Updated: Product Design Brief for Group 10
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…
Design Brief for Group 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…