Testing prototypes in the AgeExplorer®
May 2024What makes product development at Blum special
The limitations Simon takes into account in prototype testing
What he sees as the biggest challenge
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Simon Lubetz is passionate about engineering. As a product developer at Blum, he slips into the AgeExplorer® age simulator suit to make sure that new innovations meet the needs of all users – including those who have physical limitations.
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More about requirements research at Blum:
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Always something new to discover
Simon has been a product developer at Blum for many years, a role that sees him working on innovations and solutions to support users in their everyday lives. But he's not alone in these efforts, as he's part of a large team of product developers at Blum who are continually coming up with new and innovative solutions. The company has registered a total of more than 2,100 patents worldwide. "We're always improving and modifying our products, whether on a larger scale or simply the finer details," Simon explains. "Our priority is to take into account all the groups of people who come into contact with our products, whether in furniture production or assembly. And last but not least, function also plays an important role during use."
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Like being in someone else's body
Blum requirements research isn't the only place where the AgeExplorer® is used to gain insights into the needs of people with physical limitations. The age simulator suit is also a valuable research tool in product development, as developers' perspectives change when they slip it on. This is key, as they often engage with technical details on a more fundamental level than other departments.
During the experiment, Simon asks himself:
Which challenges does reduced mobility present in terms of assembly in the furniture?
How easy is it for people with impaired vision to adjust our products?
Are there limitations that people encounter when using furniture that we can address with our products?
Every individual component of the AgeExplorer® simulates a limitation that could arise over an individual's lifetime:
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The AgeExplorer® includes goggles that simulate age-related farsightedness and a visor that limits the field of vision. The brightly coloured pane of the visor also simulates changes in colour perception.
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Straps simulate stiff joints at elbows and knees which, for example, make using base cabinets with doors and fixed shelves increasingly difficult.
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Large, bulky or heavy objects are made even more difficult to lift due to the weights fitted in the pockets of the overalls. When stored in high compartments, it becomes difficult to remove such objects.
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When wearing special ear muffs, it quickly becomes clear that an individual may perceive noises very differently to others in the home. Doors and drawers often close with a slam.
Putting AVENTOS lift systems to the test
Simon's department is responsible for ongoing developments to the AVENTOS lift system family . The fittings for various types of wall cabinets deliver highest quality of motion when opening and closing. "We never stop evolving our products to keep pace with changes in requirements or design trends," the lift system expert reveals.
Inside the suit, he can see just how important it is for the fittings to be easy to adjust and install. Simon has to focus very carefully to get the screwdriver to the right place. Reaching up high is also clearly difficult for the athletic 36-year-old. "You just can't reach the areas at the top very well any more," he comments as he presses the button that automatically closes the wall cabinet front thanks to the electrical motion support system.
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Simon's conclusion
"The most challenging part is definitely the limited mobility," Simon finds. "The longer you wear the suit, the more effort it takes to move. Combine that with a change in your eyesight, and it quickly shifts how you experience everyday tasks. The components that make up the AgeExplorer® don't look like much at first, but I was continually surprised by the impact they have," says the keen engineer. He's obviously glad when it's time to take the suit off again. Even so, Simon is happy to make the effort, because thanks to the special suit he is confident that everyone – whether young or old, agile or with restricted mobility – can put our products to best use. "This approach lets you make holistic observations, and there's definitely nothing else like it in our industry," Simon sums up.
More reports on experiences with the AgeExplorer®:
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All the details on prototype testing at a glance:
Product developer Simon Lubetz tests prototypes at Blum with the help of the AgeExplorer® age simulator suit
The AgeExplorer® simulates typical difficulties people experience in older age: vision impairments, stiff joints, reduced muscle strength and impaired hearing
Electrical motion support system makes it easier to close wall cabinet fronts
A holistic product approach offers advantages for young and old alike