The document summarizes Nathaniel Ball's senior design thesis project called PURSUIT, which is a cardiac rehabilitation suit designed to accelerate the rehabilitation time for recovering cardiac patients. The suit uses stretch resistant latex materials sewn onto the suit to create resistance between muscle groups, strengthening muscles and allowing patients to start endurance conditioning sooner. Research included analyzing cardiac rehab processes and interviewing patients, doctors, and physical therapists to understand rehabilitation and identify problems with existing methods. The suit aims to be inexpensive and help patients exercise while doing normal activities instead of having to go to a gym.

1. Nathaniel Ball
427A Strawberry Street
Richmond, VA 23220
804.380.7141
id.nball@gmail.com

2. NathanielBall
SimpleHumanDesignCompetition Spring2008
As a submission for the Simple Human’s
Simple Solutions Competition, mano was
designed to make dish washing a more user
friendly task for those with limited dexterity.
The design allows for a variety of grips for
completing multiple dish washing tasks. The
form is intended to relieve the forces put on
joints and muscles of hands suffering from
arthritis.
manoSIMPLE DISH WASHING
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3. NathanielBall
CURRENT PRODUCT ANALYSIS
To grip requires a basic amount
of stress on the joints with even
more stress created when
scrubbing dishes.
Dispenses the stress forces to
the arm and shoulder, which
relieves stress on the hand. But
has limited use due to size and
shape.
Requires the hand to “cup” the
object; increasing stress on the
hand joints. Limited mobility
due to rigidity of the material.
Reduces stress by allowing the
hand to lay flat and finger to fit
into the loop. Limited use by
flat shape.
The hand is required to “cup”
and increases stress on the
hand joints. Limited mobility
because of bulky form.
The new design must have enough rigidity to
force the hand to form around the shape to
reduce stress. It must also have a form that
allows for multiple grips for multiple tasks. The
form must fit the hand comfortably enough
to clean dishes with ease.
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4. NathanielBall
CONCEPTUAL SKETCHING
Open palm form and reduces
stress, but can only function in
one position.
Replaceable sponge, form
offers a variety of grips. Too
open on the end to secure
easily in the hand.
The final concept has a 360
degree closure around the
thumb for a easier grip.
Scrubbing bristles in addition
to the cleansing sponge; will
give the user the ability to
clean with varying intensities.
To keep cost to a minimum for the customer,
the dish scrubber must be easy to keep clean
with easily replaceable components. This will
add to the product’s life span, costing the
consumer less.
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5. NathanielBall
PRODUCT FEATURES
Base part is reusable and dishwasher safe.
The sponge is disposable and easy to remove.
Placed injection molded scrub bristles for
intense cleansing.
Co-molded thumb ring provides padding for
the thumb.
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6. NathanielBall
PRIMARY GRIP
Fits between the thumb
and index finger, keeps
hand flat for less stress.
ALTERNATIVE GRIP 1
Utilizes the scrub brush to
remove stuck on food.
ALTERNATIVE GRIP 2
Using the scrub brush in
an second position for
intense scrubbing.
ALTERNATIVE GRIP 3
Position specifically used
for cleaning cups and
glasses.
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7. NathanielBall
DellRegenerationDesignCompetition Spring2008
Wattson was designed in a partnership
with Linh Kooc as an entry for Dell’s
Regeneration Competition.
In response to rising energy costs and a
drive to be more environmentally friendly,
business and homeowners are looking
to slash their energy bills. Wattson allows
users to monitor and control their energy
usage through an interactive screen, easily
reach power cords and have better cord
organization. This product was designed
to eliminate parasitic power loss and
make users more aware of their energy
consumption.
POWER MONITORING OUTLET
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8. NathanielBall
It is estimated that businesses could reduce their
energy bills by 10% if they took advantage of power
saving options on many modern electronics.
Many businesses have cluttered desk spaces with
endless messes of power cords. Unorganized desk
spaces give an unprofessional look.
IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM
Companies and office workers do not take advantage
of power saving options on their electronics due to many
factors. One factor is that many people do not know
their electronics well enough to utilize power save options.
Second, some people are just simply lazy and do not
care or are simply unaware of their power consumption.
People need to be made aware of their energy usage.
id.nball@gmail.com

