Senso
This ambitious project combines technology and thoughtful design to make dementia care easier for caretakers while keeping families connected. By using a holographic projector and app, it offers a simple, user-friendly solution that supports both patients and their loved ones.
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Create a compelling visual and brand identity that effectively addresses patient and caregiver needs while ensuring user-friendly functionality.
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Dementia patients and their families often face challenges in managing care and maintaining meaningful connections. There is a need for a more personalized approach to cognitive exercises and memory sharing that supports both patients and caregivers effectively.
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Solution: Develop an app and holographic system that provides personalized cognitive exercises and memory-sharing tools to enhance dementia care and support both patients and caregivers.
Thesis: My goal is to create a comprehensive solution that improves dementia care through tailored cognitive activities and memory-sharing features, addressing the unique needs of patients and their families.
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Caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals involved in dementia care, who are seeking innovative, tech-driven solutions to enhance patient well-being and streamline care management.
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Deliverables:
Storyboard - Visual narrative outlining the user journey and key interactions within the app.
App Prototype - Interactive model showcasing the core features and user interface of the Senso app.
App Advertising - Marketing materials designed to promote Senso, including digital ads and promotional content.
Research - Comprehensive analysis and findings from user surveys and testing to support app development.
App Design - Finalized visual and functional design elements of the Senso app, including user interface and experience components.
Why did I create Senso?
When I created Senso, it was initially to improve the livelihood of caretakers and remote patient care. However, it evolved into something more. My deep interest in dementia care stems from my personal experience with my grandma, who has been living with dementia for several years. Despite living in another state, my family and I have faced the challenges of supporting her from afar, struggling to stay connected and provide her with the care she needs. This personal journey has inspired the development of Senso, an innovative app and holographic machine designed to enhance dementia care and the caretakers who care for them.
Concept
By integrating cognitive exercises, memory sharing, and communication tools, Senso aims to significantly enhance the quality of life for dementia patients and provide robust support for caregivers and families. This research will delve into how these features can create a meaningful impact, leading to the design and prototyping of a groundbreaking technology that bridges the gap between patients and their loved ones.
Technology & Design
The Senso system works by having the dementia patient wear a “Senso” pad that detects brain activity. When the pad senses activity, it sends the data to the Senso app. The app then processes this data and allows caregivers to set up hands-off cognitive exercises that family members can customize. The app curates this personalized information and displays it through a holographic tabletop machine, which shows images, sounds, or music related to the exercises. The collected data helps track the patient's responses, providing insights for health appointments and feedback for caregivers and family members to monitor progress.
Branding Elements
The main logo is my take on an abstract form of a brainwave. It features a clean, modern design that symbolizes connection and care, reflecting the commitment to enhancing the lives of dementia patients and their families. The color purple is chosen for their association with innovation, futurism, and versatility of the care given. Our brand messaging focuses on empathy, personalization, and advanced technology, reinforcing Senso’s mission to offer effective and heartfelt support in dementia care. This is complemented by a clean, readable typography that enhances usability, using Grover for header text, and Inter for body.
Data Research
I conducted a series of surveys to gather feedback on Senso. First, I collected general demographic information to understand the participants' backgrounds. Then, a pre-test survey was used to gauge their initial expectations and familiarity with similar apps. After using Senso, participants completed a post-app experience survey to share their feedback and overall satisfaction.
Based on my findings and results, majority of the participants’ notable differences include varied income levels and some participants living away from their family. The pre-test and post-surveys suggest majority of them have ease using the prototype, but would prefer more features done.
App Prototyping
In the prototyping phase, I concentrated on key features of the app: the main page, daily survey for cognitive exercises, chat feature, and login process. The design prioritizes a sleek and clean aesthetic while incorporating intuitive, user-friendly elements suitable for users of all ages. Special attention was given to ensuring ease of use and accessibility. The The colors was carefully used to highlight and contrast features as needed, to provide easy transitions and hierarchy. Memory Hub feature, which allows users to upload and organize memories, is still in beta and will be enhanced based on user feedback and testing.
Project Reflection
Developing Senso has been a meaningful experience, blending personal insights with innovative technology. Inspired by my grandmother's dementia journey, the project aimed to improve patient care through an app and holographic system that integrates cognitive exercises, memory sharing, and communication tools.
This was an ambitious idea that should be made into a real life tool. The research confirmed the value of these features in enhancing daily interactions and supporting caregivers and families. It can help families like my own to improve their relationships with their loved ones with dementia. Senso is a project that highlights my commitment to empathy-driven design, a field I’ve long aspired to explore.
Design should address needs while also delivering impactful messages!