Tangible Product Design for Elderly People

Collaborating partner: Gjøvik kommune (Municipality), Norway

Background

This project seeks to tackle the issue of loneliness and disconnection experienced by elderly individuals, especially those in nursing homes, who are often far from their families. By developing innovative and tangible solutions beyond traditional communication methods, the goal is to enhance social interaction and combat the feelings of isolation prevalent among seniors in need of care.

Project's technical goal

The technical goal of the project is to develop a flexible, autonomous, and safe prototype that leverages Health Promotion and Multi-Sensory Environments (MSE) principles. Incorporating physical Internet of Things (IoT) elements, the project aims to enhance communication and engagement among informal caregivers, individuals in need of care, and health services.

My team

Magdalena Maria Miazga: Assist the team with product’s materials collection. 

Anastasiia Zolotova: Helping the team to organize information and report writing.

My role

I led this group project and my primary role involved spearheading the technical aspects of the project, which included defining the product’s functionality, programming to meet user requirements, developing and designing the mobile application, and conducting user testing.

Project's flow

  • Desk Research
  • Brainstorming and generating three concepts
  • User testing
  • Expert interview
  • Personas and scenarios
  • Prototyping
  • User testing
  • Expert testing
  • Iterations and deliver

From the project’s workshop

Product’s functionality

The product

The study resulted in a tangible product designed for expressing love to loved ones globally. The incorporation of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and a mobile application infused the product with a dynamic essence. As a user embraces the pillow, it triggers a message to be sent to the intended recipients, conveying the warmth of a virtual hug.

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