Design Challenge
#2: How might we encourage our community to support one another and look out for those who are socially isolated?
Project Description
A wearable device that notify and respond to the elderlies that live alone which also acts as an emergency helpline for them. Monitoring their health, safety and comfort. Creating interaction between the elderlies and the social workers/ family (during the random check up).
Criteria #1: Value
Due to the current situation, most elderlies that live alone are left unchecked and uncared for as laws/rules such as social distancing and stay at home are passed. Hence, SenseU is proposed to help social workers /family members broaden their area of supervision from home for the elderlies by giving them an efficient and simple wearable that keeps track and informs them of the well-being of the elderlies in real time.
Criteria #2: Inspiration
As Singapore is an aging population, we felt a need to look over the issues of the elderlies that live alone. Through observation we have noticed that there is insufficient manpower to supervise the daily needs of the elderlies during the current situation. Hence, we proposed to create a wearable device that will supervise and keep track of the elderlies, which can be monitored by the family or the social workers.
Criteria #3: Impact
Due to the current situation, many of the elderlies felt scared and lonely as they were being left alone for the time being without any companionship. Using SenseU, the elderlies will feel the attention and comfort given by the social workers, due to the random spot checks (Giving a sense of security that they have been “watched” over by the workers/family even if they aren’t here). Giving the elderlies a sense of care and security during the pandemic situation.
Criteria #4: Timeliness
Upon approval > Design development(4 weeks) > Prototype(4 weeks) — Product Test(4 weeks) > Mass production(8 weeks) > Distribution (12 weeks).
Criteria #5: Systems Thinking
SenseU works in an efficient way for social workers/family to keep check on the elderlies. In addition, it provides a sense of being taken care and comfort for the elderlies through the sense of touch. (During the random check up the device would interact and alert the elderlies to respond, informing their social worker/family of their well being. If the elderlies do not respond over a certain period of time, it will automatically alert the emergency services). Instead of visual surveillance, which makes the elderlies feel the discomfort of losing their privacy. Moreover, the device can be use out of the current situation as well, to keep track of the elderlies.