Award-winning design
The ibilight was recognised as best prototype at the UT Challenge (University-wide challenge) and nominated for the best prototype of The Netherlands. It was also runner-up at the Futureland Award.
Human Factors NL Thesis Award
The project was nominated for the Human Factors NL Thesis Award 2020. It was amongst the top 3 in The Netherlands.
Featured at Dutch Design Week
The ibilight was presented during the Dutch Design Week 2020 at the event "Design United".
Project Neenzaam
Despite the pandemic, we co-designed with more than 70 people. This was made possible through a collaboration with the local newspaper.
Ibilight
Loneliness amongst older adults is increasingly recognised as a health problem with more than half of the Dutch elderly being lonely. To support older adults to overcome loneliness, the care and love of dear ones was amplified through the implementation of a presence light: the ibilight.
The ibilight uses tangible interaction and has multisensory cues to help older adults recognize notifications sent by their loved ones. It provides the older adult with a feeling of safety, and support, knowing that someone is turning on the light and watching out for them. At the same time, they can easily reach out in times of loneliness, being a bridge to verbal communication channels. Especially in the evening, when loneliness is most prevalent.
- Co-design
- Scenario-based design
- Dilemma-driven design
- Design fiction
- Multisensory design
- Tangible interactions
Dutch Design Week 2020
Many products that are developed for older adults are based on assumptions rather than real findings. The team wanted to give older adults a voice to express what they feel and dream, so they can come up with a solution that is actually tailored to their needs and wishes. While COVID-19 silenced their voices because the researchers could not reach out to them anymore in a traditional sense, they took the initiative to come up with new ways that empowered older adults and gave them a voice to tell their personal story through a collaboration with the newspaper.
Overview
Lisette enjoys the presence of her daughter
The ibilight lights up the day of the older adult by showing that someone thinks about you subtly. It merges with the decor in your house.
Deep User Research
The development of the ibilight is a result of intense user research with variius research activities: interviews, co-design sessions, user-tests and so on.
Collaboration with Tubantia
Due to Covid-19, regular co-design activities were not possible anymore. Therefore, we collaborated with the local newspaper to come up with a way to co-create with older adults at a distance.
Find your routine
Loneliness often results in a loss of routine. The ibilight has different settings for throughout the day and helps you find back your rhythm.
Fits in any decor
The ibilight is designed to fit in any decor. It looks very simple but uses aspects of multisensory design to convey a friendly and cosy feeling. For example, wood and round shapes are associated with coziness.
Top 3 in The Netherlands
Design Iterations for Improvement
Older Adults Involved
Human Factors NL
After an extensive analysis of loneliness in the elderly, Sefora Tunc has come up with a light system that can be activated by acquaintances and family. Loneliness is a relevant social problem and affects many people. Extensive research into loneliness underpins Ibilight's design. Especially the co-creation approach is seen as innovative.
