The Buddy

Abstract

The Buddy is especially designed for children of the Princess Máxima Centre, this is the new child oncology centrum in the Netherlands. The Buddy can also be used in other children hospitals. The main focus of the Buddy is the use of children who are receiving. Since the children are bounded to an IV pole, they are less flexible than normally. The Buddy is designed for children from 4 till 8 years old. This group of children likes to run around, therefor this group is helped the most with freedom to move. The Buddy helps them to have a nice time during the administration. Because of the handles it is easier for the children to walk around alone with the product. To make the product interactive, and therefore not feel like a walker, the handles of the Buddy are able to be moved. This gives a nice playful feeling. Another fun factor is the scooter on the back of the Buddy. The children can use the scooter to step around with in the hospital. Also with daily activities, the Buddy is helpful. The Buddy is steerable by children, they can go to the toilet alone without extra help needed. The shape of the Buddy is based on the wishes of the children. Round shapes and colours are used. They can even see a Beast in it! The Buddy can come with a whole new playing environment in the hospital. With the help of traffic lights and traffic singes the children can play together. There is even the possibility for a racing circuit because of the stability of the Buddy! Not only the children but also the nurses are helped with the new design of the IV pole. The Buddy provides them an easy way to have an overview of the equipment needed for chemotherapy. A colour system is conceived to help the nurses to get a overview. Also the nurses are not hindered by the Kanjerketting anymore since there is a special place for the neckless. The price of the Buddy will be in the same range as other special IV poles.