As the US population skews toward the elderly, we require
more new products that address the special needs of our aging
population and enable them to continue independent living
as long as possible. The Nutritionator, an "smart"
refrigerator that helps monitor and coordinate elder nutrition,
was produced as a final project in a research class in user-centered
design for 'the aging-friendly home.' The design brief had
three requirements: the result needed to (1) identify and
clearly address a current need of the mainstream senior community
(2) be designed for domestic use and (3) be marketable in
3 years or less. Hence, the Nutritionator, a souped-up fridge
with an LCD screen, a bar code scanner, and a modem that uses
currently available technology to help seniors and caregivers
make shopping lists, avoid medication conflicts, and address
the longterm changes in diet that common health problems such
as diabetes and hypertension require.
with Beth Harrison
>>
learn more (courtesy of Beth Harrison's website)
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