As we grow older it is inevitable that we will have to cope with health related issues and increasing physical challenges. For the elderly living in their own homes, the knowledge that assistance is at hand gives reassurance and peace of mind.
The Philips Lifeline Cordless Phone System is a cordless home phone with a medical alert communicator. It provides a Personal Emergency Response Service (PERS) for frail, elderly seniors allowing them to maintain their independence and continue living independantly. The Lifeline service solution consists of a wearable personal help button and a PERS telephone base station. It provides subscribers with a direct connection to a national call center, which offers immediate assistance and coordination of local support networks and emergency services should it be needed.
“The elderly typically struggle with the complexity and physical size of cordless phones”, says Stephen Heath, Creative Director at Philips Design. Via a series of concept rounds and user tests, the design team gained insights into the frustrations and challenges that elderly users face with their current telephone equipment. “This new solution offers a product specifically designed for reduced physical and cognitive abilities and provides users with a home phone that meets the expectations of their specific generation”, says Stephen. “The perception of what makes a ‘good phone’ in this age range is quite different from the way the current market is heading.”
The phone’s design sensitively solves issues related to physical grip, operation, hearing and sight impairment. Large buttons, easily gripped controls, clear displays and graphics, a large ear piece and appropriately sized illuminated keys all complement the easy to use interaction principals and supportive feedback for the system. Importantly, all these features are presented in a non-stigmatizing design solution that fits within the lifestyle and environment of elderly consumers. It is easily operated by the most frail or distressed user.
Design is the ultimate translation of our customer’s needs into a great service experience”, says Walter J.P. van Kuijen, Senior Vice President, Philips Home Monitoring. “The design is based on extensive testing with our target audience, a frail elderly population. We are convinced that we have been able to develop an attractive, easy-to-use, reliable however high-tech device. The additional layer of safety supported by this new device and the services we provide enable our customers to remain independent in their own homes”.
The new cordless phone system has been recognized for its inclusive design approach and innovative product design and has received an iF design award 2010.
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