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Assignments 8.1 & 9.1
8.1. Ethical issues: identify any potential hazards in the proposed design, e.g., foreseeable misuses
Data collection of minors:
Our device shall collect information on children who can not even form their first words to consent to it.
Privacy and data security:
Our device is collecting data including audio, video, and environmental data, which could be vulnerable for hacking if not properly secured.
Technology dependence:
Parents may rely too much on the data provided by our monitor to make decisions rather than listening to their instincts.
9.1. Ethical issues: provide solutions to eliminate hazards identified in Assignment 8.1, e.g., foreseeable misuses
Solution to data collection of minors & privacy and data security:
Ensuring that the audio, video, and environmental data is strongly encrypted to prevent hacking and data leaks.
Use of the device shall require parents of the child whose data is being collected to consent on their behalf to their data being collected.
Solution to technology dependence:
Write a disclaimer in the guide that reinforces that the device isn’t made to cause parent dependence on the product, and the parents shall take care of their children.
Assignments 8.2 & 9.2
8.2. Product liability: identify any potential hazards in the proposed design, e.g., changes that may occur during the useful lifetime
Video streaming of children:
Flaws in network security may allow bad actors to use the device to spy on children.
Choking hazard with cords:
Young children may get strangled and choked by loose chords if parents are not careful putting the chord out of reach.
Inaccurate sensor readings:
If the product provides inaccurate sensor readings, it may lead to unnecessary panic for false emergencies.
Device overheating:
If the device is not built with proper cooling systems, it may overheat and damage the device.
9.2. Product liability: provide solutions to eliminate hazards identified in Assignment 8.2, e.g., changes that may occur during the useful lifetime
Solution to video streaming of children:
Ensure the stream video is strongly encrypted, so hackers can not access child streams.
Solution to inaccurate sensor readings:
Automatic or manual sensor calibration shall often occur to avoid false positive results.
Quality sensors shall be incorporated into the product design. Cannot look to decrease costs by using cheaper sensors.
Solution to choking hazard with cords:
Maintaining an adjustable cord to minimize loose wires.
Write a disclaimer in the manual describing the dangers of loose wires.
Solution to device overheating:
Put an emphasis in the design phase of the project to include a system that prevents device overheating.
A heat sink with thermal paste or adhesive should dissipate most heat energy generated by the device.
Small air intake and exhaust fans can allow additional air cooling at the sacrifice of noise level.
A possibility of the fan is to make it sound like white noise to help the child sleep.
Assignments 8.3 & 9.3
8.3. Social impact: identify any potential hazards in the proposed design, e.g., disposal after the useful life has ended
Environmental impacts of disposal:
The battery and shell of the device can cause environmental harm if not disposed of properly when the useful life of the device is over.
Parental norms changing to become more technology based:
A smart baby monitor could lead new parents to become technology reliant when raising their babies.
Affordability:
Parents that can not afford this device may give it some push back if they deem it necessary to protect their children.
9.3. Social impact: provide solutions to eliminate hazards identified in Assignment 8.3, e.g., disposal after the useful life has ended
Solution to environmental impacts of disposal:
Provide easily accessible disposal instructions (provide instructions with the product & create a company website) so that user’s know how to properly dispose of the product.
Solution to parental norms changing to become more technology based:
Provide disclaimers that while our smart monitor is meant to help ensure safe conditions for babies, it is meant to be used in collaboration with parental instincts rather than overriding a parent’s natural instincts and a baby’s cues.
Solution to affordability:
Find ways to lower manufacturing/product costs without harming the quality of the product. This may include using a cheaper material for the outer casing of the device and using cost-effective but accurate sensors.
Develop two models of the monitor. The original model and a more affordable model. Note that the more affordable model will include more cost-effective pieces including sensors, a camera, and outer casing. As a result, the more affordable model may not be as precise as the original model but will still capture the customer needs.