Compath - Dementia Companion System

Para qué sirve

Compath is a smart wearable that enables safe mobility for people with dementia. It provides guidance, discreet monitoring, and emergency support—helping users stay independent longer while easing the burden on caregivers.

Qué te inspiró

The idea for Compath was born from personal experience within my own family, where I witnessed the growing challenges of dementia firsthand. I saw how fear of getting lost led to reduced mobility, isolation, and a loss of independence. Caregivers, too, were under constant stress, trying to ensure safety without restricting freedom. These experiences made it clear: there is a critical need for a solution that balances autonomy and safety. Compath emerged from this insight—a wearable that offers gentle support, encourages movement, and helps individuals with dementia stay active and connected for as long as possible.

Cómo funciona

Compath is an intuitive wearable designed to enhance safety and independence for people with dementia. Worn comfortably like a wristband, it uses GPS and motion sensors to monitor the user’s location and movement in real time. Caregivers set safe zones through a connected app and get instant alerts if the user leaves these areas. The device operates mostly passively to avoid overwhelming the user, activating only to provide gentle reminders, navigation help, or emergency assistance when needed. A simple “home” button lets users easily signal when they want to return safely, guiding them back with subtle cues. Communication is secure and unobtrusive, enabling monitoring without constant supervision. This balance of discreet tracking, timely support, and user-friendly design empowers individuals with dementia to stay mobile and confident while reducing anxiety for users and caregivers.

Proceso de diseño

My design process for Compath began with personal experience caring for a family member with dementia, which made me aware of the delicate balance between safety and independence. To gain deeper insights, I conducted interviews and conversations with people living with dementia and their caregivers, learning about their real challenges and needs. Since Compath is a conceptual project, I focused on designing prototypes rather than building functional hardware. I created several wearable form studies, including wristbands and clips, that prioritize comfort, simplicity, and ease of use. These prototypes helped me explore how users might interact with the device daily. At the same time, I developed a user-friendly interface for caregivers to define safe zones, receive alerts, and communicate with the wearer. Feedback from dementia patients and caregivers was essential in refining the design. It showed me the importance of keeping the device mostly passive, activating only when assistance is necessary, to avoid overwhelming users. Throughout the process, I combined empathy with practical insights, aiming to create a solution that supports mobility and autonomy while easing caregiver stress. This iterative approach has laid a solid foundation for future development and testing.

Qué lo hace diferente

Compath stands out because it focuses on balancing safety and independence for people with dementia, rather than just tracking or restricting their movement. Unlike many existing products that rely on constant monitoring or intrusive alarms, Compath operates mostly passively, activating only when the user needs help. This gentle approach reduces stress and preserves dignity. Additionally, Compath empowers users with a simple “home” button to guide them safely back, fostering confidence and autonomy. The system also includes a caregiver interface that allows personalized settings, such as safe zones and reminders, tailored to individual needs. By combining empathetic design, user involvement, and practical functionality, Compath offers a compassionate and effective solution that respects both the user’s freedom and the caregiver’s peace of mind.

Planes para el futuro

The next steps for Compath involve developing functional prototypes based on the current design concepts and conducting user testing with people living with dementia and their caregivers. I plan to collaborate closely with healthcare professionals to refine features, improve usability, and ensure the device meets real needs. Additionally, I will explore integrating suitable technologies to keep the device discreet and effective. Ultimately, my goal is to bring Compath to market as a reliable, user-friendly solution that enhances independence and safety, improving quality of life and easing caregiver stress for many families.

Premios

RIMOWA Design Prize - Finalist 2025