For the course multisensory design, we designed a handrailing with integrated technology for guiding dementia patients towards the safe garden of an old nursing home. LEAFE combines light, texture, and projections to support intuitive wayfinding and promote independence.
Context
The Zwanenhof is a care facility for patients with dementia. The building itself is quite old and difficult to navigate. The owners expressed that residents loved to explore the garden; however, they would get lost and stay inside their room. Our goal was to create a balanced sensory stimulation for people with dementia to find their way to the garden.
Process
During the ideation process, I took on a leading role guiding the group towards the concept for the tactile handrailing with integrated visuals. For the creation of the prototype, I was responsible for managing the budget and electronic components. I also helped with machining the wooden railing and assembling the complete prototype.
Result
The final prototype was presented at the Dutch Design Week 2025 in Eindhoven. Visitors could interact with the prototype by following the handrail; the built-in LED strip pulsates light and the screens show forget-me-not flowers. It was part of the living environment exhibition.
