AURA
AURA IS A BEING THAT AWAKENS THE SOUL OF THE ELDERLY AND NOURISHES THE MIND OF THE YOUNG.
IT IS A GIFT PASSED ON TO US BY OUR ELDERS SHOWING US THE LIFE FROM A DIFFERENT TIME. IT IS OUR LEGACY AS A SOCIETY.
INSPIRED BY THE STORIES OF OUR FORGOTTEN ELDERS, I SEEK TO SHED A LIGHT OVER THEIR SITUATION. THESE AMAZING SOULS OFFER A RECOLLECTION OF THE CONTEMPORARY HUMAN EXPERIENCE.
I HOPE TO INSPIRE AND REDEFINE THE CARE OF ELDERS FOR A BETTER AND MORE EMPATHIC FUTURE
Role
Researching, Concept creation,
iteration, illustration, prototype
(individual project)
Timeframe
5 months
Deliverables
Research report
Prototype
Presentation
Background
My Master's project focuses on improving the life quality of life of elders living in Retirement Homes. Partnering with "Amaryllis" Retirement Home in Nice, France I designed a 5-stepped strategy aiming to change the perception society has towards seniors, which in turn improves the life quality of this vulnerable sector. Leveraging on the latest emerging technologies and recognising the power of emotions, AURA is an AI powered service that collects the stories of human kind.
1. RESEARCH
Understanding the needs of the elderly through in-depth participatory research at the "Amaryllis Residence" in Nice, France.
Understanding the context
Through quantitative and qualitative research, (surveys, in-depth interviews, observation) I obtained an overview of the ageing situation both globally and locally, in order to understand the impact the proposed solution could have in the longterm as well as to make the audience the urgency of the situation.
Challenge
How could ageing become an opportunity in a society that rejects this reality?
In-depth interviews
I conducted in depth interviews with different profiles in order to uncover the deep-rooted causes of the current ageing situation. I partnered with Amaryllis retirement home to conduct contextual participatory interviews to understand the emotions of elders living in these conditions. I chose to conduct the project in a retirement home to benefit from the controlled environment and the support system from professionals.
Uncovering Pain Points
Analysing the data from the research and from the contextual observations, I was able to uncover insights and pain points that would then serve as opportunity spaces, guiding the ideation phase.
Focused Challenge
How to redesign the experience of ageing in a retirement home?
2. IDEATION
Finding, testing, iterating and reframing solutions that take into account the complex system in which elders are living
The interaction I had with elders as well as the observation from the interactions between the medical staff and the residents, let me to understand that when identity and sense of self is lost, emotions are what remains of a person, revealing their true essence. Emotions are what makes us human.
In order to change the negative connotation on aging and foster empathy, I wanted to show the emotions of old age. With this in mind, I designed a strategy to communicate elder’s emotions in order to change the views society has on elders, through the use of storytelling, artificial intelligence and interaction design.
3. FINAL CONCEPT
Creating an AI based concept strategy to communicate elder’s emotions in order to change the views society has on elders, through the use of storytelling, artificial intelligence and interaction design.
Introduction to AURA
AURA is a 5 step strategy that seeks to change the current experience of ageing in retirement homes by materialising and communicating emotions through the use of emerging technologies with the end goal of resolving the following issues:
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Change negative existing connotation of retirement homes
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Alleviate clashes between nurses and elders
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Change negative interior image of Retirement Homes
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Bring value to elders
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Promote social awareness on this topic
1. Concept Rebranding
AURA changes the concept of retirement homes and reframes it from a sickness based model to one of value creation.
Retirement homes become a place of introspection and knowledge. A place where the memories of humanity are stored.
2. Service Reframing
Move from a “one fits all” model to a personalised one that adapts to the needs of each individual.
Through the use of AI and ML, AURA is able to create a service catered to the needs of each resident, becoming a partner to both residents and the medical staff.
3. Space Personalization
An interior design that positively stimulates the senses to evoke positivity in its residents.
The main objective of this interior redesign is
to avoid a sickroom aesthetic, predominant in existing retirement homes.
4. Life Experience Sharing
Acknowledging that each human being is unique and has a special story to tell, AURA uses IBM's Watson to gives elders the opportunity to leave their legacy.
Through NLP AURA recognises, identifies and classifies each emotion felt throughout the story. The walls of the rooms react to each emotion, stimulating the elder to continue. The story is classified according to the emotions and stored in a server.
5. Social Awareness
An installation in public areas throughout the city invites citizens to explore the souls of elders.
Visitors are able to select specific stories according to what emotions they want to feel.
Upon entering the installation they will experience the emotions felt by elders living in retirement homes, through shape shifting walls and different colored atmospheres.
AURA
DISCOVER SOCIETY'S HIDDEN STORIES
BUILDING COMMUNICATION BRIDGES BETWEEN RETIREMENT HOMES AND CITIES THROUGH STORYTELLING & STORYLIVING
IBM's Watson is the soul of AURA. Through the use of NLP and Machine Learning, AURA is able to recognise emotions felt by the elder and link it to a specific color. The walls change in color and in shape, reacting to the elder's story.
This emotions as well as the voice is stored ins a server and is later played back in an installation placed in public spaces, where people around the city are invited to explore these stories.
Storyboard
