Aura - A Medication System

Three questions for the project team

What was the particular challenge of the project from a UX point of view?
The particular challenge of our project from a UX perspective was addressing the diverse needs of dementia patients while ensuring ease of use for both the elderly and their caregivers. Dementia affects cognitive function, so we needed to create an intuitive, accessible interface that minimizes confusion and frustration. Additionally, we aimed to address the challenges of an aging society and an overloaded healthcare system with insufficient staff. Our system is designed to assist, not replace, caregivers, allowing them to focus on critical tasks. By focusing on human-centered design principles and extensive user research, we ensured our solution was empathetic, user-friendly, and supportive in real-life scenarios.

What was your personal highlight in the development process? Was there an aha!-moment, was there a low point?
Our personal highlight was definitely working closely with dementia patients to develop this project. A memorable moment occurred during a test of our AI model with an elderly woman affected by dementia. At the end of the session, she asked when she could talk to the 'nice lovely lady' again because she really liked her. This touching interaction affirmed that we are on the right track in creating a system that operates on a social, intimate level, enhancing lives. However, we also faced low points, particularly when initial designs failed to meet user needs, reminding us of the importance of continuous user feedback and iteration.

Where do you see yourself and the project in the next five years?
In the next five years, we see ourselves fully dedicated on bringing this project to life. After completing our bachelor thesis, we plan to develop an integrated working prototype that combines the AI, UI, and mechanical components. Our immediate goal is to collaborate with companies to refine and scale this product, ensuring it meets the real-world needs of dementia patients and their caregivers. By partnering with healthcare providers and tech firms, we would love to make our system a standard tool in both home care and assisted living facilities. Ultimately, we aspire to continue innovating at the intersection of technology and healthcare, enhancing the quality of life for the elderly and those with cognitive impairments.