A Little Bird Told Me…
by Adelaide Kohlmann
The design concept ‘A Little Bird Told Me..’, presenting both the product and accompanying home page design of the app.
Project Description
‘A Little Bird Told Me…’ was designed for older adults who live in residential aged care facilities, to promote a feeling of connectedness and alleviate feelings of loneliness. Older adults ( over 65 years) are the most vulnerable demographic, and while cared for are often left feeling lonely, due to decreased social contacts and limited access to a mobile phone. User-centred Design and emotion-based design principles were incorporated to create a user friendly design that requires no understanding of technology by the end users and provides value and meaning. For the product, an accompanying app is required, allowing loved ones to send audio voice messages to a corresponding bird once their phone has been synced to the log base. The birds are different colours to represent a different person or a group of phones sending a certain message. The bird receiving the message lights up, prompting the user to pick up the bird and touch its back to hear the message played through a speaker in the front of the bird. Favourite messages can be saved within the log and played back at will. Bird characters were used within the design as they portray a sense of playfulness and strike a chord for many of us through childhood stories and fairy-tales symbolising peace, safety, and companionship. It is intended that messages sent via the app are endearing, light-hearted, and put a smile on the recipient’s face. They may include jokes, messages of love, funny stories ,and wishes for a great day.
‘A Little Bird Told Me..’ in situ, designed for older adults living in aged care facilities.
A photograph of the model.
An exploded view of the log base – technical internal components and materials displayed.
An exploded view of the ‘birds’– technical internal components and materials displayed.
Bio
Hi, I’m Adelaide. I am particularly interested in User-centred Design and how product intervention can improve the quality of life. Through my studies, I have developed a passion for complex thinking, and focus on extending my thinking to solve problems through the use of various research methodologies. I am very curious and have a love for travel and new experiences, and I enjoy meeting and talking to new people. With a desire to create positive and meaningful change, I love the procedural structure and physical aspects of a design process, watching designs and ideas come to life through research, prototyping, and design development.
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