Design Thinking Class

#1. Employee OnStar

Able to call an expert to walk you though a task.Good for new employees,

working parents & children, care takers of elderly.

Problem

● Adult child want to return to work but must provide care for elderly parent

● Not enough time for work & providing care● Stress for new employee & elderly parent

Solution

● Simple smart device app allows remote assistance– 2 way Voice

– 2 way VideoHelp

Example

● Elderly parent needs help using a camera.

● Instructions are too small to read.

● Calls care taker for help.

● Explains problem

Visual & Verbal Help

● Care taker can see what is needed

● Displays visual & verbal help

Benefits

● Care taker less stressed● Care taker able to return to work● Elderly parent gets better, faster help● More free time● Helps

– New employee with job tasks

– Parents help children

– Care givers

Test method

● Simulated using Skype & screen sharing

Results

● Seeing and hearing helped understanding

● Hands free stand

● Able to do same thing in a “voice mail” version

● Technophobia of elderly

● Will it interrupt employee at work?

Future improvements

● Use a tablet with big buttons for elderly & children

● Ask employers about providing help to new employees

● Try with children

#2 Personal Kanban

Kanban is used by businesses to avoid wasted time & materials and help all employees stay

organized & productive.

The same technique can help students, parents, and new employees in their personal lives.

Inventory

● Not having the materials needed to finish a task causes:– Wasted time

– Frustration

– Poor quality

Supplies where needed

● One part of Kanban is to have adequate supplies where they will be used

Kanban Cards

● One way to assure there is adequate supply is Kanban cards

● The cards list– Item

– Minimum Quantity

– Store to get more

– Amount to restock

Internal & External Stores

● Kanban cards can be used to create shopping lists.

● When you need to buy more take the card then replace it when restocked.

Benefits of Kanban Cards

● Saves time● Prevents shortages● Prevents errors

Instructions

● Another aspect of having what you need where you need it when you need it is instructions

● Simple instructions are made for tasks– Anyone can properly do it

● All tools are stored where needed

Instructions

1 2 3 4

Test Method

● Made Kanban cards for a few household tasks● Made instructions for a few household tasks

– Caused some shortages to test actual use

● Did a 1 week experiment with a family

Results

● Restocking cards very helpful

● Liked instructions near phone for emergencies

● Getting family to use system

● Cooking● Laundry● School work● Car maintenance● Preparing for next day

● Which tasks to document?

Future Improvements

● Apply to more tasks● Involve family in choosing tasks