D-WATCH

OCAD 2nd-Year Project Zishan Liao&Yasemin Dirik

This design is intended to aid individuals with mild dementia in finding their loved ones and desired destinations when they go out but suddenly forget their directions. Through research, it was discovered that current reminders on the market are functional but also obvious, potentially causing embarrassment for the user. To address this issue, the design incorporates a watch or necklace that can be easily placed in a pocket or worn around the neck, and utilizes vibration instead of a ringing bell as a reminder. Additionally, the design features a lighter color scheme to evoke a sense of vitality .

PROCESS

The design was developed through a series of small-scale interviews with individuals living with dementia. Through these interviews, we identified common challenges related to direction and navigation, and decided to focus specifically on this aspect of the user experience. We created a series of simple prototypes using clay. This approach ensured that the design was grounded in the real-world needs and experiences of people living with dementia, and that it was tested and refined through iterative prototyping.