Monthly Archives: October 2024

Based on the general objective, the scenario, the user's day by day and, in general, all of the research proposed in the first briefing. We decided to focus the design proposal on the design of a product. Below is the briefing of the product we want you to design. 1. Project Objective Primary Goal: Design a product that provides physical stability, emotional confidence, and personal security to older adults, encouraging active lifestyles and reducing loneliness. This product will support users in both daily routines and social activities by promoting independence and addressing needs in a dignified, approachable manner. How does this goal relate to the previous study/briefing presented? At Team 8, our vision is to "Transform non-metropolitan spaces for elderly people to reduce loneliness." To bring this vision to life, we want you to create a meaningful product that speaks directly to this need, helping older adults feel supported and empowered wherever they are. While expansive infrastructure might be out of reach, this product will offer a trusted companion—something that can be relied upon for stability, balance, and confidence. By integrating weight-bearing and stability features, you will create a source of physical support that users can take with them anywhere, bridging the gaps left by inaccessible infrastructure in non-metropolitan spaces. This support system is more than functional; it’s a gesture of independence and dignity, empowering users to explore the world around them with assurance and ease. 2. Target Audience Insight User Personas: Seniors: Active, independent adults who do not identify as “old.” They seek products that support a socially active lifestyle and avoid anything that implies fragility or dependency. 4th Generation: Individuals facing mobility or health limitations and experiencing potential loneliness due to reduced independence. They resist products that imply dependency but require subtle support to maintain their routines. User Transition: The product should bridge the transition between these two stages, supporting users’ independence as they adapt to new physical or social limitations. By addressing these needs preemptively, it can prevent feelings of abandonment and loss of purpose, reducing the risk of social isolation. 3. Key Challenges and Design Considerations Discreet, Dignified Design: The product must look like an everyday item or accessory rather than a medical aid. However, this discrete appearance should not compromise clarity of function or ease of use. User-Friendly Operation: Intuitive controls and features are essential, as older adults prefer simplicity and straightforward interactions. Avoid complex mechanisms that could lead to misuse. Balance of Discretion and Visibility: Design the product to adapt rather than conceal its supportive features. While it should appear ordinary at a glance, it must clearly signal usability through subtle visual cues and easy-to-understand controls. 4. Functional Requirements Mobility and Stability Aid: The product should enhance balance and prevent falls across different terrains (e.g., concrete, slippery surfaces, grass, sand). Suggested features: Retractable anti-slip feet that deploy on uneven surfaces. Self-locking mechanisms in a cane-like structure for stability when standing up or navigating difficult surfaces. Compact design that easily folds or retracts, allowing users…

We met with our pair, Team 8, on Sunday via Zoom. As clients and designers, we shared our initial thoughts on each other's briefs. Here are the topics we have discussed: We first talked about the brief we gave them. They had questions regarding the size of the storage unit, as team 10 we have decided that we will be updating our brief in terms of size. Then we moved on to what a Turkish kitchen looks like. Yağmur was in her hometown so she showed the balcony where they kept their food. Aybüke showed an example of a storage unit in her kitchen, and I have shown my kitchen to show what an average Turkish kitchen looks like in terms of size, how many cupboards there are, etc. We have asked questions about their brief. We asked what they tried to explain in the brief. It is their initial brief so we asked them questions like; -Should it be space or product? -How should we approach it? -Is this mainly based on the experience of seniors? -In which relationship aspect should we focus on? Between seniors themselves or between seniors and young people? They have said that we should focus on the interaction between seniors. We have also talked about what kind of areas they have meant about "rural areas". They will explain it further in detail in their updated brief. Here am I showing my kitchen, sorry it is not very tidy! We believe it was a very informative and friendly Zoom session. Scarlet and Cristina are very engaging, it was really enjoyable talking with them. We were excited to meet with them, and we said that we would meet every Sunday via Zoom. We are looking forward to future meetings! Love, Team 10

