Research Methodology: Prototyping Mechanism Tools for Social Interaction Activities Based on Active Aging Concept.

Abstract

As Thailand rapidly becomes an aging society. The elderly in Thailand do not have access to complete well-being. This article aims to examine the methodology used to develop a prototype mechanism to derive a mechanical tool for facilitating social interaction activities based on the active aging concept. The sample group included 1) elderly individuals aged 60 years and over. 2) The experts in the field.

          The research steps are as follows: 1) Theoretical study and related research 2) selection of appropriate research methods, and 3) evaluation to improve and develop mechanical tool prototypes. The results of Step 1 were used to guide the design process, which identified paper mache activities as meeting the criteria according to activity theory. This led to the process of studying user needs from interviews and the collection of consumer online questionnaires in Step 2 which helped to better understand. To summarize, the design alternatives were created to be evaluated in Step 3, in which the experts evaluated the mechanical tool model from a 3D model with a computer program. As a result of each evaluation, experts pay particular attention to production feasibility, safety, usability procedures, and industrial expansion.

          A summary of the research process leading to the creation of a mechanical prototype shows that the evaluation from actual users in the final stage indicates that the designed mechanical prototype tool through this research process has characteristics, user interface design, and usage objectives that meet the needs of the users.  However, this study also found some limitations that affect certain applications, such as sound or physical structure, due to the limitations of research tools used during the process of expert evaluation with 3D models with a computer program. The study summarizes the results and provides guidelines for the design of a mechanical tool prototype based on the active aging concept.