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.