Memory Pen
Created a unique IoT concept to help improve the lives of People with Dementia (PwD) by incorporating familiar design, accessibility principles, AI and machine learning concepts.
Dementia significantly impairs cognitive functions, progressively disrupting daily activities and intensifying care challenges. With an aging population leading to a surge in dementia cases, there is a critical demand for innovative solutions that reduce the strain on healthcare systems and economic structures. The proposed IoT solution is designed to improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia, alleviate the burden on caregivers, and enhance the efficiency of healthcare resource utilization system.
During my undergraduate studies at Western University, I was involved in the Seniors & IT club, where we taught senior residents in retirement homes how to use modern technology. This experience deepened my understanding of the challenges the elderly face with technology and strengthened my dedication to improving their lives.
Role: Designer, Team Lead (group of 4)
Skills: User Research, Product Design, AI, Machine Learning
Tools: Figma, Miro, Adobe (Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects)
Duration: Winter 2024 Semester (4 months)
RESEARCH FINDINGS
We learned that creating a safe and supportive environment is crucial for stability and comfort amidst the uncertainties of dementia.
INITIAL IDEATION
Our initial ideation for assistive technology was shaped by experiences with seniors, including my personal interactions with Robert, an Alzheimer's patient at an elderly care home that I worked with.
Robert struggled to retain new skills like using Microsoft Word and Gmail, exacerbated by the complexities of modern user interfaces. After observing his use of a notebook for his own personal reminders, I suggested he write detailed notes about our lessons, which significantly improved his progress by our next session.
SOLUTION
Based on our findings, we developed a product specifically for persons with dementia (PwD), called the Memory Pen.
Design Rationale:
Our research showed that PwD benefit from analog technology, which enhances their engagement and confidence in using new devices.
Observations from Alzheimer's patients highlighted that personal notebooks effectively helped users remember and manage complex tasks.
We prioritized familiarity in our design to minimize confusion, improve usability and accessibility, and support independent living for PwD.
FEATURES
The Memory Pen is a smart pen designed to capture notes and reminders in a specialized notebook, automatically transcribing this information to a cloud server, allowing users to seamlessly access their notes through a mobile app or computer software, which uses AI to deliver timely push notifications for important reminders.
The AI also monitors the progression of dementia, allowing healthcare providers and family members to track the patient’s condition.
Key Features:
Analog Physical Device: The Memory Pen and its notebook offer a familiar, user-friendly experience by using traditional writing tools, sparing seniors the challenge of learning new technology. This design enhances comfort and confidence, ensuring a seamless integration into their daily lives.
User-Friendly Interface: The software offers a straightforward UI tailored for users with motor skill impairments, enhancing accessibility for seniors.
Automatic Transcription: Entries made in the physical notebook are instantly transcribed and organized by AI, facilitating easy access and management.
Sharing Permissions: Users can authorize family and medical professionals to view their notes and health updates, supporting coordinated care.
AI Assistance: The AI adapts to changes in the user's writing ability due to progressing dementia, ensuring the system remains effective throughout all stages of the disease.
This integrated solution combines intuitive design with advanced technology to help individuals with dementia maintain their independence and improve their quality of life while keeping caregivers informed and engaged.
CONCLUSION
The Memory Pen marks a significant leap in personalized healthcare technology, facilitating earlier interventions and customized treatment plans. It effectively combines traditional caregiving with cutting-edge technology, significantly enhancing patient quality of life and supporting caregivers.
This concept underscores AI's potential to enhance patient outcomes and optimize healthcare processes.