1. User-friendly mp3 player
Joe Labuz, Michael Conrardy, Joel Webb, Derek Klavas, Jon Mantes
Client: Dr. Kristine Kwekkeboom, PhD, RN
Advisor: Prof. John Webster
Abstract
Client Requirements
Final Design
Case Features
Protects iPod
Provides tactile feedback to user
Prevents accidental selections
Made of ABS plastic
Dycem® backing prevent slipping
Easy screw disassembly
The goal of this design project is to develop a user-friendly mp3 player for elderly cancer patients. Current designs of mp3 players are difficult to operate for elderly people with limited motor skills and minor disabilities. Research indicates that music is an effective way to induce relaxation and distraction for patients to help manage pain and fatigue without the use of drugs. In order for music therapy to be an effective treatment in pain therapy, patients must be able to operate mp3 devices. By creating a mp3 player that is easy to use, patients will be able to take full advantage of music therapy.
Player capable of playing 12 relaxation exercises
Simple menu navigation
Easy-to-see screen
Easy-to-use controls; regardless of age or motor control
Less than 250 grams
Ability to record songs played (if time permits)
Ability to administer patient surveys (if time permits)
Figure 4. Custom-made case designed specifically for the iPod touch and our program.
Apple iPod Touch
Background
Menu Features
Simplified interface
Four categories of songs
Three songs per category
Large buttons
Color coded options
Physical modifications and add-ons to current devices were deemed too complicated or too expensive. An Apple iPod Touch has the biggest screen of all current mp3 players. This device is able to download customized applications which can provide a way of enabling elderly patients to navigate playlists with ease and experience relaxation therapy. Applications can be programmed to have large buttons as well as a simplified arrangement.
Relaxation therapy has been used by nurses to help patients cope with pain, fall asleep, and improve mood. There are four main categories of relaxation therapy employed by our client. They are: nature sounds, nature imagery, symptom focused, and relaxation exercises. All four classes can be incorporated into current mp3 players to make the therapy convenient for the patient, as well as the nurse in charge of administering it.
Figure 5. Menu progression within the program we wrote. The first menu displays the 4 song categories, the second displays the three songs of that category, the third controls the song currently playing
Motivation
Figure 2. The Apple iPod Touch has a larger screen than many other mp3 players.
Doctors and nurses are hesitant to implement relaxation therapy because they are unsure of the best way to do so. Dr. Kwekkeboom of the UW Hospital has been using iPod nanos as a means of administering this audio therapy. Research has found that, though patients like learning to use the iPods, the current devices are troublesome for elderly patients with arthritis or vision problems. A user friendly means of relaxation therapy is needed to allow all patients the opportunity to self administer this beneficial treatment and increase acceptance within the healthcare profession. Furthermore, since Dr. Kwekkeboom’s work involves research, it is desirable that the mp3 player be able to record the songs played and allow patients to fill out a short survey after each “dose.”
Future Work
Programming
Finishing touches on the program
Make program available via app store
Write program to record user song selection and surveys
Testing
Creating our own iPod application allows us to simplify menu navigation along with the button arrangement. The 12 exercises can be incorporated into the program and played through the iPod touch.
Acknowledgements
Prof. Vanderheiden,
For his technical and conceptual guidance
Justin Rosenthal,
For his programming expertise
Figure 3. Screen shot of the SDK program used to create the iPod application.
References
Budget
Apple, Inc. "iPhone Developer Program." Apple Developer Connection. 12 Oct <
Kwekkeboom, KL, Bumpus, M., Wanta, B., & Serlin, RC (2008). Oncology nurses’ use of nondrug pain interventions in practice. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 35: 83-94
Kwekkeboom, KL & Gretarsdottir, E. (2006). Systematic review of relaxation interventions for pain. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 38,
Kwekkeboom, KL, Wanta, B, & Bumpus, M. (in press). Individual difference variables and the effects of progressive muscle relaxation and analgesic imagery interventions on cancer pain. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.  
Apple iPod Touch: $229
ABS material: $14.18
TOTAL: $243.18
Figure 1. Current device used for relaxation therapy. As you can see the screen is quite small and the click wheel control is difficult to use for a patient with arthritis or decreased motor control.