Research project looking at the way people use things in the home.
Project Partners: France Telecom, EDF, CMH compagnie metropolitain d’habitation
Financed by: French Ministry of Public Works, Transport, Housing, Tourism and Maritime affairs.
This research involved observing how objects are used in the home, for their original function and in other inventive ways. By understanding the manner people use objects, the aim is to build on innovative uses that people find themselves.
The research focuses on three ‘flows’; food, washing and communication in the home.
The aim of this project was to develop innovative product solutions that adapt or 'evolve' with as person and they become older and their living habits change.
Léa is an elderly lady who has cancer. Due to her decreasing physical ability, the ‘flows’ of washing and food are also diminishing; some of the ‘flow’ objects are not used anymore, like the dish washer. Léa has alot of furniture cluttering up her small apartment but it reminds her of the past and so it is difficult to throw it away. The ‘flows’ are hindered, making it difficult to do household tasks and stay independent.
Right: Photos and cartographic representations of the objects in Léa's apartment.
The flows in the home
Each ‘flow’ was mapped out on an apartment plan. Graphical representations show how the ‘flows’ function in the home.
red: food
blue: washing
green: communication
Research methods
Twenty interviews were initially carried out by designer/ anthropologist teams, observing and collecting information from two different professional points of view. The material collected was then used by the student groups to trace the patterns of use of objects in the home. Graphical representations of the information from interviews were made for each household.
Theme
A wider theme and problem was identified for each case. For Léa it was:
As we become older we have need of medical equipment to stay autonomous. We may also find it difficult to get rid of our objects and furniture, which holds memories of our past. So we end up with too many objects, which clutter up the space and make it more difficult to do everyday tasks.
Problem
This led to the question of how new and old objects can be integrated to create a domestic environment that enables an elderly person to stay independent while creating more space.
An Exchange System
The system proposed is based on an exchange between domestic furniture and services. For example, you replace your old bed with a medical bed. The old bed is given to someone who needs one. In this case, the old object is replaced by a new one but often objects are replaced by services, therefore allowing more space. For example, the washing machine is replaced by a laundry service. The objects are then given away or exchanged by LETS (Local Exchange Trading) schemes.
Above: Graphical representation of the problem.
Over time, external services take over the management of everyday tasks in the household, meaning the elderly person can continue to stay independent at home. Equally, the number of dormant objects in the home is reduced.
Service Scenario
Visualising a scenario helped explain the concept proposals and how the system could work more effectively for each case. This scenario shows how the service adapts and evolves over many years to the user’s needs, helping them stay autonomous. Changes are prompted by the elderly user. There is one interface for the system; one person who can be contacted in many different ways. The system is personalised for each individual.
La Mini-Cuisine (mini-kitchen)
One of the design proposals is a miniature kitchen in one unit that helps an elderly person do simple tasks on their own.
The unit starts its life in the kitchen as a normal cupboard unit. As a person finds it more difficult to carry trays of food, the mini-cuisine helps them out. It can be wheeled into another room with the prepared food. There is a cool cupboard with also acts as a microwave, drawers for crockery and food, including tea/coffee, snacks and breakfast, as well as a rubbish bin and a hot and cold water tap.
The mini-cuisine starts its life as a kitchen unit. It is used as a trolley to take food to the table and is very convenient because everything is in one place.
As a person physical mobilty reduces, an external service
organises that the Mini-Cuisine is stocked with fresh food
for the day, meaning the elderly person can stay
independant most of the day.
Le Panier du Linge (laundry basket)
The laundry basket works in a similar way to the mini-kitchen: it is an object that you can buy at any age and it adapts to a person's physical ability. It can be easily displaced and reduces having to bend over.
As a person finds it difficult to manage the washing themself, a weekly service takes care of the washing, drying and ironing and returns the clothes to the person's home.
La Table Télécommande (the control table)
This table is a side table based on the activity of a person in their armchair. It enables a person with reduced mobility (and possibly difficulty seeing or hearing) to access all their communication and entertainment devices in one central place.
The table folds out to reveal easy access to the remote control and keyboard. These enable a person to connect to the internet, and telephone, as well as control the TV, video/DVD player, and the radio. A large screen in positioned across the room and the system is connected to speakers, a headset and a microphone.
The table folds out providing space to write, or place objects. There is a side pocket for books and when pulled out, two handles provide a lamp and a magnifying
glass for reading.
ENSCI Les Ateliers, September 2005 - March 2006, tutors: Philippe Comte and Marie-Haude Caraës
photography: the interview team graphics, sketches and 3D models: Joanne Tauber
Problem 
