Snoezel Object

The following is an indication of more refined idea's for the snoezel object concpt.

From the previous prototyping and object construction, I have chosen deepen the concept for both the object blocks and the idea of the tent/shelter.

This scenario image shows the ways with which the objects can be used.   It is possible for each child to have his or her own object or one child could be surounded by all four objects.

As is further outlined, each object has a character or personality. 

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The below document is a description of the audio characteristics of each object.

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In order to communicate to potential programers and developers I  created a series of documents, as shown bellow.

This way I could be clear on inputs/outputs, equipment and sensors required and and the way in which the objects would read the other objects.  This was important for me to get clear on the ways with which they would interact, so as to not create to much over stimulations or noise. 

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I have attempted to incorporate theories behind the object such as gradual exposure therapy.  This type of therapy is used in the treatment of phobia's, fears and anxiety.

The basic idea is to slowly introduce the object to the client. 

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 The tent idea was held onto so as to really create the sensation of the snoezel kamer.  By having this quicky set up space the client is able to block out other environmental stimulation.

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Finally I wanted there to be a means of further control over the object for the carer.  The bellow control panel was created with the idea in mind the carer can set the objects in a way where the objects suits the particular need for a client on any given day. 

Last tuesday I called for a gathering to share the ideas behind my prototypes of potential protoypes.

Bas A., Bas W., Bastiaan, Ali, Alex and Dick were all present.

The objects that were looked at were:

• snoezel activity blocks
• light patch
• audio patch
• massage pillow patch\
• tent/shelter

The response was quite good. I had already felt that the activity
blocks and the light patch had the most potential to be develop further
and this was one of the main suggestions of the brainstorm.

Main points that were brought up were:

• Narrowing down the target group
• Taking the objects to one of the care homes to receive feedback from care workers
• Testing the objects on children early in the process...... even now would be suitable
• Keep in mind the sensitivity of the clients. The workings of the
  objects should come to life in a slow manner....... gradual exposure.

I currently have solid ideas to develop the snoezel activity blocks.
Next week Alex and I will be getting together to see if we can start
doing a little programming and start wiring them up.

As for the light patch, I feel a little more time at the drawing
board is needed to figure out the the the tactile nature of the object
before venturing into digital development.

Stay tuned....

Snoezel Feedback Session @ Cordaan

14/05/08

Following the brainstorm session I went to the Cordaan care center in
Slotervaart to meet with one of the staff members to discuss the
prototypes and ideas for the snoezel objects.

In addition to presenting the the images and ideas documented in the
FabMoments section of this wiki I also took along these two objects....

Activity Blocks Light Patch

The main points were discussed:

• The profile of the clients at this particular home:- The
  center is opent form 9am to 3pm. Outside of these times some of the
  clents stay with their families or in an alternative care institution.
  The age range is from 9 to 18 years, however the developmental level is
  similar to that of a baby or a child up to the age of 3. The majority
  of the children do not commincate by talking, but use alternative means
  such at object recognition and pictograms.

• Gradual exposure:- this was considered an issue for some of
  the clients but not all. I believe that the rate with which feedback
  such as lights and sound is designed can be done in a way that can be
  varied for the clients needs.

• Light Exposure Issues:- The shelter was considered a good
  idea for objects with light to enable the kids to more deeply immerse
  themselves in the experience of the object. However fast flashing
  lights should be avoided as a large number of the clients have epilepsy.

• The Light Patch:- This object was well recieved and was
  considered to arouse curiosity and interest, however the interface is
  required to be a lot bigger and triggered more quickly than the current
  peice.

• Strength of object:- As the children become quite curious
  about the objects it is necesary for them to be very strong and their
  interest often leads them to pulling things apart to see where lights
  and sounds are coming from.

• Cuddles:- In addition to my own objects I also showed a
  picture of the cuddle harness made by Bas W. This was very well
  recieved and I learnt the need for cuddles is very strong for the
  clients. As many of the children do not live with their own families,
  sometimes this form of tactive itimacy is missing, thus making such an
  object a satisfying alternative.

So again, I have much information to work with.

I have now begun to work with Alex on Max MSP so that we can start to build up the digital side of the objects.

I decided that I would like there to be a modula piece that incorporates audio. From my visit to the Cordaan home and from my discussions with the staff, I was given the impression that music is a vital part of the snoezel room.

The snoezel room that I visited had a normal cd/radio player, and according to the carer, each child had a different preference for music and would even turn the volume up and down.

This leads me to believe that the children/users enjoy the interaction and control over what it is they hear.

So, therefore, with these bits.......

I made this patch for the Snoezel Blanki....

It consists of an on/off/volume dial, two small speakers and a joystick......mounted on cardboard and under the fabric is badding lining so as to keep it soft and working in with the blanket......

.... I also later changed the joy stick... as it just looked like a joystick and that is not the aesthetic I was after......... I prefer to have the patch controled in a manner that can be played a little for intuitively than, just like a game.... forward, back, left, right.

The patch is intended to be added to other patches like so.....

The Patch Blanki idea has stemmed from a want to make a snoezel object that is modula in style.

I feel this is a useful way to approach the object as it can cater for a wide range of kids/patients/users. It can also have the possibility of being assembled by the carer specifically for the user. Furthermore the object itself can be used in different ways..... a mat, a blanket or a shelter.

First I'll show my idea's regarding the Patch Blanki as a shelter.........

The shelter idea came from recognising a need for isolation of the users. The isolation and darkening of the space assists in the calming process and blocks out the other stimulation from the surrounding environment. Furthermore, by darkening the space, objects can be introduced that play with visuals, lights and shapes. It is considered quite a succesful tool to have such visuals in a dark space as many of the users are visually impaired and by providing high contrasted visuals is very effective. This approach both stimulates and relaxes.

As the purpose of this project is to create an on object that is easily relocated, I wanted to play with light weight structures such as tents.

As a starting point I looked at designs such as the Quechua 2 second tent... (http://seconds.quechua.com)

So I played with scraps found in the fab lab to make this little stucture....

These plastics bits, once the ends were cut off were hollow, therefore allowing me to thread elastic through to make a something that resembled a small scale tent frame. It could coil up, become a circle and be folded into rods.

I cut out an oblong piece of fabic and put a tubed hem around so as to thread the miniture 'tent poles' into it. As you can see it coils nicely to become a flat object.

When the coil is unfolded the fabric opens out to create this shelter. It only stays in shape and holds its form if there is something to keep the sides attached to the ground. The second image shows how a person can sit in the shelter.

In general I'm not so happy with this design as it currently stands. However, I still like the idea of making a shelter of some sort and will hopefully continue to play with ways of helping it to hold its structure.