ALZHEIMER'S
How lucky are we to be able to say, I remember?
Today, of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, Alzheimer's is the one we cannot prevent, cure or maybe even slow down. Alzheimer's is one of the biggest medical and social challenges of our generation. But we've done relatively little to address it.
Alzheimer’s is more than just simple forgetfulness. People with Alzheimer’s exist in the moment because it is taking away their past and their ability to think about the future.
PROBLEM
Difficulties with vision and perception arise in Alzheimer’s due to which they misinterpret the world around them. This only further fuels to the confusion and isolation they are already feeling. It is also responsible for major accidents involving them.
Through this project I am striving to address the main problem of the people living with Alzheimer’s which is that they are bound to their homes. They are more than often disoriented, unsafe and not at ease in these spaces.
Blessed are those who have a house of their own and happy are those who have a house which resonates with them. Unfortunately this is not the case with the Alzheimer’s community. While we make great efforts to decorate our homes, we neglect their failing abilities which make daily living spaces, a dangerous environment for them.
Safety is a primary issue and quality of life begins with safety.
SOLUTION
The blend of colours and space comes together to design Alzheimer friendly spaces.
The use of different colours, particularly those that are contrasting, make life a little easier for them. Colour also impacts moods and feelings and could help to evoke memories. It helps to alleviate depression, evoke calmness and comfort, make one feel safe.
We all live in a colourful world. I like to say each of us self-medicates with colour each day. Think about it. The clothes we choose to wear, the food we choose to eat, the colours we use for home decor - each is a choice designed to make us feel better, whatever better means on any given day. Colours affect the mood and perception and has the abilities to heal.
Colour Therapy is an ancient and tested line of treatment for many ailments including Alzheimer’s.
BRAND
We think colour, we think Asian Paints. They are not just a paint providing company. They provide consumers with information, guidance and everything regarding colour and paint in context of their individual spaces.
When colour therapy and Asian Paints come together to help with Alzheimer's, the result is the birth of Solace.
SOLACE - A one stop service for Alzheimer friendly home solutions.
CUSTOMER JOURNEY
The customer journey includes 4 main steps. The customer can book an appointment with an expert from Asian Paints as per their convenience. This meeting with the expert will help both the parties to understand the requirements and needs. After this, another consultation will be due with the expert. During this meeting, the caregiver/s and the person with Alzheimer's can use the preset kit to physically design their space, with help from the expert. Post which, the finalisation of the requirement with a suitable bill of materials is worked out and taken forward for implementation and execution.
THE KIT & THE GUIDE BOOK
The DIY kit plays a very integral role in the customer journey. It has miniature components of their homes which help them to customise and visualise their Alzheimer friendly space. It also has sized colour swatches which help them visualise their choice and combination of colours. This step of trials and errors with a model will help them to visualise their space. A live example of which is here.
The box also includes a book, designed to educate the caregiver and take the customer through a journey of colours with Alzheimer’s. From understanding Alzheimer's, its relation with colours, to understanding how colour therapy can help with Alzheimer's, it is a guide to designing an Alzheimer friendly home. An instruction manual for the model is inserted in the book.
View the digital version of the book on the link below:
THE WEBSITE
The website is designed keeping in mind the target audience. While the people with Alzheimer's are the main target, the caregiver or family members could also access the website. It follows a minimal and clean layout with the right amount of colour to guide the user through a clear navigation.