9. NathanielBall
CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET
Stationary, has to stay on the wall which
is sometimes difficult to reach.
Customizing is a nice detail that helps
keep cord management easy.
Need the ability to turn off individual
outlets, not just the whole power strip.
Many power strips sit on the floor due to
short cord lengths, this makes it hard to
reach considering most sit under the desk.
The current power strips on the market make it difficult
for workers to access them to stationary design. Other
designs do not allow customers to turn off individual
outlets to conserve power. The new design must allow
for easier interaction between the power strip and user.
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10. NathanielBall
CONCEPTUALIZATION
Space to fit over desk edge.
Touch screen for monitoring.
Low profile, gives the look of “less
clutter”.
Touch screen pitch at an angle to make
for easier viewing. “Slithering” profile
could be used for branding.
id.nball@gmail.com

11. NathanielBall
OUTLET ORGANIZATION
The top outlets are setup to be
above the desk’s surface; making it
easier to plug in temporary objects
such as cell phones, laptops and
mp3 players.
The outlets on the bottom are
reserved for more permanent
objects such as computer monitors
and printers. Outlets for these
objects are not unplugged often,
thus being located uder the desk
surface.
The key to cord management is defining which
objects get priority over others. Defining what
primary and secondary objects are will allow
for easier cord management. Identifying these
objects will setup the overall design of Wattson.
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12. NathanielBall
FEATURES
Users can monitor and control individual power
outlets. Possible power savings are shown as
money savings to be more tangeable to users.
Individual outlets can be callibrated with timers to
particular electronic objects that are plugged in.
Top outlets are for temporary objects such as cell
phones, laptops, etc.
Pivot point allows for screen adjustment for easy
viewing and to reduce glare.
Adjustable clamps let the user attach Wattson to
the edge of their desk for easy access.
Outlets on the bottom are reserved for primary
objects such as printers, computer monitors, cpu’s,
lights, etc.
Touch Screen Interface
Companies and office workers do not take advantage
of power saving options on their electronics due to many
factors. One factor is that many people do not know
their electronics well enough to utilize power save options.
Second, some people are just simply lazy and do not
care or are simply unaware of their power consumption.
People need to be made aware of their energy usage.
id.nball@gmail.com

13. NathanielBall
POWER MONITORING OUTLET
id.nball@gmail.com

14. NathanielBall
auraIn a cooperative team project with
AMTRAK, a trainset was designed for the
southeast United States for passenger
transportation. Operating as the team
leader, I oversaw the design process and
strategy with four other team members.
This project was about revitalizing
existing passenger cars to cut cost and
to boost consumer interest in rail travel.
Revitalization took place through wholistic
ideas of the passenger experience and
how to improve the passenger experience.
The aura concept train was designed
during one semester by five Industrial
Designers working together in several areas.
Please see the entire project book in the
accompanying file titled, “Aura Project
Book”.
SeniorGroupProject-PassengerRailDesign Fall2008
id.nball@gmail.com
Virginia Tech Spotlight Article: http://www.vt.edu/spotlight/innovation/2010-01-11-trains/train-concepts.html

15. NathanielBall
SeniorDesignThesis Spring2009
PURSUITcardiac rehab suit
As a senior thesis, PURSUIT was developed
to accelerate the rehabilitation time for
recovering cardiac patients. To combat
the drastic depression and anxiety that
cardiac patients typically suffer from, it is
very important for patients to return to their
normal activities.
The rehabilitation suit is composed of
stretch resistant materials to create
resistance between muscle groups. By
strengthening and toning the patients
muscles, they can start endurance
conditioning sooner. By starting their
endurance training at an earlier date,
patients can return to their normal lives.
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16. NathanielBall
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
Many of the cardiac rehabilitation processes are very
time consuming and can become very expensive.
These are the two main deterrents for cardiac patients
to continue their physical rehabilitation. The resolution
should be relatively inexpensive and help free up time for
the patients.
Gym memberships can be
expensive. Patients can feel
inferior around healthier people.
Running and exercising outdoors
takes away valuable time during
the day.
Home fitness equipment can be
very expensive, especially when
paying for existing medical care.
Depression among patients
is very high, they realize their
vulnerability.
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17. NathanielBall
RESEARCH APPROACH
Site the Problem
Finding the cause of
patients not completing
rehabilitation programs.
Analyze Rehab
What processes do
patients go through
while in rehab?
Interview
Understand the rehab process
from doctors, patients, and
physical therapists point of
view.
Reexamination
Look at the rehab process
again, but with the knowledge
gained from interviews.
Definition
The problem is defined
and set within a particular
time frame of rehab.
Patient Interview
Name:
Age:
How old were you when you had your heart surgery?
Why did you have surgery?
How long did it take you to recover?
How long was your rehabilitation?
What was your rehab process like?
What exercises were you required to do?
What kind of lifestyle changes did you have to make?
How did your diet change?
Describe your rehab process in detail.
The research aspect will be centered around cardiac
rehabilitation processes, and interviews with patients,
doctors and physical therapists. Research of calisthenic
workouts will prove to be the most influential pieces of
information for the functionality of the suit.
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18. NathanielBall
CALISTHENICS OBSERVATION
The most commonly used workout in early cardiac rehabilitation is calisthenics.
This workout style simply uses the person’s body weight and gravity to build
muscle strength. During cardiac rehab, this workout helps patients regain basic
muscle strength so they can continue with more advanced workouts.
AB CRUNCHES AND SIT-UPS
PUSHUPS
STANDING CALVE
BODY SQUATS
SEATED DIP
PULL-UPS
These movements will be embodied
in suit’s design. The resistance to build
muscle strength will correspond to these
workouts and muscle groups.
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19. NathanielBall
MUSCLE GROUPS
Once examining the calisthenics workout,
these muscle groups were determined to
be the primary muscle being used to rebuild
basic muscle strength.
These muscles will be the primary target
to be worked out while wearing the
rehab suit.
TRICEPS
DELTOIDS
TRAPS
FOREARMS
BICEPS
PECS
ABS
LATS
THIGHS
QUADS
GLUTES
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20. NathanielBall
CONCEPT DEFINITION
From the initial research information
gathered, the design now has
the information to determine its
functionality.
The body suit will allow patients to wear it
for extended times during the day while
working their muscles when executing basic
tasks. This will allow patients to recover basic
muscle strength while doing normal activities
instead of having to go to a gym.
Cardiac patients use
calisthenics to recover from
a variety of heart surgeries.
Calisthenics work these
basic muscle groups to
rebuild basic strength.
These muscles will be
stimulated by resistance
against shown muscles.
These movements will be
captured in a body suit with
resistance materials built in.
id.nball@gmail.com

