The Intellisense seating system combines the technology of a pressure sensor mat with existing lift chairs (chairs that rise to assist users when moving from sitting to standing positions). This system monitors users' health so that they can live more independently in their homes, while disguising its use as an assistive device.
Intellisense monitors the user's heart rate, breathing patterns, position and posture, unsuccessful transfers and major pressure points. The seat communicates with users' lifting chairs to give them a lift when needed or to assist them in finding the proper position that’s best suited to their bodies. Downloading the user app transforms smart devices into remote controls and allows users to share health tips, user settings and connect live with health professionals on the Intellisense website.
This project is connected to the development of the TAFETA Research Program (http://www.tafeta.ca/), which aims to develop
smart technologies to help older adults age at home. I developed this project with two fellow designers and we chose to design using the pressure sensitive mat created by TAFETA
smart technologies to help older adults age at home. I developed this project with two fellow designers and we chose to design using the pressure sensitive mat created by TAFETA
Step 1: Hybridizing Technologies
It was important to start by researching emerging scientific and technological innovations. This research helped to strategically manage innovation to develop new conceptual systems and products. At the root of this is the idea that technologies do not stand alone, but hybridize each other, and may then develop new forms of innovation.
We created a diagrammatic visualization of the connections between the technologies used by TAFETA and each technological innovation we researched. This map reveals the connections and unexpected relationships between fields of study and scientific and technological innovations.
Step 2: Social Scenario
It was crucial to research the cultural and behavioural scenarios and social interactions of possible users/consumers. This social research lead to the identificaiton of a problem that we could develop solutions to, using services, products, and some of the technologies we had researched. I conducted qualitative and ethnographic research, including observational research and interviewing senior citizens and nurses at a retirement residence. The findings were then synthesized and presented as user personas and a diagrammatic map.
Step 3: Final Concept
Gathering insights from our research, we designed an intelligent seating system entitled "Intellisense" that combines both product and service. The Intellisense system allows older adults and people with health concerns to be monitored from home, while connecting them with their social networks. The Intellisense Seating System draws on TAFETA’s pressure-sensitive mat, incorporating sensor technology into a cover for lift chair recliners.
Gathering insights from our research, we designed an intelligent seating system entitled "Intellisense" that combines both product and service. The Intellisense system allows older adults and people with health concerns to be monitored from home, while connecting them with their social networks. The Intellisense Seating System draws on TAFETA’s pressure-sensitive mat, incorporating sensor technology into a cover for lift chair recliners.
Like its name, Intellisense uses intelligent sensor technology. Under the seat and arm rests are strategically positioned sensors, so responsive that they record users' seating patterns and monitor their health remotely at any given time while using the seat. The Intellisense seating system sends all of the data to each user's account wirelessly, where they can view their heart rate history, breathing patterns and pressure points to understand appropriate adjustments while resting.
Accessing data through the website and apps allows the user to connect with others and share information with family, friends and healthcare professionals. Users can also meet other Intellisense users on the Facebook group page or view simple user tutorials on YouTube.
