a speculative design approach to aging

the ❝spatial hearing❞ project explores innovative solutions for aging populations navigating complex urban environments.

as part of the aging in place initiative, this speculative design concept envisions a small, in-ear device that enhances spatial awareness, navigation, and cognitive function for elderly individuals.

through an integrated system of environmental analysis, sound processing, and neural stimulation, the device assists users in recognizing spatial dimensions, filtering noise, and improving memory and orientation.

inspired by future demographic and technological shifts, the project combines UX research, speculative scenarios, and interactive design methodologies to foster independence and confidence in aging societies.

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click to see full process

project methods:

speculative future design

scientific research

direct collaboration with a user

3D design, modeling and printing

UX design based on stakeholder collaboration

prototyping and user testing

creative storytelling

video and motion design

incl. filming and editing

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research and structuring

the development of the spatial hearing device followed a structured, iterative process that combined speculative design, user research, and product development. The project was divided into several key phases, each contributing to the refinement of the concept and the final prototype.

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ideation and concept exploration

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understanding how future aging populations could navigate urban environments through:

• desktop research in cognitive aging, spatial perception, and technological advancements

• user day-in-the-life study - a qualitative research via interviews and observational studies with an elderly design partner (german - Designpate). the goal iss to identify real user experiences and challenges in spatial orientation.

• creating speculative future scenarios, where aging, technology, and urban environments intersect, exploring solutions through brainstorming, storytelling, and workshops

design partner profile - click to see

THE CONCEPT: elderly seek a support during their navigation through the overdeveloped, overwhelming city space. they are willing to enjoy the exploration of new outdoor environments and stay independent in both familiar and unfamiliar places. the goal is to create a small helper - a device, which is going to provide interactive responses and improve spatial abilities of the users.

concept definition

methodes:

• future scenario creation

• creative storytelling - with the video, visualizing the concept

• net diagram for evaluation

system and experience design

the 'spatial hearing' device has to be able to directly stimulate human's brain and affect spatial abilities positively, those physical processes were to be precisely studied. then, the functionality of the device was defined and documented.

after all of the functions, mediums and way of interaction of the device and user were stated, the design iterative design process took place

design process

methodes:

• sketching

• 3d modeling - including animation (c4d)

• 1:1 analogue modeling

click for explainer video

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