Aidy

Cosa fa?

This project is a smart ecosystem that supports elderly people and individuals with neurological conditions by enhancing their independence, safety, and mental well-being through discreet assistance, health monitoring, reminders, and social connection.

La tua ispirazione

The idea was inspired by my paternal grandmother. She never felt confident with technology and struggled to use even basic mobile phones. Still, she always wished to benefit from modern devices. As her health declined with age, staying independent became increasingly difficult. Simple actions like accessing local news, staying in touch with loved ones, remembering appointments or taking medications were no longer easy. This motivated me to imagine a system that could help people like her by using existing technologies in a more accessible and supportive way.

Come funziona?

The system is made up of 3 interconnected devices and a companion app for caregivers, all designed to work seamlessly together gathering and analyzing data to offer discreet support while respecting the user’s independence and privacy. A smartphone, specifically adapted for users with limited dexterity, features a secure ergonomic grip and a highly accessible custom interface that provides clear, intuitive feedback. A smartband continuously monitors vital signs and movement, while its integrated voice assistant offers guidance and reassurance in challenging situations. At the center of the system is a domestic hub, acting as both assistant and companion. It reminds the user of appointments, encourages mental and physical activity, monitors health patterns, and fosters social connection. The ecosystem is completed by an app for caregivers, which provides real-time insights into the user’s condition and tools to tailor the system to their evolving needs.

Processo di progettazione

The project began with in-depth user research, including interviews and observations, to understand the challenges faced by elderly users and individuals with neurological conditions in their daily interactions with technology. Particular attention was given to ergonomics and usability. For the smartphone interface, extensive studies were conducted on button size, color contrast, visual clarity, multisensory feedback, and the overall ease of completing common tasks. In designing the home hub, the focus was on selecting features that truly benefit the user and defining how the voice assistant should behave—offering support and companionship without becoming intrusive or overwhelming. These insights guided the development of devices with a discreet, modern aesthetic. Unlike traditional assistive tools, they are designed to resemble cutting-edge consumer tech, avoiding any stigmatizing appearance. After the design phase, the products were 3D printed and presented to potential users. Their feedback confirmed the effectiveness of the ergonomic choices, the accessibility of the interfaces, and the appeal of the overall design.

In che modo è differente?

Unlike many assistive devices that focus on a single function—such as fall detection or medication reminders—this project offers a holistic approach through an integrated ecosystem. Each component works in harmony, offering not just monitoring, but also cognitive stimulation, companionship, and proactive support. The design stands out for its human-centered development: it is shaped by real user needs rather than technology-first assumptions. The system prioritizes discretion, emotional comfort, and autonomy, avoiding the clinical and often stigmatizing appearance of traditional assistive tools. Its modular architecture also ensures adaptability and scalability, allowing future expansion or customization based on user needs. In essence, it combines the reliability of healthcare tools with the warmth of a caring presence—something few current products successfully achieve.

Progetti per il futuro

My goal is to attract the attention of a major tech company that is sensitive to the needs of vulnerable users. Most existing solutions add accessibility features to mainstream devices without truly adapting them. What I hope to inspire is a shift in mindset: to create a system entirely dedicated to a specific audience, offering meaningful, tailored support. I believe this approach could lead to more inclusive and impactful technology for those who need it most.

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