A friendly reminder app has won this year’s Designing for the Future Competition at the University of Brighton which invited students across the College of Arts & Humanities to develop innovative new products and design concepts to benefit people affected by dementia.
2017’s winner was BA Graphic Design student, Hannah Park with her product, Help in Hand.
Help in Hand aims to enable people living with dementia to stay independent for longer by following a daily routine prompted by use of the app. A sister app engages the primary caregivers, connecting them with their family member and helping them to access other support in the community.
Second place went to Madeleine Sellers who is studying for a BA in Textiles. Madeleine designed the Plenty Pocket waistcoat which incorporates several pockets containing a variety of comforting and familiar objects.
Dot to Dot designed by BA 3D Design & Craft student, Joyce Chang, was placed third. Dot to Dot is a series of products which use tactile bumps to navigate spaces in the home such as the staircase.
The winners receive a package of mentoring and support to help them to develop their products and ideas further and emulate the success of previous Designing for the Future alumni who have gone on to win further awards and establish their own design studios and workshops.
Judge Maggie Winchcombe commented :
I was impressed with the research the winning entrants undertook for their projects. As a result I thought their ideas were insightful and led to product concepts that had great potential for people with dementia and their carers.”
Says judge Ruth Rose :
“As a representative of the executive team at South East England Forum on Ageing (SEEFA) I am very pleased that candidates concentrated on ways to assist in self help and relieving mental stress. They did this with empathy towards those who struggle with this condition. They understood the vital importance of nonclinical care and the need for care at home to be extended for as long as possible. As an 84 year old myself, it was an honour to be judge and mentor to these bright young people”.
Says Philippa Aldrich of The Future Perfect Company:
“ Key to the success of DFF is the many experts and organisations who generously shared their knowledge and insights with our students including : Professor Bobbie Farsides from BMSM, Dementia Friends, Active Minds, The Able Label, Fran Hamilton from Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust and previous DFF winners Jack Durling and Tom Meades.”
Judges this year included; Philippa Aldrich The Future Perfect Company; Ruth Rose, SEEFA; Maggie Winchcombe OBE, FCOT, Director at Years Ahead. The project was led by Philippa Aldrich and University of Brighton lecturer Stefano Santilli.