Future Developments

While this design meets the requirements outlined by the key user, many aspects could be improved with further testing. The key user tested mockups that represented components used in this design, but was not able to fully test this design concept. Further user testing could be done to find any potential flaws in the concept that were unnoticed. Furthermore, this product could be tested by stroke survivors with similar symptoms to the key user. This product, while designed for the use of the key user, could be used on a much broader scale to anyone with proprioception symptoms. Further prototypes could be created based on the input of the key user and other stroke survivors to create a more comprehensive product.

Although this product has all the basic materials needed, the individual components could be improved in future development. Different tongs could be tested to determine the best suited option for the design. Different types of water sensors also could be tested to determine the most accurate and reliable one. This product also could be tested over a large time period to determine the durability of the product, indicating which components break down over time to analyze how the product should be maintained. Finally, a more protective covering for the speaker could be added to prevent liquid damage.

In regards to the production of this design, further research and testing on maxi aid variations should be tested. This will allow for a potential manufacturer to find the most effective water sensor for the best price value. The current design uses a maxi aid that costs just under $13, which is not ideal for a large-scale manufacturing of the design. Similarly, the silicon padding is also a large price component of the design, at about $37 for a 6 in by 6 in sheet (Appendix F). This, however, would be useful for large scale manufacturing, as this sheet can contribute to multiple products. If large scale manufacturing was considered for this design, the silicon sheets could be bought in bulk to minimize production costs.