy machinery while wearing the simulator.

DON’T push yourself beyond your physical limits or engage in activities that may cause harm or injury. Always prioritise your safety and well-being.

DON’T view the simulator as a comprehensive representation of all types of tremors. Remember that it provides a simulated experience and may not capture the full range of tremor characteristics.

DON’T underestimate the importance of user feedback. Seek feedback from individuals with tremors throughout the design process to ensure your solutions meet their needs effectively.

How to build empathy with the users?

Before you try a complex scenario, you should get used to the simulator and adjust the settings if required accordingly. Here are some suggestions of a few basic tasks to get started:

Hold a cup full of water
Hold a pen and write your name
Draw straight lines on a piece of paper
Use a computer mouse

Now, here are some suggestions for helping you to create your own empathy scenarios:

Fine Motor Control Tasks

Attempt to perform tasks that require fine motor control while wearing the Geriatric Tremor Simulator. Examples include pouring water from a pitcher, threading a needle, or using small handheld tools. Experience the challenges and limitations of tremors in these activities and reflect on how to design inclusive solutions that accommodate shaky hands.

Meal Preparation

Prepare a meal or handle utensils while wearing the Geriatric Tremor Simulator. Notice the difficulties in cutting, stirring, or scooping due to the simulated tremors. Consider adaptive kitchen utensils, stabilising mechanisms, or modified designs that promote independence and safety for individuals with tremors.

Writing and Drawing

Try writing or drawing while wearing the Geriatric Tremor Simulator. Observe the impact of tremors on handwriting legibility, precision, and overall control. Reflect on how to design pens, pencils, or digital interfaces that can assist individuals with tremors in expressing themselves through writing or drawing.

Buttoning and Fastening

Practice buttoning shirts, fastening zippers, or tying shoelaces while wearing the Geriatric Tremor Simulator. Experience the challenges of manipulating small buttons or intricate fastening mechanisms. Explore adaptive clothing designs, magnetic closures, or alternative fastening methods to enhance accessibility for individuals with tremors.

Using Technology

Interact with technological devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or keyboards, while wearing the Geriatric Tremor Simulator. Observe the difficulties in typing, tapping on touchscreens, or using small buttons accurately. Consider inclusive design principles, larger touch targets, voice input, or assistive technologies that can improve accessibility for individuals with tremors.

Self-Care Activities

Attempt self-care activities such as brushing teeth, shaving, or applying makeup while wearing the simulator. Notice the challenges in maintaining control and precision. Reflect on adaptive tools, modified handles, or assistive devices that can help individuals with tremors in maintaining their personal care routines.

Social Interactions

Engage in social activities or role-playing scenarios while wearing the simulator. Experience the impact of tremors on activities such as shaking hands, passing objects, or pouring beverages. Reflect on inclusive social environments, etiquette, and supportive design solutions that foster inclusivity and understanding for individuals with tremors.

These suggested tasks and scenarios aim to provide you with firsthand experiences of the challenges faced by aged individuals with tremors in various contexts. By immersing yourself in these scenarios, you will gain valuable insights and inspiration to create more inclusive and empathetic designs.

Remember that these are just suggestions and a starting point; we encourage you to be creative, think outside the box, and design your own empathy scenarios. The more specific and unique you make your scenario, the more likely you are to have that eureka moment!

Designing for intersectionality by combining empathy tools

As design students, it is essential to recognise that the individuals we are designing for may often have more than one impairment or condition. While the simulators provided in this manual offer valuable insights into specific aspects of the user’s experience, it is important to remember that real-life situations can be complex and multifaceted.

To deepen your empathetic design methods and create more inclusive, innovative and original solutions, we encourage you to consider using a combination of empathy tools together. By combining simulators, such as wearing the Geriatric Tremor Simulator along with the Geriatric Arthritis Simulator, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with multiple impairments or conditions.

By embracing this holistic approach, you will be better equipped to develop designs that address the diverse needs and experiences of your target users. Remember, empathy is at the core of meaningful design, and by continually expanding your understanding and perspectives, you can create truly inclusive and impactful solutions.

Have you thought about using this simulator along with:

Geriatric Arthritis Simulator

These are just some suggestions; you can get creative and try to create any combination of empathy simulators, including your own DIY simulators.

Warning:

The Geriatric Tremor Simulator is for educational purposes and aims to foster empathy for individuals who experience a tremor. While it simulates some physical limitations, it does not fully replicate the experiences of individuals with a tremor. Use caution to prevent accidents, falls, or strain, and consult a healthcare professional before using the suit, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions. Have a support person present during the simulation.

Disclaimer:

The use of empathy tools does not equal the full experiences of having a disability. It is best to aim to engage with your target audience, using the tools to prepare better. The Geriatric Tremor Simulator is not a substitute for professional advice or comprehensive knowledge of tremors. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical management and therapy if you have tremors or any medical condition. Use it responsibly, acknowledging limitations and potential risks. The School of Design, the Material Resource Centre, and the creators of this simulator and manual are not liable for any injuries, damages, or misuse of the simulator. 

Citation:

If you wish to cite this empathy tools manual, you may insert the reference as follows:

Maximo, T; O’Brien, M; Chan, L.S.; Liu, X.; Zhan, W; Lee, W.K.A. (2024). Empathy Tool Manual: Geriatric Tremor Simulator. School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

PDF manual:

Click here to download the pdf. file (4.3MB)