Embedded Files
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
Dartmouth students with ADHD need a way to block background visual distractions while studying on a laptop in busy public places on campus
Magnitude & Frequency
Magnitude & Frequency
11.6 % of ALL college students in the US have ADHD
College students with ADHD on average have lower GPAs, fewer credits earned per semester and lower rates of degree completion
This survey showed us that students struggle with visual distractions the most.
“Working on FFB is difficult because I want to participate in conversations. However, blocking visual stimulations helps avoiding eye contact, which keeps me working.” -Dartmouth Student with ADHD
We asked some Dartmouth experts what they thought were the biggest challenges faced by students with ADHD:
“Generally, students with ADHD do find it overwhelming to learn information in a crowded setting. Oftentimes it is easier for these students to learn new material when they limit sensory input.”
- Gizem Gencel: Auxiliary Services Coordinator at Dartmouth Student Accessibility Services
Users/Purchasers
Users/Purchasers
Users: Dartmouth students with ADHD who study/work on tasks using their laptop in public spaces around campus
Purchasers: Dartmouth students with ADHD and Dartmouth Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
Testing Subjects: Working with SAS/ASC to recruit students with ADHD for surveys and prototype testing
State of the Art
State of the Art
These are some US patented products that help students with ADHD focus while studying. We've described their limitations so you can see what problems we overcame n our new solution!
Remote Diagnosis Using Eye Tracking
Remote Diagnosis Using Eye Tracking
#WO 2020/142517 A1
Premise: Attention and eyes move together
Limitations:
Only used for ADHD diagnosis in children
Works with specific games
Tactile reminder device & method
Tactile reminder device & method
#US 5861797 A
Premise: Discrete watch with reminders at pre-programmed intervals
Limitations:
Reminders even if student is already focusing
No real-time feedback
Study Center
Study Center
# US 2003/0073066 A1
Premise: Blocks distraction in classrooms & fits in a A4 notebook when folded.
Limitations:
Not upto laptop or eye height and does not block distractions well
If it was bigger, it would not be portable
Specifications
Specifications
To solve the problem, our solution needed to meet the following specifications. We also came up with a testing plan for each one to check if it met the requirement.
To solve the problem, our solution needed to meet the following specifications. We also came up with a testing plan for each one to check if it met the requirement.
Prototypes
Prototypes
We had our journey of trying a variety of different ways to block out visual distractions before arriving at our final product! Here is what we made:
- Expandable Scroll
Takeaways:
Clunky to store: the scrolled part was confined to sides of laptop when closed
Covering diagonal gaps was a huge challenge
2. Box Shield
2. Box Shield
Learnings:
Not tall enough to block distractions
But users found folding mechanism very convenient
3. Triangle Box
3. Triangle Box
Our main takeaway from users was how they loved the compactness but it was not tall enought to block out distractions
4. Trifold: folds into 3 pieces
4. Trifold: folds into 3 pieces
Was very tall and effective but not compact enough! It didn't fit in anyone's backpack.
5. Many Folds
5. Many Folds
We made some designs that were really compact but not stable enough when open. We realized we had to make some tradeoffs between the number of folds and the stability of the product
Final Prototype
Final Prototype
Our final design is a compilation of all our learnings!
Description: A foamcore shield that blocks visual distractions on 3 sides: top, left and right. It folds sideways and forwards to compact into a 13x11 inch rectangle that can easily fit in a college student's backpack.
Here are some solidworks models we made and a video of one of our users folding and unfolding our product:
IMG_1236.MOVTesting and User Feedback
Testing and User Feedback
Procedure:
We took our testers in a closed room in First Floor Berry with controlled visual distractions (us walking by every 15 seconds)
We told the testers to solve 3 SAT Reading passages (one passage using the focus shield, one passage using the state of the art, and one passage without anything in front of them)
Data Collection:
Time taken for assembly and disassembly
Recorded footage: how many times user looked away for >3 s (# of glances)
Time taken to read passage and answer questions
Score on passage
Survey data (discrete, stigma, and effective tested with user surveys)
Measure weight and size (both open & closed)
Folded and unfolded Shield 100 times (durability)
Results:
The results of our testing is summarized in the table below.
The FocusShield met 7/10 of our projections (compared to 4/10 for the state of the art)
Strengths
Portability - Fit in 10/10 backpacks
Ease of Use - Mean score of 8.5/10 when we asked testers how easy it was to fold
Effectiveness - Mean score of 8.3/10, more effective than state of the art, possibly because it's 6 in. taller
Weaknesses
Durability - Foamcore creased when we unfolded and folded and moved binder clips
Discreteness - Mean score of 5.7/10 (stands out quite a bit in FFB)
We also found that the FocusShield was modestly better than baseline in accuracy and time taken for the SAT test. The FocusShield made the biggest difference in number of glances, decreasing the mean number of glances from 4.3 to 0.5 (89%).
Additional User Feedback:
How likely are you to use this product - 5.7/10
Discreteness was the main issue preventing use
User suggestions to make the FocusShield more discrete:
Change color to black or something that blends in with FFB
Don't put a logo - would draw in unnecessary attention
If FFB had a couple FocusShields always out on the tables, user said he would feel more comfortable using it
Ethics and Sustainability
Ethics and Sustainability
Ethical Concerns
Ethical Concerns
Might increase stigma of ADHD for users but alternatively could increase acceptance and introduce behaviour change.
Outsourced factory manufacturing labor concerns
Harmful chemicals during plastic manufacturing
Ethical Plus Points
Ethical Plus Points
Does not increase disparity between resources available to low income students
Affordable to all: <$35 and supplied by University SAS
Sustainability Approach
Sustainability Approach
Materials: Using recycled foam core and thermoplastic from old, discarded binders
Distribution: Paper/cardboard packaging as opposed to plastic, sell in bulk to universities
End of Life: If damaged, focus shield is brought to Focus Shield headquarters we will recycle it
Okala Impact points - 1.14 based on 0.6 pounds, the weight of our product.
How can we improve its sustainability?
How can we improve its sustainability?
Sustainable materials:
Bainbridge biodegradable foam core: breaks down in 1-5 years
UltraBoard: 100% recyclable foam core
Recyclable polyethene
Ensuring durability: is used for at least 1 year before needing to be re-purchased on recycled.
Business Plan and Economics
Business Plan and Economics
Variable costs
Variable costs
We've broken down the costs we need to make one product of the focus shield in the following table.
Fixed costs
Fixed costs
We've broken down the costs we need to run a facility to manufacture, market and distribute the focus shield in the following table.
Breakeven Volumes
Breakeven Volumes
We estimate our market size as 1.38 million US college students with ADHD (11.6% of US college students)
source: American College Health Association
Based on this market size estimate, we'd need at most 0.057% of market sales in order to break even if we make a profit of $1.10 per product.
Page updated
Report abuse