Appendix C: Client Interview Summary
We had our initial interview with our client, Meghan O'Donnell, an occupational therapist at the
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago on Monday January 11th, 2016 at 7:30 pm, in the Ford
Building. Jake Reifer, Eshan Surana, Noah Feilbogen and Dipayan Banerjee as well as other
classmates were present. The purpose of the meeting was to learn more about the patient of
interest, Elsa, and her problems with getting dressed independently. This appendix summarizes
what we learned about the problem, the user Elsa, her power wheelchair, issues with current
systems used for persons with arthrogryposis, and requirements for the new design.
Problem
Our client discussed the problem that we must attempt to solve:
● Arthrogryposis has prevented our user from changing her shirt independently due to its
effects, primarily joint contractures and a restricted range of motion.
Elsa
Our client identified crucial information about the user, Elsa:
● Identity information
● Elsa is 7 or 8 years old.
● She has a single mother, Mary, and no siblings.
● Elsa does not express any negativity. She is fairly easygoing, positive and
creative.
● Her Interests include: frozen, the colors pink and purple, coloring, and stickers.
● Her bedroom is smaller than average.
● Physical information
● Elsa is unable to walk and her ankles are in a brace.
● Elsa uses a power wheelchair.
● Elsa has a weak core possibly due to scoliosis.
● Elsa is small in comparison to other girls her age.
● Range of motion
● Elsa is unable to reach over her head.
● Elsa can move lean her body “head to knees,” and can get up fairly easily using
momentum. of her head as a counterweight.
● Her muscles can only lift her shoulders up to a 45º angle.
● She often uses momentum to swing her arms.
● Her wrists are completely fixed.
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