Colloquia

Samenvatting

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases among children and has a significant impact on quality of life. Treatment of asthma requires regular monitoring of lung function in the hospital. However, these snapshots do not measure critical intermediate peaks or valleys in lung function. As a result, medication is not always adjusted in a timely manner, possibly resulting in permanent damage to the lungs. Insufficient treatment of asthma can lead to reduced quality of life, higher healthcare expenses and increased risk of asthma emergencies. Spirometry, the most commonly used lung function test, offers objective data for diagnosis and treatment decisions. While spirometry can be conducted at home, it requires commitment and proper technique, posing challenges for children, resulting in little usage of home spirometry in general asthma treatment among children. To address this, game studio PandaWhale developed a digital game to help children learn and use the existing spirometer correctly.

However, existing spirometers are not tailored to children and lack usability and reliability. This master's assignment highlights the importance of conducting usability tests in designing child-friendly medical products, using the example of redesigning a home spirometer mouthpiece for children with asthma. The study emphasises the need to consider children's cognitive abilities in product design, especially when using devices independently. Through extensive usability testing involving children, the redesigned spirometer mouthpiece prioritises ease of use and cognitive considerations over mere aesthetics or scaled-down versions of adult designs. This case study underscores the significance of usability testing in creating effective and user-friendly medical products for children. The final concept design comprises a design that not only features reduced dimensions and an attractive appearance but also incorporates considerations for the cognitive abilities of children to enhance ease of use and overall satisfaction.