This is a project in cooperation with Northwood. Its purpose is to improve the quality of life of residents in Northwood by using smart technology. This project was recognized by the residents and almost could be really applied to Northwood, but due to the intense graduation design creation and the outbreak of the COVID-19, this project was shelvedign.
About Northwood
"Northwood began in 1962 as a social movement in response to the plight of seniors living alone in Halifax. What emerged was a shared belief that people, committed to an ideal, could make a difference in the world. Since its inception, Northwood has become a powerful voice for seniors in Nova Scotia, demanding a new approach to aging in place.
Today, we are the largest not-for-profit continuing care organization in Atlantic Canada, but what does this mean for you? It means that Northwood is a place of “firsts.” When life changes, and society changes, Northwood leads the way, incorporating revolutionary designed, responsive care. From new ideas to new technologies, we are empowered to do this, because our focus is on people, not on profit margins.
We have led the way for over 55 years as Nova Scotia’s dynamic continuing care organization committed to innovation and change. We are recognized both here at home and across Canada as an extraordinary example of the power of social justice, but we like to call it the power of love!"
——From northwood.care
Problems in Northwood
The doors of elevator are too small. The doors are difficult for wheelchair to get into the elevator when somebody come out. The doors of elevator close fast.
The button of elevator is too high for people who are using wheelchair. For some people who are using wheelchair, they cannot push the button of the elevator by themselves, sometimes they just waiting for others help for a long time.
The space of elevator is too small. It makes people feelling uncomfortable when they are in the elevator with the different hight. The size of the gate creat a negative space, which makes wheelchair difficult to get out.
About Design
After a lot of research and testing, we decided to divide the design into two parts, one part is to change the way of activating the elevator, and to make this process more humane by improving the way people use the elevator. The other part is to transform the elevator itself to make it more accessible.
How to use the elevator
1. Active the pressure sensor pad to select your floor.
2. Bigger door for wheelchair users.
3. Leaving the elevator with double doors without any turning.
How to activate the elevator
Interface Design
How do the icons work
Interior Design
The upper half of the elevator is a mirror but also a display screen to show the floor's number by scrolling, positive or reverse order, so that people at all heights can see how does the elevator move.
The emergency buttons are at the bottom of the elevator, people can active it by kick any one of them, and the mirror turns into a screen in the middle, through which the staff can communication with the people who are trapped inside.
Process Book
