Daily Archives: November 13, 2024

This wearable technology concept is made to help elderly people in Naples with Alzheimer’s by providing memory support and safety features in a simple design. The main part is a multimedia smartwatch that is easy to use, allowing users to see photos and videos that remind them of past memories, listen to the radio, and press an SOS button in emergencies. There is also a small scent device that can be attached to a collar, which releases familiar smells to help users remember, while also having GPS tracking so families can know their location. Another part is a sensor device that can attach to personal items like a cane, with a camera and sensors to detect risks and send alerts to users or caregivers. these three devices create a helpful system that supports independence and safety, specially made for people with Alzheimer’s. This Idea is related to the later stages of Alzheimer's when the patient has lost the ability to complete their daily life tasks; at this stage, the design was focused on making the life of the caretakers easier. The idea includes a chair that is convertible to fit different needs. It can bend from the hinge, making it easier to transfer the patient to and from their beds. The center of the seat is removable so that taking the patient to the bathroom would be easier. There is a pedal that opens wheels and gives leverage in order to move the chair more easily and also, make it easier to place the chair onto the toilet. Questa idea si concentra sulla familiarità, dando una sensazione di nostalgia e memoria; l'idea si concentra sulle fasi iniziali e intermedie della condizione. Consiste in un altoparlante che può connettersi agli account dei custodi, rendendo facile controllare la musica riprodotta, come opere nostalgiche e simili, o persino parlare direttamente con il paziente. C'è anche un distributore di profumo che agisce come un umidificatore e può emanare profumi familiari. Il design stesso è stato realizzato per adattarsi alla forma delle cupole delle chiese, dato che Napoli ha il numero più alto di chiese al mondo e può avere un aspetto familiare. The third idea focuses on allowing and encouraging the patient to complete their daily tasks on their own. This will help them delay the effects of the disease while monitoring them to make sure they are successfully completing the tasks. The design consists of a board that sends everything written on it to another screen, making it easy to monitor the patient. There will be times of the day written on the board and the patient will write what they did onto the board on the corresponding slot. If anything is missed or they forgot to write anything at all, the caretakers can contact the patient and check on them. There is a shelf at the bottom that holds markers to write, an emergency button to contact the caretakers, a speaker and microphone, timer screen- so that the patient or caretakers can set…

Hello! I hope you guys are doing well. I came with 3 different design ideas for your brief. My ideas are mostly inspired by games and friendly activities that are used in therapy for the elderly with Alzheimers. Please find them below and let me know of your thoughts! :) Design Idea 1: I researched the character “Pulcinella”, which seemed to be a very popular character in your country and also popular with your elderly. I made some form explorations as you can see below and came up with a product called the ‘Pulcino’ Robot. The Pulcino Robot is a friendly companion robot designed to support Italian seniors with Alzheimer’s by helping them stay connected to their culture and memories. Inspired by the Italian character Pulcinella, the robot has a gentle, approachable design with rounded features and a friendly “face” that smiles and interacts. Pulcino engages seniors through sensory activities, such as showing familiar images of Italy, playing traditional Italian songs, food games, and even releasing scents like basil or rosemary. Seniors can talk with Pulcino about family, memories, or everyday routines, while it assists with gentle reminders for activities and social interaction, making it a comforting and engaging presence in their day-to-day life. Design Idea 2: “Festival In a Box” is a monthly subscription kit/activity kit that brings traditional Italian festivals and celebrations to seniors’ homes, sparking memories and connecting them with Italian culture. Each box focuses on a specific Italian festival, like Carnevale or Pasqua (Easter), and includes items like small decorations, and cubes that have different characteristics like traditional Italian games, scents, music, etc. I was thinking of adding sensory items, such as sachets with familiar Italian scents, and an audio playlist with Italian folk music or festival sounds. Seniors and caregivers can explore the box together, decorating, listening, or tasting, making the experience both sensory-rich and memory-evoking. Each box is designed to be simple, joyful, and filled with Italian cultural elements. Design Idea 3: “Taste of Italy” Memory Teacups are ceramic teacups designed to bring back memories of Italian flavours and scents for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Each teacup has a unique Italian aroma, like espresso, oregano, or basil, which activates when hot water is poured in. The aroma is embedded in a detachable, scent-infused disc that sits at the bottom of the cup. As the water warms the disc, it gradually releases the fragrance, creating a comforting sensory experience. The cups can also be decorated with traditional Italian patterns and symbols, giving them a warm, nostalgic feel. This design combines taste, smell, and touch, allowing seniors to enjoy the familiar aromas of Italy in a relaxing, memory-rich experience. I hope my explanations and sketches are clear. These are very basic ideas, but if you’d like any further explanation or refinement, please let us know! :)

Design a large, interactive wall installation made of felt and soft Velcro, where participants can create and customize their own personal "memory map" of Naples. This tactile wall allows seniors to combine various elements, enhancing engagement and interactivity. A felt map of Naples would serve as the centerpiece, surrounded by Velcro-backed images and icons. Participants can add photos of loved ones, favorite locations around Naples, and key ingredients from iconic dishes. By moving these elements around or adding new ones, they can actively recall cherished memories, revisit important places, and engage with familiar cultural symbols. This self-directed activity fosters memory retention and allows participants to reconnect with their personal histories in an engaging and dignified way, encouraging ongoing cognitive and social stimulation.