BRUYère research institute
Pal
Pal
A smart-home care partner for caregivers of people living with dementia.
A smart-home care partner for caregivers of people living with dementia.
Systems Thinking
UX Design
UI Design
Mobile
Smart Home
UX & UI Design
UX & UI Design
BRUYère research institute
Project TLDR
Project TLDR
Project TLDR
My Role
I led the end-to-end product design of Pal, conducting 35+ caregiver and expert sessions to shape strategy and prototype solutions. My focus was balancing caregiver confidence, recipient dignity, and privacy-first design.
I led the end-to-end product design of Pal, conducting 35+ caregiver and expert sessions to shape strategy and prototype solutions. My focus was balancing caregiver confidence, recipient dignity, and privacy-first design.
PROJECT SCOPE
Over 8 months, I collaborated with doctors, dementia specialists, and 35+ caregivers to align clinical insight with everyday caregiving realities.
Over 8 months, I collaborated with doctors, dementia specialists, and 35+ caregivers to align clinical insight with everyday caregiving realities.
tools
Figma, FigJam, affinity mapping, journey mapping, usability testing.
Figma, FigJam, affinity mapping, journey mapping, usability testing.
CONTEXT & objectives
The realities of dementia care
The realities of dementia care
Caregivers of people with dementia face overwhelming physical and emotional demands. Many experience burnout within six months, and gaps in monitoring can put care recipients at risk. The challenge was to design a non-intrusive, easy-to-use support system that balances:
Caregiver reassurance
Recipient independence
Privacy and dignity
Caregivers of people with dementia face overwhelming physical and emotional demands. Many experience burnout within six months, and gaps in monitoring can put care recipients at risk. The challenge was to design a non-intrusive, easy-to-use support system that balances:
Caregiver reassurance
Recipient independence
Privacy and dignity
How might we design a system that eases caregiver strain while supporting independence for those with dementia?
How might we design a system that eases caregiver strain while supporting independence for those with dementia?
How might we design a system that eases caregiver strain while supporting independence for those with dementia?
hypothesis
Empowering informal caregivers through home-based dementia care.
Empowering informal caregivers through home-based dementia care.
Equipping caregivers with non-intrusive, personalized smart-home support—integrated with physicians and care recipients—can ease caregiver burden, protect their well-being, and help people with dementia live independently at home longer.
Equipping caregivers with non-intrusive, personalized smart-home support—integrated with physicians and care recipients—can ease caregiver burden, protect their well-being, and help people with dementia live independently at home longer.
RESEARCH & INSIGHTS
Through the Eyes of Caregivers
Through the Eyes of Caregivers
I conducted 35+ research sessions with caregivers, former caregivers, and dementia specialists. Methods included:
In-depth interviews with 18 caregivers (spanning early- to late-stage dementia care)
Diary studies capturing daily routines and stress points
Expert consultations with gerontologists and occupational therapists
I conducted 35+ research sessions with caregivers, former caregivers, and dementia specialists. Methods included:
In-depth interviews with 18 caregivers (spanning early- to late-stage dementia care)
Diary studies capturing daily routines and stress points
Expert consultations with gerontologists and occupational therapists
Characteristics
Direct & indirect implications
Stakeholders
Co-creation
Card sorting activity
Interviews
Online forums & surveys
Caregiver support group
Competitive benchmarking
Key insights
Key insights
Burnout risk is highest at night – caregivers wake repeatedly to check on wandering or restlessness.
Technology fatigue is real – caregivers juggle multiple apps and devices, wanting one unified system.
Autonomy matters – care recipients resist solutions that feel infantilizing or invasive.
Trust and privacy are non-negotiable – caregivers wanted clear data controls before sharing information with family or clinicians.
Burnout risk is highest at night – caregivers wake repeatedly to check on wandering or restlessness.
Technology fatigue is real – caregivers juggle multiple apps and devices, wanting one unified system.
Autonomy matters – care recipients resist solutions that feel infantilizing or invasive.
Trust and privacy are non-negotiable – caregivers wanted clear data controls before sharing information with family or clinicians.
These insights shaped Pal’s design philosophy: ambient, respectful, and empowering.
These insights shaped Pal’s design philosophy: ambient, respectful, and empowering.
DESIGN strategY
From Insight to Impact
From Insight to Impact
I facilitated cross-functional workshops with caregivers and healthcare advisors to translate research into design opportunities.
Journey mapping revealed critical care moments: night monitoring, medication reminders, and social engagement.
Ideation sprints explored alternatives, ranging from wearable-only solutions to voice-first systems. We prioritized a sensor + app model, as it offered passive monitoring without burdening the care recipient.
I facilitated cross-functional workshops with caregivers and healthcare advisors to translate research into design opportunities.
Journey mapping revealed critical care moments: night monitoring, medication reminders, and social engagement.
Ideation sprints explored alternatives, ranging from wearable-only solutions to voice-first systems. We prioritized a sensor + app model, as it offered passive monitoring without burdening the care recipient.
Design Principles
Design Principles
Non-intrusive monitoring
Non-intrusive monitoring
Sensors placed strategically (bedside, doorways, kitchen).
