Technology for self-reliance

CPH Design participated in an exciting multidisciplinary - and inter-municipal cooperation.

The project 'Selvhjulpen med teknologi' - technology for self-reliance, examined how citizens who currently receive practical help and/or personal care can become more self-reliant with either new or improved assistive devices.

The project is a collaboration between Århus, Esbjerg, Roskilde and Næstved municipalities, who received support for the project through the Danish Enterprise and Construction Authority's Programme for user-driven innovation.

Models of a folding bath, an electric zip and specially modified shower heads are just three of twelve ideas for new technologies that were selected from 140 proposals, following interviews and observations of people in the four municipalities.

The ideas focus on four areas that are challenging for citizens and demanding for the municipalities: the toilet, outdoor and indoor mobility, home training and personal care and mobility for obese citizens. It is intended that the ideas will be developed into prototypes and eventually aids, tools and software that can be put into production.

The ideas were presented to the public at a traveling exhibition entitled 'Technology for self-reliance'.