Author: zeelafsiraj

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Initial Ideas – Zeelaf Siraj

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! :)

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Client Project Brief: “Gün Serving Unit” Design for Turkish Gatherings

The 'Gün' is a type of gathering that has been part of Turkish culture for a very long time. Relatives, neighbors, and friends get together once a month to eat, drink tea, and chat. In addition to socializing, the Gün also serves as a bank. Each month, guests bring an initial amount of money or gold to the host, and the day ends when everyone has received their money back, that is, once everyone has become a host. For our project, we are seeking to design a "Gün Serving Unit" that accommodates the unique needs of these gatherings. The unit should be designed to comfortably hold large quantities of food, platters, tea sets, and other essentials used in a traditional Gün. It should also be easy for the host to manage while showcasing the dishes in a way that enhances the cultural experience. The Gün Serving Unit should not only serve as a functional tool for organizing Turkish gatherings but also act as a symbol of the cultural value placed on hospitality, food, and community bonding. Aim: To create a culturally relevant and functional Gün Serving Unit that meets the needs of these gatherings. This unit should celebrate Turkish traditions while providing a practical solution for hosts who need a dedicated space to display their dishes, tea services, and other dining essentials. Objective: To design a compact, space-efficient unit that is easy for elderly hosts to manage. It must hold and display large quantities of traditional Turkish dishes, with features that make serving and access to dishes easy. Intended Users: Turkish households that frequently host Gün gatherings, with a special focus on women aged 50+, who are mostly grandparents. Target Market: Elderly women (50+): These are the primary hosts, often grandmothers, who maintain the tradition and regularly host family, friends, and neighbors. They need a functional, easy-to-manage serving unit that enhances their role as the center of these gatherings. Elderly living with their families: In multi-generational households, elderly hosts may take pride in organizing Gün gatherings. A thoughtfully designed unit can help them manage hosting duties more easily, enhancing their sense of contribution and social connection. Elderly couples: Couples who host Gün gatherings as a shared activity can benefit from a serving unit that simplifies the process, making it easier to handle large quantities of food and drinks while spending time with their guests. Elderly individuals seeking social interaction: For elderly people who may live alone or have limited opportunities for socializing, Gün gatherings serve as a crucial way to connect with others. A serving unit designed with ease of use in mind can make hosting more inviting and accessible for them. Problem Definition: We are seeking the design of a versatile Gün serving unit that addresses the challenges faced by hosts during these traditional gatherings. The unit should streamline the essential tasks of preparing, serving, and organizing food, as well as accommodating guests comfortably and assisting with the post-event cleanup. From managing limited space to efficiently handling leftovers, the…

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