2012 | Senior Designer | Collaboration with Studio Brown whilst at Kinneir DufortElephant is a practical solution to problems we face during early stages of dementia - a fully analogue, integrated system of notes, reminders and organisers, intended to help people stay independent for longer. This project was a collaboration with Studio Brown.
Background
This project began as a response to a Design Council call for entries in 2012, answering their ‘Design for Dementia’ brief. Whilst at agency Kinneir Dufort, I began a lifelong friendship and mentorship with designer Julian Brown, and together we approached the brief from a perspective of empowerment and self-esteem.
Having heard directly from sufferers of early-stage dementia, we grew interested in finding a solution that would fit into their daily lives with elegance and empower them to stay independent for longer.
Originally I thought our solution might be more technical or digital in nature, but the right design was gentle, subtle and very analogue. This project was formative for me in terms of abandoning early assumptions, listening to real users and crafting something with a quiet elegance.
Work & Outcomes
Julian and I began with in-person user research: visits to local ‘Memory Cafe’ meetup groups and people’s homes where they either lives alone or with carers. We were inspired by people’s own, homegrown systems for dealing with changes in their memory and cognitive processing - systems that included coloured labelling, post-it notes, timers and assigning objects specific places around the home.
The finished product system features a redesigned weekly planner, calendar, document file, letter organiser, portable notepad and timer on a lanyard, tray for precious items and a wallet /bag with a retractable key. Throughout, a carefully crafted colour coding and labelling system helps people track their to-dos, important items and things to remember as they go about their day between home and the outside world. The emphasis throughout is on reducing stress, reducing likelihood of mistakes, soothing and reassuring.
Whilst the design never made it to production, it continues to be one I’m immensely proud of as it encapsulates my approach to design - starting with empathy, designing with care and never assuming you know the solution.
