For reported nonfatal injuries in construction, one of the most common injuries are due to overexertion from excessive physical labor. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the incidence rate of overexertion and bodily reaction for construction laborers was 48.3 cases per 10,000 full-time workers in 2020. 

Injuries from Overexertion

U.S.Bureau of Statistics. Incidence Rates of Nonfatal Injuries/Illnesses Resulting in Days Away from Work due to Overexertion. 2020.

The statistics shows greater frequency of cases for laborers, compared to other roles within construction. However, many nonfatal injuries may be unreported due to work culture or fear of job loss/retaliation. Some companies don’t compensate for the time away from work.

Design a wearable attachment that enhances lower back support and reduces the risk of injury, without interfering with the worker’s productivity.

With the prominence of AI in our lives, how do we adapt and collaborate with it as designers?

In this course, Design with AI, we are expected to incorporate AI in the design process, identifying insights on the ways it can/cannot enhance our work. I primarily used ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Vizcom in this project.

To better understand my target users needs and motivations, I conducted interviews and created user personas.

I prompted ChatGPT to roleplay as a concrete worker, Joe, in an interview format.  I provided basic demographic information about Joe, a 40 year old man from NYC, with 20 years of experience. I used this synthetic interview to create a user persona.

For my human user persona, I interviewed Jonathan, an electrician laborer. He is 21 years old, from NYC, and has 5 years of experience. I used insights from this interview to create a human persona. 

AI Generated VS Human

Joe (AI)

Age: 40

Occupation: Concrete Laborer

Location: New York, NY

“ By the end of the day, my lower back’s screaming. Honestly, once I’m on the job, I just power through.

Pain Points:

• Chronic back strain & joint pain

• Fatigue from repetitive tasks

• Lack of effective pain relief on-site 

“ I take an advil and go on with the work. Other people just drink beer, smoke, or do drugs.”

Pain Points:

• Frequent physical strain

• Lack of effective relief

• Physically demanding work

Motivations:

• Desire for functional support 

• Willingness to try helpful tools

• Wants to work in his occupation for longer

AI Insights:

I think AI can be helpful for guidance towards a general idea of the problem/solution. I don’t think it will replace the value of hearing people’s pain points and lived experiences, especially if I am designing for people to use it.

I like that I was able to connect with Jonathan through this conversation about his experience working in field. He mentioned related information such as, his observations of his coworkers, and provide suggestions on what features the design should have to best support workers. It provided a wider range of helpful information to consider in the process of the project. 

PROCESS

I began my process on Midjourney by generating large quantities of images reflecting my project goal.

Prompt: Design a sleek wearable device that helps construction workers prevent lower back strain and recover from pain while allowing full mobility on the job.

AI Insights:

Since I am unfamiliar with the construction industry, it was helpful to observe the materials used, form, and the placements of elements (ex. straps, belts, harnesses). I only used it early on in the ideation phase, as a foundation. I think once you have any idea of the form you want, it is hard to get an output that satisfies your vision, like you are fighting it.

From the Midjourney images, I pinpointed the toolbelt/brace and having a tech element laying flat on the back. I conversed with Jonathan about these ideas and received a suggestion on having X tension straps on the back to reduce load on the shoulders. He mentioned that it would be beneficial if the design could allow the worker to use less of some muscles while lifting.

From that, I made prototypes of a brace with supports and straps that would retract with a rotating component.

Since I had an idea of the form design, I decided to use Vizcom, inputing my digital sketch for the AI tool to render as a realistic product.

Drawing Influence: 100%

AI Insights:

The software allowed many adjustments for palettes, drawing influences, and variations, which made it easier to visualize my product. I tested different percentages for the drawing influence to find the right number for the render so it wasn’t completely different or too sketch reliant. I was able to see different applications of my concept and my preference is around 50%.

After visualizing with Vizcom, I prototyped a full mesh brace. It includes 3D printed back support stays, detachable velcro straps, and a tool pocket.

For the auto-tightening feature, I realized having a rotating feature would be a little bulky since the other elements would be flat. Inspired by smart textiles, I decided to have sensors on the straps, connecting to the back element.

PRODUCT

X tension straps that auto-tighten when improper posture is detected.

Using Smart textiles:

• IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit): tracks acceleration, orientation, rotation 

• Pressure Sensors: tracksw pressure/strain

Active Feedback

Modular Side Pocket

Carry essential tools or nails.

Back Support

5 aluminum stays for stability.

Control

↘Read the capstone report here