Monthly Archives: October 2024

3 Cane Concepts Requirements: Modern, technological, non-traditional, and multifunctional: promoting freedom and independence. Ideas to be implemented in all three solutions: LED lighting Ultrasonic sensors Sustainable materials and batteries Modular cane with adaptive tips 1) Modular Cane LED lighting for nighttime use or dimly lit areas, with buttons to adjust light intensity and automatic activation in dark environments. Ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles by emitting high-frequency sound waves and measuring the time it takes for them to return after being reflected. This helps detect obstacles or uneven surfaces on sidewalks and streets, alerting elderly users through a vibration sensor. Sophisticated, comfortable, and adjustable ergonomics, featuring a soft, recycled rubber grip and size adjustment for users. Modern design with colors and models catering to older adults' tastes, such as pastel or neutral tones with a matte, non-slip texture for a subtle and delicate appearance. Modular design allows the cane to be composed of individual parts (tips, sensors) that can be replaced separately without needing to change the entire cane. Photovoltaic battery for automatic charging during outdoor use, providing high durability, although less efficient on cloudy days. Materials: Recycled rubber grip, aluminum for being lightweight, recyclable, and durable. At the end of its lifecycle, the cane can be disassembled, and the materials reused. 2) Retractable Cane LED lighting for nighttime use or dimly lit areas, with buttons to adjust light intensity and automatic activation in dark environments. Ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles, functioning through high-frequency sound waves to anticipate uneven surfaces or obstacles, alerting users via a vibration sensor. Sophisticated, comfortable, and adjustable ergonomics, featuring a recycled rubber grip and size adjustment for the user. Modern design with pastel or neutral tones, along with non-slip, matte textures for subtle elegance. Retractable design: In addition to size adjustability, the cane can fold for easy transportation. Lithium-polymer battery that charges via induction—simply place the cane on an induction base, eliminating the need for cables. These batteries are durable, lightweight, and energy-efficient but require proper disposal. Materials: Recycled rubber grip, aluminum for being lightweight, recyclable, and durable. The cane can be disassembled at the end of its life to recycle its components. 3) Kinetic Energy-Powered Cane LED lighting for nighttime use or dimly lit areas, with buttons to adjust light intensity and automatic activation in dark environments. Ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles, helping users by warning them about uneven paths through a vibration sensor. Sophisticated, comfortable, and adjustable ergonomics with a recycled rubber grip and size adjustment for the user. Modern design with pastel or neutral colors and non-slip, matte textures for a discreet appearance. Kinetic energy battery: This self-charging system stores energy from the user’s movement. A generator inside the cane converts the repetitive motion into renewable, continuous energy to power the cane. Materials: Recycled rubber grip, aluminum for being lightweight, recyclable, and durable. The cane can be dismantled at the end of its lifecycle to reuse the materials. Proposal by Elisa Souza

The problem of poor eyesight among the elderly in Russia goes beyond a simple inconvenience; it is a serious threat to both their safety and quality of life. This is an issue that requires our attention and active action. The statistics are relentless: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of older people in Russia face age-related vision changes. This is a figure that highlights the scale of the problem. The risk of falls in elderly people with poor eyesight increases 2-3 times compared to people with normal eyesight. This is a serious threat, as falls can lead to serious injuries. The consequences of falls can be very serious, including the need for hospitalization, and in some cases can even lead to death. The loss of independence and independence is a huge stress for the elderly, which negatively affects both their psychological and physical condition. Why did we choose this particular problem? Relevance: The aging process of the population in Russia is inevitable, and the problem of poor eyesight in older people is becoming more urgent every year, affecting an increasing number of people. Humanity: We strive to improve the quality of life of older people, striving to make their lives more comfortable and safe. Social significance: The development of a functional and comfortable walking stick that can help elderly people with poor eyesight is of great social importance, as it promotes their integration into public life. Target audience Grandparents: We focus on people aged 65 and older who suffer from visual impairment. These people value traditional values, comfort and self-care, but at the same time strive to remain independent and active participants in life. The need to improve the cane: The vast majority of respondents (85%) confirmed that traditional canes do not always meet their needs and believe that the cane can be more functional and comfortable. Vision problems as the main factor: The majority of survey participants (70%) noted that poor eyesight is the main problem they face in everyday life. Expectations from the cane: Improved visibility: Older people want a walking stick to help them navigate better, especially in poorly lit areas. Increased safety: They expect the cane to signal the approach of obstacles and help them avoid falls. Functionality: They want the cane to be not just a support, but a tool that makes their lives easier.Attitude towards new technologies: The majority of respondents (65%) have a positive attitude towards the use of new technologies in walking sticks, if these technologies are easy to use and really make life easier. Design: Older people appreciate not only the functionality, but also the appearance of the cane. It is important for them that the cane does not look “old-fashioned”, but is modern and attractive. The history of the caneThe cane is not just a tool; it is a symbol with deep historical roots. In the ancient world, canes were used not only as supports for movement, but also as weapons and a symbol of power. In the…

Hi! The name’s Rodrigo Göcks Osório but all my friends call me Gocks 💛 I study at UFRGS, a federal University from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. I was born in Aracaju, a coastal city, in the northeast, but all my family lives, and now I do too, in Porto Alegre, in the southern of Brazil. UFRGS was always my dream university, my mom studied here and I’m very excited to learn with my professors and my colleagues. I was always in love with art since I was little and it made me who I am today. I think art has the power to change the way we see the world and the other way around. I think design is a form of art and can achieve such wonderful things, that's why I choose to study Visual Design. Yet, I'm not sure what my career path is, but I love experimenting and trying new things and college has been an enabler for that. You can contact me via email: ro.gocks.osorio@gmail.com or via instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gocks.stars/#

Hi, I'm Lívia! I'm from Porto Alegre, Brazil, and I've always been fascinated by the world of design. In my free time, I enjoy drawing, reading, and traveling to other cities! These activities inspire me and help keep my mind creative. I'm a Visual Design student at UFRGS, and after graduating, I plan to explore new challenges in the field of design. I want to use my passion to develop innovative and impactful projects, whether working with companies or even creating my own studio. I'm excited to contribute with creative solutions that truly make a difference. Feel free to reach out to me via email at liviasantos7811@gmail.com or connect with me on social media through @livia.santtosss or lua.art.oficial . I'd love to hear from you!

Hi guys, my name is Elisa, I'm from Porto Alegre, Brasil. Visual design student at UFRGS.  I usually spend most of my time at college, which even though it is super tiring, I really enjoy creating projects and learning more about the world of design. I have two puppies daughters, Jujuba and Pipoca.  I love reading, I love traveling the world and putting myself in the stories I read, I usually read suspense and romance books. My biggest hobby is watching series and films, I don't have a preferred genre, but my favorite films and series are: Friends, Modern Family, Clueless, Legally Blonde, How to lose a guy in 10 days.  My other hobbies are sports and painting. I love learning new painting techniques. I love going to the gym in the morning or playing soccer in ending afternoon. I think my favorite moments is going to the beach,  watching a series with my boyfriend eating pizza on a rainy day or going to roller skating in the end of the day.