Idea #1

Idea #2

Idea #3

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.

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.