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Simulator • Mobility & Dexterity

Arthritis Simulation Gloves

simulate a reduction in the functional ability of the hands. In particular, they use plastic strips to limit the strength and range of motion of the fingers and thumb. Various conditions, such as arthritis, can cause effects like these.

What disability or impairment does this simulate?

These gloves simulate a reduction in the functional ability of the hands. In particular, they use plastic strips to limit the strength and range of motion of the fingers and thumb. Various conditions, such as arthritis, can cause effects like these. As an example, these gloves will make it much more difficult to use a knife and fork, simulating the difficulties that people with arthritis of the knuckles have in gripping small handles.

Below is a compilation of conditions that individuals may experience, and utilising these gloves will aid in fostering empathy:

Age-related changes:

As people age, physiological changes occur in their bodies. These changes can affect the joints, muscles, and nerves, leading to reduced dexterity. The natural wear and tear of tissues can decrease flexibility, strength, and coordination.

Arthritis and joint conditions:

Arthritis is a common condition among seniors that causes joint inflammation and stiffness. Types such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can significantly impact dexterity, making it difficult to perform delicate motor tasks.

Loss of muscle mass and strength:

With ageing comes a natural decline in muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia. Weakened muscles can make it challenging to perform precise movements and manipulate objects with dexterity.

Cognitive changes:

Age-related cognitive changes, such as memory decline or impaired attention, can affect manual dexterity. Difficulty in recalling sequences of steps or focusing on tasks can impact the ability to perform intricate movements.

Medications and side effects:

Some medications commonly used by seniors can have side effects that impact dexterity. Certain medications may cause drowsiness and dizziness or affect fine motor control, making it more challenging to perform tasks requiring dexterity.

It’s important to note that these factors can vary among individuals, and not all seniors will experience the same degree of reduced dexterity. Understanding these reasons can help inform the design of assistive devices, adaptations, and inclusive solutions to support seniors in maintaining their independence and quality of life.

The following list shows some of the effects that you should experience while wearing the gloves:

Reduced grip strength: more challenging to hold objects and open/close things
Reduced dexterity: difficulty to grip, pinch, turn, lift, and twist objects
Restricted range of motion: reduction in opening hand and closing the hand
Discomfort or mild pain

How to put it on?

Insert Hand: Release the Velcro on the wrist strap, and then insert your hand through the wrist strap and the palm strap. DO NOT fasten the strap back together again at this stage, as this would make the next step more difficult.

Insert Thumb: With the wrist strap still loose, insert your thumb through the thumb strap (loosen the strap if you cannot fit your thumb through). Position the plastic piece so that there is a slight overlap with the thumbnail, as shown in the image.

Tighten the thumb strap: If the strap is loose on the thumb, you need to tighten it. Firstly, push the plastic piece down onto the thumbnail, then pull the Velcro strap upwards to tighten it, then fasten the Velcro (you may need some help to do this). Repeat steps 2 & 3 with each of your fingers.

Align plastic pieces with fingers: Using your other hand, grip the plastic piece that goes along the back of the forefinger and move the plastic piece around until it is aligned with the finger and passes over every knuckle. Repeat this process with each other finger.

Fasten wrist strap: Fasten the wrist strap at a loose position.

Position elastic strips: On the back of the wrist strap, release the Velcro at the end of each elastic strip, and reposition this Velcro pad so that the elastic is tight and follows a straight line from the end of the plastic piece.

Tighten the wrist strap: For small wrists, you will now need to tighten the wrist strap to provide a secure fit.

Check fitted correctly: To check that the gloves are fitted correctly, bend your fingers inwards.

The plastic pieces should remain attached to each fingertip without any visible gap (otherwise, tighten the Velcro finger straps).
The plastic pieces should be around each knuckle without falling off to the side (otherwise, repeat step 4)

NOTE: It’s important to have the finger joint placed directly on or slightly above the knuckle.

How to embrace and avoid?

DOs

DO ensure that the gloves fit properly and comfortably on your hands before starting any activities.

DO start with simple tasks and gradually progress to more complex activities to get a better understanding of the user experience.

DO communicate and collaborate with other students or instructors to share insights and experiences gained from using the gloves.

DO take breaks if you experience discomfort or fatigue while wearing the gloves.

DO follow proper hand hygiene practices, including washing your hands before and after using the gloves, to maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of germs.

DO handle the gloves with care to prevent any damage or wear that may affect their effectiveness.

DO consult with individuals who have firsthand experience with arthritis to better understand their needs and challenges.

DON'Ts

DON’T use the gloves for activities that require a high level of precision or that could potentially cause harm to yourself or others, for example, driving a car or operating heavy machinery.

DON’T use the gloves if you have any open wounds, cuts, or skin conditions that may be aggravated by wearing them.

DON’T share the gloves with others without proper cleaning and disinfection, as it may transfer germs or compromise hygiene.

DON’T use excessive force or strain while wearing the gloves, as it may cause damage to the gloves or lead to injury.

DON’T assume that the gloves fully replicate the experience of arthritis for all individuals; each person may have unique symptoms and limitations.

DON’T use the gloves as a substitute for consulting healthcare professionals or seeking medical advice for arthritis-related concerns.

DON’T forget to approach the usage of the gloves with empathy and respect for individuals living with arthritis, focusing on understanding their needs rather than simply mimicking their limitations.

How to build empathy with the users?

