Special lamp designed according to the specific needs of the elderly

Light source designed according to the specific needs of the elderly.

The challenge
We were part of a research program called Somnia that looked at ways to improve sleep for older people in the community and care homes.

It turned out that many people struggled to be able to reach the stuff in the dark and could benefit from access to a low-level light source to help them.
Everyone who participated in the study was interviewed about their nightly routines and experiences. Most of them kept important items on their bedside tables and could not get out of bed without help.

Most of us need the right darkness to have a good night's sleep, but many of those people we talked to had to leave their bedroom ajar to access the hallway light for their belongings. at night to find.

The answer
The night light was the result of this piece of work. It is a sleek, modern light source that provides low level illumination for easy access to essential personal effects at night, without disturbing sleep.

The positive reactions we received include:
"It was convenient to just be able to touch, it gave enough light to get out of bed."
"The light was soft but sufficient to see what you were doing."
"Such an inconspicuous light."

Our design process
We wanted to know the opinion of voluntary participants about their experience with the use of the night light. Was it any difference for the nightly experience? Are there obstacles to the use of the night light and possible improvements to the product?

A first prototype was produced and successfully evaluated by nursing home residents and people in their own homes. One resident had left her en-suite light on, but felt that he could turn it off with the reassurance of the tray in the neighborhood. Another person who had to use a lot of paper at night because of excess saliva, also found it very useful.

During the tests a wide range of items were placed on the nightlight - glasses, clock, telephone, books, tablets, pen, drinks and bedside lamps. All participants were able to put everything they needed in the drawer.

The original design contained compartments, but these made it harder for people to open and organize their belongings and was removed from the final version.

Benefits and functions

• Simple touch-sensitive panel control with choice of light intensities
• Hand contact anywhere on the front panel turns the device on and off
• The brightness can be changed by the two small 'bright' and 'weak' touch zones
• It also remembers the previous light setting when it is switched off
• 4 anti-slip feet
• Scratch resistant
• Spill-proof
• Anti-slip surface

The power consumption is very low; less than 700mA at 5V. The appliance does not get hot even at maximum brightness

Specifications:

• The lamp measures 400 mm by 400 mm
• 25 mm high