DESIGN WHICH SUPPORTS AN INDIVIDUAL'S EXPERIENCE OF AGING IN PLACE WITHIN AUSTRALIA
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Close to Home design honours research project seeks to support individuals aging in place through the development of provocative and engaging healthcare tools. These tools are a part of the You Are Not Alone (YANA for short) system and are comprised of interactive, two-way communicating wall and door frames, and a notifying mobile phone application. The Close to Home project proposes that as an individual may perceive for their home to be an extension of themself, there is an opportunity for an extrospective analysis of an inhabitant's wellbeing to be conducted. This insight has inspired the development of the YANA system into a socially modifying agent, which utilises creative media to facilitate meaningful conversations and degrade the stigma barrier towards the natural human processes of aging. The healthcare perception shift, generated by the YANA system, then sees elderly individuals welcoming the presence of a loved one into their home to acknowledge their experiential engagement with their household.
YANA
Silhouette Frame
The silhouette frame is generated from a side profile image taken of an individual ageing in place and/or a family/supportive community member. The device transmits and receives motion sensing data from its paired frame to illuminate the silhouette in response to the presence of a loved one.
YANA
Custom Frame
The custom frame allows for the motion sensing, light responsive technology to be added to any existing picture or artwork frame that is larger than 15cm squared.
YANA
Door Frame
The door frame integrates the motion sensing, light responsive technology into the home through a decorative piece of architecture. This piece explores the potential for presence to activate passageways and spaces within the home.
YANA
Mobile Application
The YANA app is a notifying mobile application which presents the data collected from the physical YANA products. It will also alert elected family/supportive community members if no motion is detected beyond a location-specific predetermined duration. Additionally, family/supportive community members will be notified if behavioural routine changes are detected from the individual ageing in place.
