Time2 is a product, an interface and a service that acts as an aide memoire with prompts and reminders; as a communications tool for text messaging and as a ‘capsule for life’ with the user’s appointment history and personal photo store.
Routines and prompts are an important part of everyday life for people with dementia, those who are elderly, in fact, for us all. The design team found benefits for them being developed as part of a product or service that could integrate into a person’s life in an unobtrusive and friendly way. They selected the familiar analogue clock as the primary interface for this next generation clock. This would facilitate recognition and interpretation for later stage dementia sufferers and stay ‘inclusive’ over time by growing and adapting with the person.
Time2 is a product, an interface and a service which functions as a diary and a reminder pad, delivering prompts, both visually and with audio to help with everyday life. It is a communication centre receiving, displaying text messages and also serves as digital photo album, storing and displaying important family images and memories. Its major functions are as;
Time2 is an affordable stand-alone product that does not require the owner to have a computer, making it accessible to an elderly person who is less likely to own one. It is freestanding and includes fascia-moulding options to suit the individual’s interior décor. The screen interface enables features such as contrast changes and text size adjustments for those with impaired vision and allows it to be adjusted visually to one’s personal taste. Time2 is compatible with digital cameras and audio devices through its SD card port, and with mobile phones via its text capability. The latter would be a service add-on involving a small contract fee (about £5 per month), with a mobile network provider. The interface could be licensed for other applications.
The design team believe that the Time2 concept could be extended into diverse market areas such as care homes, offices or as child’s product, helping them to tell the time and establish routines.
The judging panel loved the simplicity and familiarity of the interface “so normal that it could be purchased in Argos.’ They felt that Time2 which is also an interface to a service evolved from an excellent analysis of the routines of older people, their relationship to family members and the context and manner of delivery in which prompts would be effective and reassurance given to both parties. They saw Time2 as a highly practical solution that would implement and prolong independence for older people.
"Undertaking the Challenge has given us the opportunity to explore a high profile issue, involving physical, psychological and emotional aspects. The experience has left us with a broader vision of user-centred design."
Steve Kingdon, London Associates
