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 to carry it in a bag or attach it to a belt without bulk
• Durability and Lightness: Utilize strong, lightweight materials. The product should be easy to carry without sacrificing strength, supporting extended, multi-terrain use.
• Ergonomics: The product should be ergonomic and intuitive to handle, minimizing strain during prolonged use.

5. Emotional and Psychological Elements

• Added Values for User Connection: The product must go beyond basic functionality to offer added values that foster a genuine, emotional connection with the user. These added values—such as personalization options, aesthetically pleasing design, and features that evoke memories or allow for self-expression, etc.—are crucial to transforming the product from a simple aid into an integral, meaningful part of the user’s life. This depth of connection will make the product something users are proud to carry and enjoy using, ultimately supporting their confidence, joy, and sense of independence.
• Joy and Aesthetics:
  • Color Options and Texture Variety: Use universally appealing colors and textures, offering options like soft pastels, earth tones, or customizable covers for different personalities. Select textures that are tactilely interesting yet not overwhelming, making the product feel pleasant to touch and handle.
  • Personalization: Provide options for users to customize the product with elements like removable covers, small photo displays, or charms. This can transform the product into a personal item that users are proud to carry and share with others.
• Social Engagement Features:
  • Design the product as a potential conversation starter or potential generator of interactions among seniors. Examples include a small display area for family photos or an area where users can attach personal memorabilia, encouraging users to share stories and memories during social interactions.

6. Inspirational Product Comparisons

• Benchmark Products and Shortcomings:
  • Foldable Canes and Lightweight Rollators: While foldable canes offer compact support, they often lack stability. Consider adding weight distribution features or self-locking mechanisms that combine compactness with balance.
  • Portable Stools or Compact Folding Chairs: These are portable but often bulky. The new product should aim for a streamlined design that integrates standing support without compromising portability.

7. Safety and Quality Assurance

• Durability Standards: Use high-quality, wear-resistant materials that ensure longevity, with testing for varied environmental conditions (e.g., moisture, temperature, weight tolerance).
• Different Terrains: Take into account surfaces like wet floors, uneven pavements, gravel, and grass, accounting for the weight and grip strength typical of older adults. Specific tests on traction and stability will help refine anti-slip features.

8. Budget and Affordability Considerations

• Cost-Control Measures: Although there is no strict budget, affordability is essential given the average retirement pension. Incorporate cost-effective production practices, such as using modular components that simplify manufacturing and reduce complexity. The average retirement pension amounts to 1,445.75 euros.
• Durability and Value: Choose materials that offer long-lasting durability with minimal upkeep, providing users with a reliable, one-time investment. The aim is to create a product that doesn’t require frequent replacements, enhancing its overall value.

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 of 65, face unique challenges as they navigate the later stages of life. Many live alone or with partners, often experiencing a profound sense of solitude. This solitude can evoke feelings of abandonment, especially as their social networks diminish and familiar routines shift.

The transition into retirement can be particularly disorienting. After years of contributing to society through work, many elderly individuals encounter a loss of identity and purpose. The vibrant lives they once led may feel distant, replaced by daily activities that can become monotonous.

While they may engage in solitary tasks like gardening or watching television, the longing for meaningful social interactions remains. Opportunities for connection are often limited, leading them to seek companionship in community clubs or senior centers, which typically offer only temporary respite from loneliness.

Physical limitations can further complicate their daily experiences, hindering their ability to participate in community life and making routine outings feel daunting. Despite their desire for independence, many elderly individuals face barriers that prevent them from fully engaging with their surroundings.

What do we understand by non-lonely?

What elderly individuals truly seek is a renewed sense of belonging—an environment where their voices are respected, and their life experiences are acknowledged and valued. They long for genuine, meaningful connections with others who understand their journey. Rather than fleeting interactions, they desire enduring relationships, routines, and experiences that add richness to their lives. Much like their peers who maintain lifelong friendships by gathering in familiar spots—be it at their usual bench by the beach, their favorite neighborhood bar, or the Petanca Club next to the park where families stroll with children and pets—these connections provide not only social interaction but a comforting continuity in their daily lives.

Day in a Spanish elderly individual life

Example of a Target User (Real-Life Scenario)

Pepito and Encarna are a 90-year-old couple. When they got married, they built a beautiful large house with a garden and swimming pool. They never had children, so their family gatherings have always been with their nieces, nephews, and later on, their grandnieces and grandnephews. However, as they’ve aged, their lifestyle has changed dramatically. They no longer host barbecues or spend afternoons by the pool, their energy and mobility have significantly declined.

