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The European voice for informal carers

Project Description

Metallisation of Textiles to make Urban living for Older people more Independent Fashionable

Topic:

Advanced materials and innovative design for improved functionality and aesthetics in high added value consumer goods – Assistive Technology (AT) for older adults.

Funding programme:

EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation- Horizon 2020

Project Leader:

Coventry University

Project Overall Objective:

To use creative and artistic design and advanced materials innovations to produce three Assistive Technology prototypes that will make urban living for older adults easier, more independent, fashionable and comfortable.

Abstract:

Assistive technology can be a key tool for enabling older people to live independently. However, the design of assistive technology devices is often poor, undermining the end-user acceptance. Building on the most advanced technology, the project aims to produce an innovative assistive technology, that will achieve a better integration of sensors into fabrics and textiles, allowing designers to create AT products for older people that are not only functional but also more desirable and appealing as well as being lighter and more comfortable. In order to facilitate design-driven innovation, the MATUROLIFE project will integrate creative artists and fashion designers in the research team. The project will also build on a structured participation of end-users all through the research, creation and testing processes.

Outcomes:

The design of AT will be focused on the needs of older people living in an urban environment and will emerge through co-design workshops with older adults working alongside designers to co-create solutions. Based on initial analysis of needs and discussions with care providers, the prototypes will be linked to:

  • Clothing:
    the discreet incorporation of sensors to alert for movements, vital signs and dehydration. Dehydration is particularly important (urban areas are hotter) which is associated with increased rates of urinary tract infections, constipation, etc.
  • Furniture:
    sofas and seats with sensors to detect ambient and body temperature – to prompt activity and an adjustment of environmental conditions to meet individual needs.
  • Footwear:
    shoes for tracking and warning of danger. Many older people live in small flats in urban environments and this AT would help to avoid falls (as well as alerting to collapse) particularly for visually impaired and with blue tooth beacons and receptors, safe areas could be created. In addition, this type of AT could support tracking and way-finding.

Eurocarers involvement:

Working closely with AGE Platform Europe, Eurocarers will be responsible for providing user engagement methodologies regarding the participation of end-users in the project and for coordinating the recruitment process for design research and testing of the project products.

Visit the project website

Contact Details

For enquiries about the Maturolife project, please contact Nadia Kamel

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