Hello Everyone.

I posted a discussion a little while ago regarding design for bariatric people. I'm not sure how many people read it but if your curious is somewhere on page 3 or 4.

the short of it: I am an Industrial Design student and i am working with another designer and two occupational therapists on a design for bariatric people, (people exceeding 350 pounds of with a BMI greater than 40). I got on here with the hope of reaching out and finding out what you had to say. I got some very helpful replies ( thank you).

So we developed two concepts:

The first is more of a program or system based idea, based on the success of Nintendo Wii. I have been reading alot of the discussion boards and it seems like a lot of people feel disconnected from thier bodies, they express a lack of control or that their real self is trapped inside them somewhere. I was particularly drawn to cleverdics observation that " fat people have trouble asserting ourselves, we are afraid of being hurt and are passive around people and get our revenge by eating" it led me to think about other ways for people to feel in control and empowered- to battle self defeat. I thought perhaps the Wii could be used for that purpose, to re-introduce the natural competitive drive that lives within us.
I also thought of it as a fairly safe environment to try things out... a lot of people on here fear judgement, and i completely agree there is a harsh social climate out there... but if you could practice say wii bowling in a safe non-threatenng environment perhaps you'd be more likely to try real bowling.
Also there have been a few post about what to do when you're not excercising, working, busy etc. so this could keep you're hands busy....of course not everyone can afford the luxury of the Wii, but if there was a program at your local hospital/ health clinic/ support group would you be into it? what do you guys think of this idea? Is this something you'd try?

The other idea was actually a tip from a very helpful and honest DSer ( you know who you are and thank you). Its a disposable self wiper for after using the toilet. I was informed of the problems of limited range of motion and inability to reach to perform this essential task. So it's disposable and compact and discreet... perhaps one day they'll be available in dispensers in the public washroom... we'll see. What do you think? Id' like to know how you feel about these ideas...