Key Changes in Their Lives

• Health and Mobility Decline: Over the years, Pepito and Encarna have both been hospitalized several times and can no longer enjoy the activities they once did. They don’t have the energy or mobility they used to, which has greatly affected their daily life.
• Adjustments in Their Living Space: Due to their reduced mobility, they had to move their bedroom from the first floor to the main floor. They are no longer able to drive, and Pepito now relies on a walker to move around the house. Simple activities, like walking to the local café for breakfast or buying a newspaper, are no longer possible.
• Limited Social Engagement: Most of their daily life is now confined to their living room and kitchen, as they are unable to manage household chores or other activities on their own. While their nieces and nephews care about them, they find it difficult to visit due to personal commitments, leaving Pepito and Encarna feeling increasingly isolated.

Support System

• Housekeeper: They have a housekeeper who visits six days a week in the mornings to clean, prepare lunch, and provide some company. However, this brief interaction doesn’t fulfill their need for more social engagement.
• Gardening and Hobbies: While they enjoy interacting with others, such as their neighbors or the gardener, it happens infrequently. Encarna loves plants and flowers, but she no longer has the energy to tend to her garden, which frustrates her, adding to the sense of loss over her favorite hobby.
• Nurse Visits: A nurse comes twice a week to check on their health and help with bathing. This provides essential physical care but doesn’t address their emotional and social needs.

Emotional Well-Being

• Loneliness and Frequent Calls to Family: Pepito and Encarna often feel alone, as most of their day is spent just the two of them. In their loneliness, they frequently call their relatives just to talk, craving interaction with loved ones. They know it is not possible to get in touch with their relatives every day, due to work timetable and other personal matters, so if that is not possible, they stay in the couch whatching TV.
• Concern About Safety: They are increasingly concerned about their vulnerability to robbery, though fortunately, it hasn’t happened.
• Joy and Sadness Around Family Visits: When their relatives do manage to visit, Pepito and Encarna are overjoyed and suddenly full of energy. These visits often involve outings to the mall, garden center, or grocery store, followed by enjoyable meals together. However, when it’s time for their family to leave, the couple becomes very sad, repeatedly asking when their loved ones will return.

Inspiration Sources

Four our proposal we have been inspired mainly in two trends:

• How is the life in the regions of the world with the lowest rate of mortality ( Vilcabamba in Ecuador and Ogimi in Japan). We realised that in those places predominates simplicity and a social backround in elders, as it does here in non-lonely people.
• Transformation of spaces as the solution of the future. For this second trend, we recently came across the exhibition of Mini in the London Design Week: Nice to meet you again. One of the topics of discussion was the future of urban designs, where they talked further into the human experience bringing the country to the city and solutions for the future. An we tough, is it possible to bring the city to the country?. Other examples of space transformation as the solution to problems are tiny homes that have this clever ideas to transform maybe the bedroom in the office in less than two minutes and effortless.

We encourage you to read a little bit about these trends , as we think may be key thoughts for this project.

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

1. Set goals for which products to preserve (e.g., vegetables, fruits, pickles, jams).
2. Harvest ripe vegetables and fruits or purchase them from local markets.
3. Wash and sort produce thoroughly, removing any damaged parts.
4. 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.

1. 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 be stored in a refrigerator because of the preparation and preservation methods.

Organization

Grandparents in Turkey collect empty jars, lids, and soda bottles throughout the year. This behavior is a good example of a sustainable decision that is unconsciously made. The product should offer separation of empty and full containers as well as lids with different sizes. You can also consider how to separate different items (jars, dried goods) within the storage unit. Dividers or compartments could help keep things orderly.

Accessibility

For elderly people, ease of access is crucial. How often do they access these stored goods? Can the unit be opened, closed, or moved without much effort?     

Portability

Since the unit needs to be portable, consider wheels or handles that allow it to be easily moved to different areas, such as balconies or kitchens, while still maintaining appropriate storage conditions.

Material Choice

The storage unit should be made from materials that can help maintain a stable temperature, such as wood or insulated plastic.

Ergonomics

Keep the height of the unit at a comfortable level to avoid excessive bending or reaching. Compartments that are frequently accessed should be positioned between waist and shoulder height to minimize strain on the back or joints.

Lightweight Materials 

Ensure that the materials used are lightweight, making the unit easier to move and use. Incorporate handles that are ergonomically designed for a better grip, particularly for users with weaker hand strength.

Cost Expectation

The product should be in an accessible price range for most of the population. It should cost around 1000-1500 Turkish Liras. (25-40 Euros)

  2. Evaluate Existing Storage Solutions

You should do market research. But here are some examples of storage units:

Tip: Transparent sections or labeled compartments could be included so that users can easily see where everything is stored without having to open each compartment.

