Wheelchair Access In Campus Shuttles

I think one of the great things I have noticed around campus are the campus shuttles with a wheelchair access provision. It is so great to see schools actually thinking about the disabled and spending funds for their ease of access from point A to B.

It is definitely a little time-consuming process to accommodate a disabled individual in the shuttle. I wish somehow they could speed up the process but at the end of the day I feel its more of a safety measure than anything else. The drivers always make sure the individual in the wheelchair is comfortable and secured in place as to avoid any mishaps. But I wonder if somehow they could just open the back of the shuttle and maybe put in a ramp? Would that be a more convenient and less time-consuming alternative? Or is it a too high of an incline? Maybe? Yes? No?

However, I have always seen the shuttle drivers at their best to help out all individuals disabled or not which is definitely a great thing to experience as a student and passenger. All in all I am truly impressed with the great feat that our campus goes and tries for the disabled. I just hope they keep it up and we can find even better ways to help out! 🙂

Photo Credits: Shuttle

Accessibility and Convenience

So first thing is first, I do not know how to ride a bike. I have tried a couple of times and for some reason I just can’t ride a bike around to save my life lol. Maybe someday? right? But either way I have always noticed these bike lanes and bike access ramps/pathways on the road and around campus.

They are so tiny! It scares me to even think about ever riding a bike in a bike lane anywhere around the major roads. I wish they were a little more broad but I know that’s too much to ask with the parking along the street and the traffic during rush hour! Crazy!

But I love the fact that the signs and lanes are always apparent (clearly marked) as to avoid a major accident. Also at the crossings all pathways lower down on to ramp as to make it easier for bikes or wheelchairs to just roll down or up the incline to move more easily.

I like the fact that the city and schools are more aware of the needs of the society as a whole including the less privileged and disabled. Therefore working towards more convenient and accessible solutions to help make the surroundings safe and the people a little more independent. It’s always great to see the society progress towards a better world.

My Entertainment Daily

I think another great example of emotional affordance is YouTube! A place where a user is connected to a world of videos, music and tutorials. All the information could be used for recreational activities, work, entertainment, DIY (Do-It-Yourself) activities etc.

A place where you can upload and watch memories from events and occasions, Even listen to music which sweeps you to a bitter-sweet place, a nostalgia. Videos that can inspire you and motivate you for your future or just tutorials to help learn a software or a skill you deem necessary.

YouTube provides its users with an experience that delights the user as per their need. It’s a connection to a bigger world, emotionally, whether its joy of finding something new, nostalgia of old, motivation for the future or satisfaction of the present. You can search through for exactly what you are looking for in the search bar. It even gives you related videos or most liked videos like the one you are watching. It helps your discover, find people and channels with mutual interests.

You can even subscribe to channels to keep yourself updated on the latest from people and artists you love. You can login, upload your own videos, make a collection. You can even go back the videos you have watched or save a video at a certain point to be watched later. Best part of it all there are no charges to access the website (apart from the internet package lol)

It’s an experience of its own! 😀 One to enjoy and cherish!

A Sentimental Connection

Now yet again we are on the topic of affordances! But this time emotional affordances. What exactly is that you may ask? An Emotional Affordance is basically an object or device that gives the user a positive emotional experience like Cell Phones.

There is so much more than just calling and texting to cell phones these days with the smartphones, data plans and WiFi. We are connected to the world and people around us at all times! This makes people feel safe for the most part but then again paranoia and stress also factors in with all constant connectivity.

The pros of this connectivity are of course the instant contact with family and friends around the world whether it’s a celebration or a time of need. However it has also made the line between personal, professional and social life quite blurry. From work to social media to family it’s quite a roller coaster in today’s hectic life. It’s more of a lifestyle for the current and future generations. It’s quite a bitter-sweet connection for every individual to own a cell phone.

Who could have ever thought 20 years ago that a simple little device could stir up so many emotions  and open a world of a new bigger, better yet confusing connection with the world around us!

 

Surrounding Art

I think another piece of art that I love hanging in my living room is this piece on the right. It is not made with any just any paint but different kinds of art paper as well. I personally don’t have much experience with arts and crafts but somehow I have always had an eye for beauty and creativity.

The small details from the paper to the color and the crumbled background instead of a plain paper, the double border, the seeping energy lines of the plant. I specially love the double paper border for its emphasis on the whole center piece. The border makes it look more grounded and earthy, a source of energy, a part of nature. Yet again the wooden rectangular frame complements the design.

This piece is located by the staircase right in front of the entrance to the house giving my home a slight touch of nature and beauty even inside the house. I am always fascinated how the surroundings and placement of an object can make such a big difference in making the piece so much more beautiful! 🙂

A Piece of Art

What is art? Colors? Pictures? Design? Shapes? Angles? A mix of everything that appeals to the eye?! Exactly what is it?