The Cambridge simulation gloves can be used to help designers to empathise with those with dexterity impairment, and to compare the demands placed by different products on dexterity. The harder a product is to use while wearing the gloves, the more demand it places on dexterity and the more inaccessible it is. Conversely, if a product remains comfortable to use while wearing these gloves, then it is likely to be more comfortable for a broad range of users.

Before you try a complex scenario, you should get used to the simulator and adjust the fitment if required. Here are some suggestions of a few basic tasks to get started:

Use a door handle
Hold a pen and write your name
Hold a knife and fork or chopsticks
Use a computer mouse and a smartphone

Now, here are some suggestions for helping you to create your own empathy scenarios:

Daily Tasks Challenge:

Wear the simulator gloves and attempt to complete various daily tasks. This could include tasks like opening jars, tying shoelaces, buttoning shirts, using utensils, or signing a signature. The goal is to experience the limitations and difficulties that individuals with arthritis face when performing these routine activities.

Fine Motor Skills Activity:

Engage in an activity that requires precise and delicate hand movements, such as threading a needle, assembling a small model, or doing intricate artwork. The gloves will restrict dexterity and simulate the challenges faced by individuals with arthritis in performing tasks that require fine motor skills.

Mobility and Navigation Exercise:

Put on the arthritis simulator gloves and use a mobility aid (like a walking cane or wheelchair) to simulate mobility limitations. Attempt to navigate through a busy environment or an obstacle course that includes ramps, stairs, and tight spaces. This exercise aims to provide insights into the mobility challenges faced by individuals with arthritis.

Eating Challenges:

With the arthritis simulator gloves on, try eating a full meal using various utensils, such as chopsticks, a knife, a fork, and a spoon. Use different types of containers like bowls and plates. Also, attempt to hold and use a glass or mug with a handle to simulate the difficulties faced by individuals with arthritis in gripping and manipulating objects while eating.

Communication and Interaction Simulation:

Wear the gloves during a social gathering or group activity. Experience the difficulties in communicating, gesturing, and interacting with others when hand and finger movements are restricted. This can help develop empathy for individuals with arthritis who struggle with expressing themselves through hand motions.

(Photo Credit: https://janeqsmith.com/handle)

Technology Interaction:

Wear the gloves while using a phone or laptop. Try typing, texting, and navigating through applications with limited dexterity and restricted finger movements. This exercise can help understand the challenges individuals with arthritis face when using technology.

Public Utility Interaction:

Visit a public utility, such as a vending machine or a self-service kiosk, and attempt to operate it while wearing the arthritis simulator gloves. Experience the challenges of pressing buttons, inserting coins or cards, and navigating the interface with limited hand mobility.

Exercise and Fitness:

Engage in an exercise activity, either in a park or a gym, while wearing the arthritis simulator gloves. This could include activities like weightlifting, using exercise machines, or participating in a group fitness class. The gloves will simulate the difficulties individuals with arthritis encounter when performing physical activities and highlight the impact on their range of motion and grip strength.

Remember, these scenarios are intended to promote empathy and understanding. It’s important to approach them with respect, patience, and an open mind to gain a better appreciation for the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities like arthritis.

Designing for intersectionality by combining empathy tools

As design students, it is essential to recognise that the individuals we are designing for may often have more than one impairment or condition. While the simulators provided in this manual offer valuable insights into specific aspects of the user’s experience, it is important to remember that real-life situations can be complex and multifaceted.

To deepen your empathetic design methods and create more inclusive, innovative, and original solutions, we encourage you to consider using a combination of empathy tools. By combining simulators, such as wearing the Arthritis Simulation Glove along with a Wheelchair, Aged Simulation Suit or White Cane, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with multiple impairments or conditions.

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By embracing this holistic approach, you will be better equipped to develop designs that address the diverse needs and experiences of your target users. Remember, empathy is at the core of meaningful design, and by continually expanding your understanding and perspectives, you can create truly inclusive and impactful solutions.

Have you thought about using this simulator along with:

Wheelchair

Aged Simulation Suit

White Cane

These are just some suggestions; you can get creative and try to create any combination of empathy simulators, including your own DIY simulators.

Warning:

Reducing your dexterity ability can be dangerous. The Simulation Gloves should not be used in any situations that could cause harm. Please note that impairment simulation cannot convey what it is really like to live with capability loss on an everyday basis. In particular, the gloves do not simulate other common effects such as pain, tremors, loss of tactile sensitivity, and changes in the shape of the hand that occur with ageing. Furthermore, they do not simulate any problems with the wrists. As an example, using a touchscreen keyboard on a mobile phone remains relatively easy with the gloves but is particularly difficult for people with tremors. Therefore, these gloves are intended to be used in combination with other tools as part of a holistic, inclusive design evaluation.

Disclaimer:

The use of empathy tools does not equal the full experiences of having a disability. It is best to aim to engage with your target audience, using the tools to prepare better. The Arthritis Simulation Gloves is not a substitute for professional advice or comprehensive knowledge of ageing and arthritis. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical management and therapy if you have arthritis or any medical condition. Use it responsibly, acknowledging limitations and potential risks. The School of Design, the Material Resource Centre, and the creators of this simulator and manual are not liable for any injuries, damages, or misuse of the simulator.   

Citation:

If you wish to cite this empathy tools manual, you may insert the reference as follows:

Maximo, T; O’Brien, M; Chan, L.S.; Liu, X.; Zhan, W; Lee, W.K.A. (2024). Empathy Tool Manual: Arthritis Simulation Gloves. School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

PDF manual:

Click here to download the pdf. file (4.5MB)