CULTURAL BACKGROUND

Elderly People in Turkish Culture

Elderly people play an important role in Turkish culture, representing inherited customs and values. Their significance is linked to various facets of Turkish family and social life, emphasizing authority, wisdom, and respect. 

Respect

People are taught from a young age to respect older people, which includes standing when they enter a room, addressing them with respectful titles (such as “Amca” for uncle, “Teyze” for aunt, or “Dede” for grandfather), and listening carefully to their advice and stories.

Younger people are expected to kiss the hands of elderly family members as a show of respect, particularly during holidays and family gatherings.

 Family Structure and Role of Elders

Elders have a crucial role in family life. They are often responsible for making decisions, raising children, and upholding customs. In addition to handing down cultural customs, tales, and ideals, many older people assist in caring for grandkids. 

Wisdom and Storytelling

In Turkish culture, the elderly are often seen as the keepers of cultural memory and traditions. Their knowledge gathered through life experience, is considered valuable for younger generations. They frequently share historical knowledge, folk tales, and advice on moral or practical issues, which is a way of preserving cultural heritage.

HABITS

Love of Animals

In Turkey, stray animals are deeply loved. they are seen as blessings from God. There is a saying in Turkey “A person who does not love animals is not capable of loving humans.”They are often fed at the entrance of apartments and in parks. People make little houses for them to stay during winter. Elderly people are fond of them too. Especially cats, are more kind to elderly people and follow them around.

Listening Traditional Music

Elderly people love listening to “türkü”. Türkü refers to folk songs originating from music traditions within Turkey. Some of the most popular türkü are:

Sevda Türküsü by Grup Yorum 

Grup Yorum – Sevda Türküsü I Cesaret © 1992 Kalan Müzik

Karlı Kayın Ormanı by Zülfü Livaneli

Zülfü Livaneli – Karlı Kayın Ormanında @livanelizulfu

Gelevera Deresi by Kazım Koyuncu and Şevval Sam

Şevval Sam & Kazım Koyuncu – Gelevera Deresi [ Karadeniz © 2008 Kalan Müzik ]

Ahirim Sensin by Neşet Ertaş

Ahirim Sensin

Haydar Haydar by Ali Ekber Çiçek

ali ekber çiçek haydar haydar

Afternoon Tea and Turkish Coffee

Tea (çay) plays a significant role in Turkish culture, and elderly people often gather with family or neighbors for tea sessions throughout the day. These gatherings are social and involve conversations about daily life, family matters, and local happenings.

Turkish coffee is a rich, strong, and unfiltered coffee traditionally served in small cups. It’s brewed slowly over low heat, creating a thick, flavorful drink with a fine layer of foam on top. Turkish coffee isn’t complete without a little fortune-telling fun! After finishing the coffee, the cup gets flipped upside down, and as it cools, someone takes a look at the coffee grounds and playfully predicts your future. They might say something like, “Hmm, I see a big journey ahead… or maybe it’s just a quick run to the market!”

Handcrafts

In Turkish culture, handicrafts are highly valued, and many older Turkish citizens still contribute significantly to the preservation and transmission of these age-old talents. A few of these handicrafts have been around for generations and are intricately linked to local customs, history, and everyday life. The following are a few of the most well-known handicrafts that older Turkish citizens frequently perform: 

Knitting and Crocheting (“Örgü” and “Dantel”)

Knitting (Örgü): Many Turkish women, particularly the older ones, are adept knitters. They produce a wide range of knitted goods, including cardigans, sweaters, scarves, and socks (called “yün çorap”). Traditional knitted wool socks can have complex designs and vibrant colors.

Crocheting (Dantel): Many older women also crochet complex patterns or create lacework to decorate home furnishings like napkins, tablecloths, and curtains. Towels with lace edging (called “havlu kenarı”) are especially common. Gifts of these exquisite works of art are common, particularly at weddings and other special events.

Carpet and Kilim Weaving (“Halı” and “Kilim Dokuma”)

Whereas kilims are flat-woven and used as furniture covers, tapestries, or rugs, carpets (halı) are often thicker and utilised as floor coverings. In addition to geometric patterns, florals, and traditional symbols that narrate tales or symbolise family history, the designs are frequently geographically specific.

Pottery and Ceramics (“Çömlekçilik”)

Pottery is still made by older craftspeople in areas with rich clay resources. For instance, Avanos, a village in central Turkey, is well-known for its pottery, and many older men teach the next generation of people how to make it. Bowls, jugs, and decorative ceramics are examples of handmade pottery, which frequently has traditional patterns and decorations.

We hope that you will enjoy the project. If there are any questions please feel free to ask! We are looking forward to working with you!

Love, Team 10

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