21. NathanielBall
CONCEPT SKETCHING
Distinguishable design for the
male patient.
Curves accentuate the female
form.
Mimic muscle tissue, neutral
gray color.
Perferations allow for air
circulation and add to the
overall aesthetic.
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22. NathanielBall
CONCEPT REVIEW AND RE-THINKING
After consulting with outside professionals and peers, the
current form was seen as too aggressive for the older
generation and that the suit should be unisex. More
thought would be given to the suit’s aesthetic.
To get a better idea of how the suit should look
and feel, observations of athletic training clothing
too place. Looking at the structure of materials
and seams would help determine the structure
and look of the new concept.
Shapes with bigger radii tone
down the aggressive look.
Seams run very close to pivot
points to prevent chaffing.
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23. NathanielBall
Latex stretch band was
stretch fit to create
resistance.
As the biceps contracts, the
latex material creates more
resistance.
The stretched latex creates
resistance that equates to
lifting a 10lb dumbbell.
A thumb strap is needed to keep the
sleeve from sliding up the arm due to
the stretched resistance material.
CONCEPT PROTOTYPING
Using an Under Armor work out shirt and sewn on latex
bands, a section of the suit was prototyped to insure that
the proper would be gained from the suit. The latex was
stretched and sewn on to create resistance.
The prototype successfully demonstrated
that the built in resistance would create
the proper forces to work the rehabbing
muscles.
id.nball@gmail.com

24. NathanielBall
CONCEPT SKETCHING
Defining the forms of the stretch resistant materials
through sketching. The forms should mimic muscle
tissue and body symmetry. The material should
cover areas that require resistance.
Possible location, over the
heart, for the name and logo.
Minimal color usage, lessens
the aggressiveness to fit the
older consumer.
Cross hatching mimics muscle
tissue and resistant material
character.
Material continues to the
bottom to recognize the
bottom half of the suit.
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25. NathanielBall
CONCEPT SKETCHING
Accentuate body’s symmetry
with division down the middle
of the upper body.
Most perspiration occurs under the
back of the neck, middle of the
chest and the armpits.
Possible location, over the
heart, for the name and logo.
Conceptual profiles of the perforated
materials. The perforated material is used to
dissipate heat and allow for air circulation in
areas where the most sweating occurs.
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26. NathanielBall
Perforations in high areas of
sweat allow for air circulation
and dissipation of heat.
The thumb strap keeps
the suit from slipping up
the user’s arm. This is also
applied to the legs.
pursuit
Latex is stretch fit then sewn
onto the basic suit. This will
create the resistance needed
for a workout.
Stitching and seams run
through pivot points to
reduce chaffing.
Branding space over the
heart’s location.
id.nball@gmail.com

27. NathanielBall
pursuit
pursuit
Abdominal workout
Bicep workout
Glutes workout
Calve workout
Pectoral workout
Tricep workout
Thigh workout
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