rsa highly commended 2024
aub innovation award 2024
aub sustainability award 2024
Product Design & Systems
Brief set by RSA
Challenge
How might we improve the lives of older adults and their carers by encouraging and enabling cultures, and higher standards, of care?
Strategy
With an estimated 5.7 million unpaid carers in the UK and an ageing population, Steady aims to reduce the reliance on carers by providing desirable devices to aid older adults in keeping active and engaging in their local community.
Using the mobility aid as a tool, I redesigned the device to challenge existing stigma and reduce the UK fall rate which is currently 6 falls every minute.
A weekly event where older adults complete a circuit of their local green space using the Steady device as an aid. The event is run by volunteers of all ages who have been helped by Steady. There is also a scooter for children due to my insight that grandchildren were an activity motivator.
Steve lives in West Wickham, Bromley which represents an urban location which has an ageing population. It is predicted that 22,922 older adults in Bromley will fall during 2035. This is 28% of the borough’s over-65 population and would put a huge strain on local NHS services.
West Wickham is a central high street which creates a community hub and walking goal for older adults. This applies to commercial areas globally.
All the features on the Steady device are new or improved from existing mobility aids. The ‘try before you buy’ aspect of Steady allows older adults to see the benefits of mobility aids without needing the space to store bulky equipment. I used Blender to 3D model the device.
- Over 65 age identification during the sign-up process
- Steady is free to sign up for and use forever
- No limit on how often or when you can use a device with 24/7 availability, with 24 hours of use before the device must be returned to the Steady Station
- The device docks onto a trombone-style stand which houses the components to charge the device and automatic locking arms
“I don’t walk my dog as far or as frequently anymore because I struggle with the hills”
I was inspired by an interview with an older adult to provide a clip which allows for instant personalisation and frees up hands from carrying heavy bags, dog leads and umbrellas.
Steady intervenes at the point in an older adult’s journey where their mobility is a challenge and it limits their ability to get outdoors. Steady aids the older adult in making the first steps to independence whilst being guided by the support of the community.
Key quotes from interviews with users
Leverage point + key insights
When ideating I was intrigued by how public rentable devices could encourage older adults to try mobility aids for free. I developed this concept as I felt it could best solve the project’s key insights and change existing stigma.
To encourage walking in outdoor green spaces, this route provides public rentable hiking poles. The graphic style is inspired by map contour lines and the earthy tones combined with lino print textures reflect nature.
To encourage mobility aid use, this route positions the device as a helpful tool to carry shopping and can be rented from supermarkets. The style uses colour and abstract shapes to highlight the food aspect rather than the mobility aid.
- Older adults felt my ideas wouldn’t help them get to the shops and maintain their independence, with hazards on the pavement being an issue.
- A physiotherapist said my idea of public rentable mobility aids could improve access and mobility.
- A community organisation said they think it’s important to include older adults in society and there’s been a decline recently.
- Jennifer, 82
- Chris- West Wickham Residents Association
I tested out a rollator and walking frame using joint supports and ankle weights to try and simulate the challenges of an ageing body. I found they were expensive, poorly designed and lacked important features.
I iterated my sketches through a process of digital and 3D mock-ups. I included new features on the device which improve functionality and appeal.
Developing the visual identity
Older adults prefer phrases like ‘staying steady’ when referring to having a fall.
Using a rollator and ink I created lines from which I created the brand language. Bright colours convey freedom and youth paired with deep and metallic shades which are mature. Aller Display was my favourite font as it was sans serif, bold and had curved terminal ends which added a softness.
Older adults prefer phrases like ‘staying steady’ when referring to having a fall.
Using a rollator and ink I created lines from which I created the brand language. Bright colours convey freedom and youth paired with deep and metallic shades which are mature. Aller Display was my favourite font as it was sans serif, bold and had curved terminal ends which added a softness.
Despite 67% of over 65-year-olds owning a smartphone, I designed a system which uses cards to unlock the mobility aid device. This maximises reach and allows the family to assist with the process. The devices are free to use for 24 hours once you’ve signed up online or at a local Post Office.
This brief enhanced my problem-solving skills by challenging me to create a solution which was required to slot into an existing complicated system. To tackle the broad and multi-faceted brief I began speaking to people who encounter and aid older adults in their everyday lives to uncover the issues they face. Through speaking to people I understood the importance of helping older adults keep active, independent and able to live their lives how they wish. I feel Steady is one solution to tackling the fall rate of older adults and it intervenes in the system in a way which is proactive and convenient.
Within a few days, I had taught myself Blender to be able to mock up the devices I designed. I am proud to have created the visuals I did and will continue to develop my 3D skills throughout future projects.
©AMELIA BLANTERN 2024