Browsing by Author "Maulik, Shreya"

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    A Design-Based Study to Assist Claustrophobics in Overcoming Their Fears
    (Design in the Era of Industry 4.0, 2023-07-25) Maulik, Shreya
    Claustrophobia is the fear of enclosed spaces where a person avoids the feared situations or endures them with intense anxiety and a desire to escape. Objective: The aim of the study was to understand the behavioral issues, causal factors, and impact on claustrophobics, creating a solution that would help in coping with the fear and cater to their well-being. Methods: The study was conducted in Delhi and Mumbai where 73 participants took an online survey and 27 participated in empathy interviews with various stakeholder groups such as claustrophobics, therapists, and family members. Journey maps were created to understand user reactions in various trigger locations. A user testing protocol was created, and the solution features were tested with eight users. Results: The study indicated that the dominant triggers were elevators and MRI machines which claustrophobics tend to avoid resulting in missing out on experiences. Lack of acceptance and communication between loved ones and the community reduces the confidence level of claustrophobics. The proposed solution called ‘SPACE’ leverages experience design and IoT. It has three components—an app that motivates the user with positive affirmations and showcases progress through Aura, a virtual representation of the user. A lamp assists in an experiential hypnosis session which is personalized for her triggers. A wearable for stress detection which provides support in case of a panic attack. User feedback was positive overall and appreciated the interaction of the lamp. Conclusion: The solution seeks to strengthen the claustrophobic’s ability to cope with fear by targeting their subconscious minds and eradicating the fear from its core while also bridging the communication gap between families.
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    A Design-Based Study to Assist Claustrophobics in Overcoming Their Fears
    (Design in the Era of Industry 4.0, 2023-07-25) Maulik, Shreya
    Claustrophobia is the fear of enclosed spaces where a person avoids the feared situations or endures them with intense anxiety and a desire to escape. Objective: The aim of the study was to understand the behavioral issues, causal factors, and impact on claustrophobics, creating a solution that would help in coping with the fear and cater to their well-being. Methods: The study was conducted in Delhi and Mumbai where 73 participants took an online survey and 27 participated in empathy interviews with various stakeholder groups such as claustrophobics, therapists, and family members. Journey maps were created to understand user reactions in various trigger locations. A user testing protocol was created, and the solution features were tested with eight users. Results: The study indicated that the dominant triggers were elevators and MRI machines which claustrophobics tend to avoid resulting in missing out on experiences. Lack of acceptance and communication between loved ones and the community reduces the confidence level of claustrophobics. The proposed solution called ‘SPACE’ leverages experience design and IoT. It has three components—an app that motivates the user with positive affirmations and showcases progress through Aura, a virtual representation of the user. A lamp assists in an experiential hypnosis session which is personalized for her triggers. A wearable for stress detection which provides support in case of a panic attack. User feedback was positive overall and appreciated the interaction of the lamp. Conclusion: The solution seeks to strengthen the claustrophobic’s ability to cope with fear by targeting their subconscious minds and eradicating the fear from its core while also bridging the communication gap between families.
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    A Design-Based Study to Remedy Separation-Related Behavior Problems in Pet Dogs
    (Design in the Era of Industry 4.0, 2023-07-30) Maulik, Shreya
    Separation-related behavior problems (SRPs) are among the most common canine behavior problems, attributed to fear, anxiety, over-attachment, and lack of appropriate stimulation. The aim of the study was to find the underlying cause of SRPs and create an intervention to eliminate the stressor, taking into consideration the Indian context. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted spanning over 100 pets and pet parents residing in Mumbai, India. Other stakeholder groups included were veterinarians, canine behaviorists, breeders, and boarding houses. An online survey, empathy interviews, and a camera study gave a holistic understanding of the ecosystem. The proposed solution was tested with 15 pets and pet parents through moderated user testing sessions. Results: It was found that 40% of pet dogs were brought home to pacify the demand of one’s child or loneliness, corresponding with the population of dogs that displayed SRPs. About 71% pet parents fed into the illegal breeding market, highlighting the lack of awareness about animal welfare. The study indicates that the underlying cause of SRPs is anthropomorphism of dogs and their exploitation for commercial benefit. Thus, pet parents need to change this anthropomorphic perception to remedy the ailment. The proposed solution, PawPal, helps pet parents orient their pets to the human world. The two-part solution includes wearables for the dog that capture its emotional state and an app enabling pet parents to reinforce positive behaviors in the pet. PawPal acts as a bridge to the communication gap and tackles the illegal breeding ecosystem. The solution was well received by stakeholders and field experts. Conclusion: PawPal addresses the root cause of SRPs, thereby successfully remedying the ailment. Pet parents will be able to make mindful decisions concerning their pets, thus elevating the quality of life of dogs.