Cordis MOBISERV FP7 248434, Manual, Page: 10 / 42

D5.4: Multi-sensor system integrated into wearable fabrics 10/42
MOBISERV FP7 248434
2 Garments
Within the scope of MOBISERV two different types of garments have been created for vital
signs monitoring: the first one refers to sensorized shirt and band for day use, and the second
one to nightgown for night use. The garments have been deeply evaluated several times
during the project and revised accordingly, following suggestions and remarks carried out by
experts, carers and finally end-users in an iterative approach.
Following the delivery of the first set of wearable prototypes (D 5.3), an extensive evaluation
of WHSU has been conducted in 2012 in four stages:
•
co-operative evaluation with carers,
•
expert review by a care expert,
•
co-design evaluation sessions with older adults,
•
home trials.
The results are described in D2.5 Issue II - Appendix 3. The outcomes of this evaluation
study have been deeply discussed among the involved partners to start a second refinement
process. On the garment side, the changes were fundamentally focused on ergonomic,
comfort and usability aspects. The goal: to deliver a set of final prototypes as close as
possible to the elderly needs. No changes were made on the number and type of sensors
integrated into the textiles given to the fact that they can be considered sufficient for the
proposed scenarios.
In the following chapters the final prototypes of garments are presented and described. Care
and maintenance guide together with instructions for the correct use of the garments can be
found in chapters 8 and 9.
2.1 Design of the new prototypes
The main issues and remarks raised during the evaluation trials can be summarized as
follows:
•
Users could be disoriented and confused by using the WHSU
•
In the night systems, people can be confused by the use of the two data-loggers
•
Pyjamas were not easy to be worn due to a lack of a front opening
•
Elderly in general prefer to not wear lower part of pyjamas during the night
•
The pockets of the garments didn't prevent the data-logger to coming out, especially
while sleeping
•
People were afraid to damage the garments while washing them
•
Temperature sensors and cables could be scaring and not comfortable for users
•
People have difficulties to understand which is the inner part of the band
Generally, positive feedbacks were given on the chosen materials (mainly cotton based
yarns), and the use of zip and Velcro®.
2.2 Day Garments
Before starting the development of the new wearable systems, some sketches were designed
and submitted to the expert partners to eventually check some inconsistency.
Figure 3 presents the sketches for the day garments.