Sensors placed strategically (bedside, doorways, kitchen).
Empowering caregivers
Empowering caregivers
Clear, actionable insights without data overload.
Clear, actionable insights without data overload.
Privacy-first
Privacy-first
Local data storage with explicit sharing controls.
Local data storage with explicit sharing controls.
Ideation
Hub
Hub
I moved from low- to mid-fidelity iterations by layering exploration and refinement. I started with quick sketches to establish direction, then built cardboard models to test form and proportion in three dimensions. Advancing into 3D-printed prototypes, I was able to refine the geometry with greater precision and iterate on details. To push the design further, I experimented with fabric wraps, exploring how texture and material choice could enhance coherence across the final form.
I moved from low- to mid-fidelity iterations by layering exploration and refinement. I started with quick sketches to establish direction, then built cardboard models to test form and proportion in three dimensions. Advancing into 3D-printed prototypes, I was able to refine the geometry with greater precision and iterate on details. To push the design further, I experimented with fabric wraps, exploring how texture and material choice could enhance coherence across the final form.
Low fidelity
Low fidelity
Mid fidelity
Mid fidelity
Individual sensors
Individual sensors
To ensure design consistency across the system, I focused on the form and placement of sensors in relation to the home and the hub. Starting with sketches and cardboard prototypes, I narrowed in on a range of shapes and sizes, eventually creating 3D-printed circular sensors for testing. These prototypes became the foundation for experimenting with fabric wraps, materials, and colors, refining the sensors into a cohesive family of components that blended seamlessly into the home environment.
To ensure design consistency across the system, I focused on the form and placement of sensors in relation to the home and the hub. Starting with sketches and cardboard prototypes, I narrowed in on a range of shapes and sizes, eventually creating 3D-printed circular sensors for testing. These prototypes became the foundation for experimenting with fabric wraps, materials, and colors, refining the sensors into a cohesive family of components that blended seamlessly into the home environment.
Low fidelity
Low fidelity
Mid fidelity
Mid fidelity
Wearable
Wearable
During visits to retirement homes, I noticed the deep sentimental value older adults attach to jewelry like watches, necklaces, and bracelets. This insight guided my exploration of wearables that could integrate with existing accessories, rather than replace them. Through ideation and user testing across demographics, I explored various forms and levels of adaptability. Ultimately, I found that a simple, non-intrusive design would be the most widely accepted, honoring sentimental attachments while offering functional support.
During visits to retirement homes, I noticed the deep sentimental value older adults attach to jewelry like watches, necklaces, and bracelets. This insight guided my exploration of wearables that could integrate with existing accessories, rather than replace them. Through ideation and user testing across demographics, I explored various forms and levels of adaptability. Ultimately, I found that a simple, non-intrusive design would be the most widely accepted, honoring sentimental attachments while offering functional support.
Low fidelity
Low fidelity
Mid fidelity
Mid fidelity
Visualization app
Visualization app
My initial concept was a web-based app for visualizing sensor data. However, conversations with caregivers revealed that a web app requiring a computer and internet access would be impractical. This insight shifted my focus toward more accessible alternatives. I began with low-fidelity wireframes, mapping the layout and core functionalities to ensure the app supported caregivers in ways that were practical, intuitive, and easy to access.
My initial concept was a web-based app for visualizing sensor data. However, conversations with caregivers revealed that a web app requiring a computer and internet access would be impractical. This insight shifted my focus toward more accessible alternatives. I began with low-fidelity wireframes, mapping the layout and core functionalities to ensure the app supported caregivers in ways that were practical, intuitive, and easy to access.
Low fidelity
Low fidelity
Mid fidelity
Mid fidelity
Conceptual model
Conceptual model
To understand the ecosystem of interactions, I created a conceptual map outlining the relationships among physicians, caregivers, individuals with dementia, and the sensor system. The map visualized sensor functionality, data flow, and user touch points, from device setup to activity monitoring. This early model served as a foundation for the system’s information architecture, helping me clarify how data would move from the home to the app, ultimately keeping caregivers informed and supported.
To understand the ecosystem of interactions, I created a conceptual map outlining the relationships among physicians, caregivers, individuals with dementia, and the sensor system. The map visualized sensor functionality, data flow, and user touch points, from device setup to activity monitoring. This early model served as a foundation for the system’s information architecture, helping me clarify how data would move from the home to the app, ultimately keeping caregivers informed and supported.
Low fidelity
Low fidelity
Mid fidelity
Mid fidelity
SYSTEM FEATURES
Transforming Home-Based Dementia Care: Ambient-Assisted Living Technology as a Supportive Solution
Transforming Home-Based Dementia Care: Ambient-Assisted Living Technology as a Supportive Solution
Pal is a connected ecosystem designed for both caregivers and people living with dementia. It balances discreet monitoring with supportive insights, all while respecting dignity and privacy.
Pal is a connected ecosystem designed for both caregivers and people living with dementia. It balances discreet monitoring with supportive insights, all while respecting dignity and privacy.
