
Bipro Dhar
BME 66: Engineering Design Process
10 Problems Assignment
1. My uncle’s hearing aids require frequent recalibration, often needing adjustment at least
once a month. When they're not properly calibrated, he struggles with conversations
because they amplify all sounds, including background noise, making it hard to focus on
speech in crowded places. Despite multiple visits to the audiologist, they still often
malfunction in everyday settings, like restaurants or family gatherings.
2. Whenever I used to cook in our first house, especially when frying or grilling, the smell
of food lingered in the apartment for hours, sometimes even into the next day, the kitchen
had poor ventilation, and the layout of our first home prevented effective airflow, even
with windows open. The existing range hood is weak and ineffective, but since I rent, I
can't install a more powerful one. As a result, the odors settle into fabrics like curtains
and furniture, making the living space feel stale and uncomfortable for long periods.
3. I commute from Long Island to New Jersey every day during my internship, spending
about 2 hours each way on the road. The long commute leaves me exhausted by the time
I get home, giving me little time or energy to spend with my family or focus on personal
projects. Delays are often unpredictable, leading to added stress, and I frequently arrive
very tired after the commute. Over time, the commute has affected my sleep and overall
well-being, as I have to wake up earlier and get home later, cutting into my downtime and
leaving me constantly fatigued.
4. My cousin is a writer, she would spend 6 to 8 hours a day typing, and despite using
ergonomic equipment, she still experiences persistent hand and wrist pain, especially
after long writing sessions. The pain starts as a dull ache but can become sharp, forcing
me to take frequent breaks, which disrupts my workflow and slows down my
productivity. She tried voice-to-text software as an alternative, but it didn’t capture my
thoughts accurately or flow well with my creative process, so she returned to typing and
aggravated the pain. This ongoing discomfort makes it hard to maintain a consistent
writing routine without physical strain.
5. I have a hard time staying hydrated throughout the day, especially when I'm busy or
focused on work. Even though I know it’s important, I often forget to drink water for
hours at a time, which leaves me feeling tired, foggy, and prone to headaches by the
afternoon. I’ve tried keeping a water bottle at my desk, but I still find myself neglecting it
or getting too engrossed in tasks to remember to take sips. This lack of consistent