Objective Transform non-metropolitan spaces to align with the lifestyles of Spanish elderly people and reduce loneliness. The Scenario Spain Statistics about Elderly People In Spain, a significant demographic shift has led to an increase in the number of elderly individuals living alone or with one partner. A high percentage of elderly population is shown in small, rural communities or suburban settings. Tendencies and lifestyle clash Traditional multigenerational households have become less common, with many younger family members leaving home early to pursue education or careers in urban areas. This transition often leads to feelings of isolation and a perceived lack of purpose, particularly following retirement when elderly individuals step away from their professional identities. As a result, many elderly people find themselves navigating their daily lives without the support of family networks, leading to a disconnect from their communities. In the contemporary Spanish urban environment, vibrant, youth-centered spaces and developments dominate the social landscape. While these energetic spaces are bustling with life, they can inadvertently marginalize the elderly, who often struggle to find meaningful engagement in environments primarily designed for younger demographics. This lack of connection can cause many elderly individuals to withdraw from social activities, leading them to feel like they are no longer valuable contributors in a productivity-driven culture. The loneliness statistics shown that the tendencies of loneliness is surprising in the youth population. It is a very good reminder that loneliness is not just a problem of old age, it is a problem that can affect everyone at any age and that lifestyle trends over time can increasingly affect loneliness in older people, a vulnerable social group. The loneliness experienced by many elderly individuals is a pressing issue. Existing solutions, such as “INSERSO” and “casales de día,” offer temporary social engagement but do not address the deeper emotional and social needs that come with living alone. These activities, while beneficial in the short term, often leave large gaps in the day-to-day lives of elderly individuals, who require sustained, meaningful interactions to combat feelings of isolation. The problem persists and this is demonstrated in solutions such as senior centers. The following statistic graph, conducted in centers for older adults, presents the types of loneliness experienced and provides both the percentage and the exact number of individuals who identify with each type. The pandemic has also shifted perspectives on living arrangements, with some individuals opting to relocate from crowded cities to rural areas in search of peace and community. However, these rural towns (also called La España vacía) often lack the infrastructure and resources needed to support an aging population effectively, highlighting the need for innovative solutions that foster a sense of belonging and purpose among the elderly fitting their physical limitations. The User The focus We want you to focus on Spanish elderly individuals who live independently and desire to maintain their autonomy. Many of these individuals face physical limitations and also lack of purpose due to retirement. Main user’s problems Elderly Spanish individuals, typically over the age…

Hello, we are attaching our free times shown in blue areas. We use GMT+3. We would love to arrange a meeting when you are available too. Hope to see you soon! Love, Team 10

PROJECT BRIEF  For your project we want you to design a storage unit for winter preparations. We will be explaining what kind of aspects you should be focusing on.     (This is Yağmur's grandmother Hacer, preparing foods for winter.) DESIGNING WITH SCENARIOS Winter preparations in Turkey are traditional practices that help preserve food from the summer for the harsh winter days.  These practices are a form of cultural transmission, typically passed down to younger generations by elderly family members. The busy days of preparation allow family members to bond while enjoying the process. It’s not just family members who participate; close friends and neighbors also gather in the last days of summer to gossip, share their latest adventures, and celebrate the small joys of life. In many households, these final days are spent preparing foods like tomato sauce, drying vegetables, and stringing peppers on balconies. This process symbolizes cooperation and unity in Turkish culture, and it is important to understand how these practices are both produced and consumed within Turkish households. Due to Turkey’s cultural and geographical diversity, the ingredients used in these preparations vary from region to region. The most common winter preparations include making homemade tomato paste and jam, drying eggplants, peppers, and other vegetables, and making pickles. PREPARATION PROCESS OF WINTER FOODS Set goals for which products to preserve (e.g., vegetables, fruits, pickles, jams). Harvest ripe vegetables and fruits or purchase them from local markets. Wash and sort produce thoroughly, removing any damaged parts. Choose a preservation method: Canning: Chop produce, then sterilize and store in jars. Pickling: Prepare a salty brine to preserve vegetables. Drying: Sun-dry vegetables to remove moisture for long-term storage. Jams and Preserves: Cook fruits with sugar to create jams or preserves.       5. Store preserved products in a cool, dark, and dry place.      6. Incorporate preserved items into meals throughout the winter for healthy and delicious nutrition. USER PERSONA The main intended users are elderly people/grandparents in the family. We especially want you to focus on elderly people living independently.   The main goal here is to design a product solution that elderly people can use on their own without needing any help.   You can do interviews with your grandparents and ask them what food preparation represents for them and how they would hypothetically enjoy the process. In the research part, you can focus on questions like: In what kind of space do they store the foods? How much space should the solution unit cover? Consider an average apartment/house. Which movements do your grandparents make? Are there any physical obstacles in the place they are storing/ making food? What kind of solutions can be made? PROJECT OBJECTIVES  The product you will be working on should reflect cultural significance, cooperation, and unity. Here are some steps you should be considering while designing your solution. Identify Key Winter Storage Needs Storage Conditions Consider how these foods need to be stored—cool, dry, dark places are ideal for many preserved items. The prepared foods do not need to…

Hello Design Team 08! Would you be able to post introduction about each of your team members, please? You can see instructions what you may like to include in your introduction on this post Task | Individual Designers Profiles – The Global Studio | 2024 You paired Team 10 https://theglobalstudio.eu/2024-10 from METU Turkey and I are looking forward reading your introductions. Erik