I personally feel art is a setup of objects, colors or patterns that appeal to the eye and maybe to the heart. Art is in everything from designing a house to programming an application. For example the artwork on the right is in a rectangular shaped frame. But what if the frame was round? or triangular? it would still be called art but how would it change your view towards the piece.

From what I gather this piece tells me an artist’s passion for writing, a force, a strength, an ambition which is slightly colored or maybe different from the usual black and white literature of the world. The idea is all theoretical but derived from the structures and objects used in the piece. Like the feathered, arrow like ink pen, the burning fire on the tip, the dripping ink all different structures and ideas combined beautifully into one piece of blank paper and framed into a wooden frame. Whether you hang it on the wall or place on the window with beaming sunlight it will just add to the meaning of the piece.

Every aspect of this piece from the frame to the color brings a different life to the artwork.

An Open Door

I think another great example of physical affordance could be a door knob. An object we come in contact with everyday but don’t even realize how its design and structure guides us to use it.

If you look at a door knob, round maybe a little cylindrical in shape, there is only so much you can do with it either pull, push or rotate it. Now if you think about it pull or push is needed to open a door while the rotating of the knob helps to unlock the door (with or without a key).

Its fascinates me a how a simple object as a door knob was designed with so much simplicity and sensibility. Little physical cues that we take for granted that add so much more value and comfort to our daily lives.

Physical Affordance

To begin with let’s define this concept of physical affordance.  A Physical Affordance is basically a physical feature that gives a user a clue on how to use a certain object.

For example, everyone knows how to use a mouse attached to a computer. The shape, the outward curve of the mouse helps you comfortably place your hand. The left-hand side of the mouse has a slight dented curve to indicate a natural and comfortable position for your thumb to grip.

Also, the front head of the mouse or the left silver area to place your index finger, the black scroll to place your middle finger and the right silver area for your ring finger while your little finger wraps around the right hand side of the mouse for a nice grip. This is the basic design of a simple mouse. Of course there are so many fancier devices designed for more comfort.

There are wireless mouse available too for users that prefer a little more space and no wire hassle. A lot of people even today actually prefer a mouse in comparison to using a mouse pad on a laptop just for the ease of use and comfort. A mouse pad is just a small rectangular flat surface with two buttons. However due to the flat surface a lot of people suffer from cramping of hands and fingers with continuous use over a long time.

Over the years, I feel like there have been more and more efforts to make the mouse a more comfortable device for users. The increase in usage of a mouse is also evident in laptops with the wireless connected mouse.

Having A Ball!

This is for people like me who just can’t pull themselves together to get up and go hit the gym. Working out at a gym has always been a challenge. I love staying fit but I have my own ways such as evening walks, dancing and swimming. I don’t like using any exercise equipment like the elliptical or weights.

However, a few years ago I came across a fabulous and fun way of working out better which is this Exercise Ball! It is recognized by quite a few names Including Swiss ball, balance ball, birth ball, body ball, ball, fitness ball, gym ball, gymnastic ball, physioball, pilates ball, Pezzi ball, sports ball, stability ball, Swedish ball, therapy ball, or yoga ball.

The primary benefit of exercising with an exercise ball as opposed to exercising directly on a hard flat surface is that the body responds to the instability of the ball to remain balanced, engaging many more muscles which become stronger over time. It basically targets the core body muscles. It can be used in may different exercises and to target different muscle areas. There are a lot of exercise videos online on YouTube to help ( Exercise Ball Workouts ) but you can also invent a fun-filled exercise for yourself. Be creative!

The ball is constructed of a soft elastic with a diameter of approximately 35 to 85 centimeters and filled with air by a valve stem. The round shape and the soft elastic helps to make a better surface when balancing and handling the ball. A well thought out design. It’s great for any age person, from children to senior citizens. It could be used to work out, play, and even be a part of a fun educational activity for children at home or in schools. Also, It does not just help to work out but a great way to improve your posture and back muscles. However people with back problems should take caution while using it.

If used incorrectly you can hurt yourself like with any other exercising equipment out there. Balancing is the key technique with the Exercise Ball. It has its benefits but has to be used consistently to see results. I for one basically love how you don’t have limitations with the Exercise Ball. You don’t need to stick to one routine(routines get too boring), you can invent workouts for yourself!

Photo Credit: Stability Ball Exercises

Jump Into Shape!

Another great exercise I love is Jump Rope! Again yet another equipment you can do so many different exercises with. Its also a great warm up before starting your usual exercise routine.

You can use the jump rope in a clear room or outdoors depending on how you like to workout. Its great for all ages from kids to adults.

Overall I just don’t see any flaws with the design. The side handles are usually made of plastic or polished wood and shaped with an easy grip. The rope itself comes in specific length which is not adjustable. However, that might not be a bad idea? Maybe? Adjustable length for the rope?

I always get amazed by all the different fun activities I have seen people doing. Every individual uses it as per their need, very customizable you could say. All the great fluorescent colors add to its appeal.

So when are you planning to jump into shape! 😀