Hub
Hub
Central brain of the system. Locally stores data for privacy. Subtle LED and auditory cues provide reassurance.
Central brain of the system. Locally stores data for privacy. Subtle LED and auditory cues provide reassurance.
Wearable
Wearable
Identifies whether activity comes from the caregiver or care recipient. Strap-on, lightweight, and no charging required.
Identifies whether activity comes from the caregiver or care recipient. Strap-on, lightweight, and no charging required.
Visualization app
Visualization app
A simple dashboard offering: Trends (sleep, mobility, routines), maps (location/activity flow), caregiver profile (self-checks & well-being prompts), and system settings (customized control).
A simple dashboard offering: Trends (sleep, mobility, routines), maps (location/activity flow), caregiver profile (self-checks & well-being prompts), and system settings (customized control).
Sensors
Sensors
Tracks meaningful activity (movement, water, cupboard access) to spot daily routines or changes.
Tracks meaningful activity (movement, water, cupboard access) to spot daily routines or changes.
Hub
Hub
Local storage
Local storage
Safety and security, ethical, in the control of the caregiver to share data and control who has access.
Safety and security, ethical, in the control of the caregiver to share data and control who has access.
Monitoring
Monitoring
Tracks irregular activities in the home of a person with dementia, including movement, water usage, and interactions with drawers and cupboards.
Tracks irregular activities in the home of a person with dementia, including movement, water usage, and interactions with drawers and cupboards.
Connection point
Sensors and the wearable are
connected through Bluetooth to the hub.
LEDs
Visual cueing to show when the hub is turned on and when the hub is speaking.
Auditory cues
Auditory cues
Provides auditory cues to the person living with dementia in order to keep them safe and healthy at home.
Provides auditory cues to the person living with dementia in order to keep them safe and healthy at home.
Charging base
Charging base
Charges sensors on the top of the hub.
Charges sensors on the top of the hub.
Connection point
Sensors and the wearable are
connected through Bluetooth to the hub.
LEDs
Visual cueing to show when the hub is turned on and when the hub is speaking.
Connection point
Sensors and the wearable are
connected through Bluetooth to the hub.
LEDs
Visual cueing to show when the hub is turned on and when the hub is speaking.
Individual sensors
Individual sensors
Monitoring
Monitoring
Monitors irregular activities around the home of the person living with dementia, such as movement, water usage, interactions with drawers, and cupboards.
Monitors irregular activities around the home of the person living with dementia, such as movement, water usage, interactions with drawers, and cupboards.
LEDs
LEDs
Visual cueing to show when the hub is turned on and when the hub is speaking.
Visual cueing to show when the hub is turned on and when the hub is speaking.
Wearable
Wearable
Differentiation
Differentiation
The caregiver wears the device at home to signal the sensor system not to track their activities.
The caregiver wears the device at home to signal the sensor system not to track their activities.
No charging
No charging
The wearable uses a low-power vicinity chip to communicate with home sensors, eliminating the need for charging and reducing caregiver concerns.
The wearable uses a low-power vicinity chip to communicate with home sensors, eliminating the need for charging and reducing caregiver concerns.
Adaptive
The wearable adapts to various configurations to suit the caregiver's preferences.
Adaptive
The wearable adapts to various configurations to suit the caregiver's preferences.
Adaptive
The wearable adapts to various configurations to suit the caregiver's preferences.
Visualization app
Visualization app
Activity
Activity
Track daily patterns and movement in the home with sensor-based visuals and flexible time views.
Track daily patterns and movement in the home with sensor-based visuals and flexible time views.
Devices
Devices
View and add hubs, sensors, and wearables in one place.
View and add hubs, sensors, and wearables in one place.
Profile
Recognize, track, and support caregivers’ needs and interests.
Settings
Personalize settings, control data access, and protect their account.
Conceptual model
Conceptual model
OUTCOMES & IMPACT
Real-World Outcomes for Caregiving
Real-World Outcomes for Caregiving
Pal positions itself as a care partner, not a replacement.
Pal positions itself as a care partner, not a replacement.
Helps caregivers maintain autonomy and peace of mind.
Supports care recipients by enabling longer independence at home.
Provides actionable insights without adding to caregiver workload.
Helps caregivers maintain autonomy and peace of mind.
Supports care recipients by enabling longer independence at home.
Provides actionable insights without adding to caregiver workload.
Caregiver feedback
Caregiver feedback
“This would help me focus on being a daughter, not just a full-time nurse.”
“This would help me focus on being a daughter, not just a full-time nurse.”
“This would help me focus on being a daughter, not just a full-time nurse.”
-Caregiver
-Caregiver
-Caregiver
REflection
Learning Through the Work
Learning Through the Work
What worked
What worked
Grounding the system in deep caregiver research ensured the solution addressed real needs, not assumptions.
Grounding the system in deep caregiver research ensured the solution addressed real needs, not assumptions.
What was hard
What was hard
Balancing supportive monitoring with privacy, designing for dignity as much as for function.
Balancing supportive monitoring with privacy, designing for dignity as much as for function.
Project video
Project video
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UX Design
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