Mechatronics for the Ages is a project centered around intergenerational design. The students will interview, discuss, and analyze the effects of our aging populations and design mechanisms and spaces for empathy based on our local Kupuna. Students will design 3D printed mechanisms and use Arduinos to operate them.
The Urban Institute of Data states that "The number of Americans ages 65 and older will more than double over the next 40 years, reaching 80 million in 2040." As citizens of a multigenerational world, the way we design, develop compassion and empathy, and understand policy is unique to this era. The future of this aging population means that we will need to find commonality not through "othering" the elderly, but through world-building that is inclusive, thoughtful, and understanding. We will focus on designing and building devices that enable the elderly to engage in activities. We will do this with electronics and 3D printed components (joints, connectors, 3D forms, toys).
About my class
Mechatronics for the Ages is a project centered around intergenerational design. The students will interview, discuss, and analyze the effects of our aging populations and design mechanisms and spaces for empathy based on our local Kupuna. Students will design 3D printed mechanisms and use Arduinos to operate them.
The Urban Institute of Data states that "The number of Americans ages 65 and older will more than double over the next 40 years, reaching 80 million in 2040." As citizens of a multigenerational world, the way we design, develop compassion and empathy, and understand policy is unique to this era. The future of this aging population means that we will need to find commonality not through "othering" the elderly, but through world-building that is inclusive, thoughtful, and understanding. We will focus on designing and building devices that enable the elderly to engage in activities. We will do this with electronics and 3D printed components (joints, connectors, 3D forms, toys).
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