Human centred design of assistive and rehabilitation devices

Module aims

The ageing population and the wish to improve life quality, as well as the economic pressure to work longer, require the development of intuitive and efficient assistive and rehabilitation devices. Rehabilitation technology illustrates the paradigm for emergent systems to work with humans. In this module, you will learn to design rehabilitation systems and assistive devices, integrating mechatronics, human factors and computer games. You will also learn how to assess current systems against the principles of human centred design.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module you will be able to:

• Design simple mechatronics systems and therapeutic computer games
• Appraise design solutions according to the principles of human-centred design
• Discuss current and emerging challenges in the fields of assisted living and rehabilitation
• Evaluate a range of rehabilitation technologies
• Design a prototype system to solve a rehabilitation problem using a range of technologies including electronics, real-time control, signal processing and applied computer graphics
• Demonstrate professional engineering practice including effective presentation and teamwork.

Module content

In this module you will cover the following topics:

• Common areas in which rehabilitation and assistive technologies are used including orthopaedics, stroke, epilepsy, cerebral palsy and ageing
• Design practice and principles including: engineering design, creativity and product design
• Rehabilitation technology gaming and software as rehabilitation tools
• Design and working of the ReHandFun module

Module lead

Etienne Burdet

ECTS/FHEQ

5/6

Module code

BIOE60007

Host department

Department of Bioengineering

Term

Spring

Time slot

AM

Teaching weeks

2-11

August resit opportunity?

Yes

How to apply

Via MOPSY (via the School of Design Engineering for Design students)

Application deadline

4 October 2024

Places available (approximate)

10

Number of applicants (historic)

10

Criteria used for student selection

Fair balance between departments, then exam results from previous year

Further information

bg-studentoffice@imperial.ac.uk