Summary
DESIGN IDEA 1: The idea of this smartwatch is, for me, the most valid and practical. With all the features it offers, such as memory support, security, and the ability to display photos that help elderly people remember their family members and past life experiences, it provides great assistance. The SOS button for emergencies is also of vital importance. A brilliant feature is the release of familiar scents for the elderly, which helps stimulate memories and makes them feel at ease. The GPS, like the SOS, is crucial. It could be useful to see if it's possible to link the watch’s GPS to the phones of close relatives, such as children, siblings, or cousins, to always keep track of the elderly person’s movements. Regarding the playback of videos, music, or sounds, it would be nice to add a jack for regular headphones (in case the elderly person doesn't have or doesn’t know how to use Bluetooth headphones). As for the sensor to attach objects, I would like to understand better how it works—specifically, how the objects are attached and how it can help with safety.
DESIGN IDEA 2: This idea is very nice, but it focuses on the people who help those with Alzheimer’s rather than on the elderly individuals who have the condition. The focus is on how to slow down the cognitive decline caused by the disease. In my opinion, it goes beyond what we asked for.
DESIGN IDEA 3: This idea is original because it offers great support from caregivers while keeping the focus on elderly people with Alzheimer’s. The design is also very interesting as it is inspired by the domes of Neapolitan churches. Familiarity in Alzheimer’s disease is very important, and through a song or a scent, the elderly person could recall old life experiences.
DESIGN IDEA 4: This idea, actually, isn't entirely effective because it might seem a bit too rigid and impersonal for people with Alzheimer’s. They could feel frustrated or confused using such a structured system. Even though the goal is to maintain independence, constant monitoring might feel invasive and make the patient feel controlled rather than emotionally supported. Also, the practical aspect of the board might not be stimulating enough for the patient’s mind, who might need something that engages them more in their daily routine.
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 times for tasks,- and notes for long-term reminders.
I want to start by saying that I really liked your ideas and was impressed by the creativity and effort you put into them. However, I think they need to be revised a bit to better suit the needs of elderly Neapolitans.
* 1: The idea of the smartwatch is nice, but you have to consider that we are talking about elderly people, who naturally are not as familiar with technology as we young people are and, as a result, might not know how to use it.
* 2: The walking stick with a GPS sensor and SOS system is a valid and nice idea.
* 3: The idea of the convertible chair is beautiful, but you’re going a bit off-topic. Remember that the themes are elderly people and Alzheimer’s, nothing else.
* The dome that imitates the design of Naples’ churches is a beautiful idea, but if I understood correctly, its function would be something like Alexa, right?
* The “festival in a box” is nice, but unfortunately, it doesn’t convince me much, as it would necessarily require the presence of a caregiver.
* The robot chick is a beautiful and innovative idea, but there’s still the difficulty of elderly people approaching technology.
We’re talking about simple people, tied to a very practical and uncomplicated way of life. Most of them have lived through periods of poverty and are used to getting by with little, without sophistication. Moreover, not everyone is familiar with technology, which can be a challenge for them.
I don’t want to be too critical; in fact, my goal is to help you make your ideas even more effective and targeted. I suggest focusing on simpler and more intuitive solutions that require little to no advanced technology, so they are better suited to their habits and needs. I’m confident that with a few adjustments, you can create something truly special.
Smartwatch
The idea of a smartwatch is not bad at all, it has some interesting features such as the system which is able to detect risks and provide allerts in case something is going wrong.
We had a similar idea during the start of our project but we soon find out there was a probem, not too many elderly people wear a watch, especially those affected with AD, becuse they could simply forget to wear the watch.
Convertible chair
The convertible chair has a very good exterior design and offers nice features such as helping the elder to stand up and sit down, however the product in se’ hasn’t a partcular relationship with napoleaten culture nor with AD treatment, prevention or rehabilitation.
Speaker
The speaker is a very interesting idea, it offers many useful features such as playing music, dispense scent and the possibility to detect the position of the elder person.
Neverthless I think the aspect is well-designed but a bit overwhelming, I would prefer something a little more discrete, especially for something that has to be worn outside.
However I reall don’t dislike this idea at all, I’m curious about what my colleagues think.
Sensory Board
The sensory board is another great idea, the board may have a really positive impact on the course of the disease.
The mirroring feature, the speaker and the microphone are all very nice and useful features.
However it has too many similarities with the pre-existing interactive boards, so maybe you could add some feature in order to make it more original. Nonetheless I think this is not a bad idea at all.
Pulcino Robot
The pulcino robot is for me the best idea so far, I really love it.
The design is spectacular and perfectly fits onto napoleaten culture, the features are really useful and strictly related to the main topic.
The product possibilities are endless and very interesting, it is an original idea which could also have a positive impact on the course of the disease.
The possibility to talk and interact with him is what I really like the most, and the fact that it can grant you assistance is what makes the difference between an interactive object and a useful innovative product.
Festival Box
As much as I think the festival box is one of the most original idea, the fact that’s a consumable product with a monthly subscription doesn’t appeal too much to me.
However I think that the product has really interesting features and case applications.
The main problem I’ve noticed is that elderly pathological poeple won’t be able to access it directly, moreover it has very strict periods of use let’s say, because of the annual celebrations.
Memory Teacups
The memory Teacups are simple but powerful, the idea has some nice feature but above all is related to our culture enough.
The fact that it can combine multiple source of sensorial informations, in an all in one way, is a very useful and interesting feature.
Moreover its simplicity is what makes the difference in usability during the latest stages of the desease.
I really would take in consideration this idea.
Memory Map
The memory map is another interesting and original idea, I would have never thought of something like this, the fact that you can attach to it practically anything has such a nice appeal to me.
I’m sure this would be useful for enhancing cognitive and motor engagment and even social stimulation, all factors that have to be taken in consideration during the course of the disease.
However I have a question, where would I be able to find the object to attacch to the interactive wall? Other than that I think this could be another great idea to take in consideration.
Evaluation of Farid and Zeelaf’s Ideas
I have read both Farid’s and Zeelaf’s proposals, and I find both of them very interesting and promising. In particular, I appreciate Farid’s idea of assisting Alzheimer’s patients with their daily activities through a machine that helps them move around the house, especially in the more advanced stages of the disease. This type of technology, which facilitates the patients’ autonomy, seems to be a highly functional solution. Additionally, integrating the structure of the machine with elements familiar to the city of Naples adds a cultural and emotional aspect, making the interaction with the device more natural and reassuring for the patient.
I don’t particularly like the idea of using a smartwatch as an electronic device to take photos, as it seems like something that already exists and doesn’t offer much innovation.
Similarly, the idea of a cane equipped with a sensor doesn’t appeal to me, but I recognize that it could still be useful in facilitating the elderly person’s activities or ensuring their safety.
Zeelaf’s idea of creating a small robot inspired by Pulcinella, a symbol of Neapolitan culture, is also very interesting. Using an iconic figure to make the elderly person feel closer to their roots and culture is a proposal with strong emotional and motivational potential. Moreover, the idea of providing a party kit for every important event is a creative way to involve the elderly in local celebrations, allowing them to stay connected to traditions and festivities, even in the context of cognitive decline.
Lastly, the initial idea of creating a map of Naples as part of a broader project could serve not only as a navigational tool but also as a way to maintain a connection to the city and its cultural heritage. This approach could help stimulate memory and maintain a sense of identity, even in the later stages of the disease.