I work in the health technology field, focused on bringing innovation to help older adults live independently.
Some of the products I am focused on designing and bringing to market include remote monitoring devices (blood pressure, blood sugar), medical alert systems, GPS devices and fall detection. Some have even been featured on sites like https://www.seniorsafetyreviews.com/ and https://www.alzstore.com/. I am particularly focused on medical alert devices (what some people call Life Alert), or personal emergency response systems. These are the devices that allow you to press a button and call for help to a monitoring center in the event of a fall or medical emergency. Medical alert systems have evolved rapidly in the last few years, moving from landline based systems to mobile devices that can be worn anywhere you go, in or outside your home.
Historically, the biggest challenge in the industry wasn't sales, but usage. Many seniors stopped wearing the device once they had it. That was in large part because the devices were large and ugly. We've spent a lot of time trying to design a system that is functional , aesthetic and non-descript so that it's not obvious the wearer actually has a medical alert pendent or wrist watch.
I was always interested in the arts and design as a child. I was the kid who would take things apart and put them back together again just for the fun of it.
I got my engineering degree from MIT, worked for GE and seemingly had my life mapped out for myself. But then I met my wife and she turned my life upside down in all the right ways.
My wife helped me realize that we're not defined by our job, title or paycheck. We're actually defined by our day to day actions. She works with the elderly and makes it her business, her mission t bring a smile to their faces every day. Even though most under her care have dementia, she makes sure their hair is combed, make-up applied and their dressed to the nine's everyday. You want her taking care of your parents, because she'll treat them like she'd treat her own!
That's when I realized that I wanted to work on designing product that made the lives of seniors safer, easier and happier.
I don't know that I achieved it. But taking my designs to senior homes and working with the elderly population has been so rewarding for me. First of all, they get excited being part of something new. Second of all, it makes you realize just how sharp and intelligent people can be no matter their age. Third of all, I love that i'm not stuck behind a computer all day designing pipe fittings.
I do face some challenges being on my own. I miss the social aspect and comeraderie of the workplace. I miss having all my paperwork taken care of for me (taxes, receipts, etc...), I absolutely hate that side of being on my own.
But I like the freedom I now have to explore new ideas and products. I like being able to work odd hours (I'm a night owl). I also like pursuing different tasks. Like I earn money from some of my designs, but I also write a little (freelance) and consult a lot.
The change from a corporate career to being an independent product designer hasn't come without it's challenges, but I couldn't be any happier. Working to make the daily lives of seniors safer has been a blessing. Drawing inspiration from my wife's caregiving has been life changing. Visiting the elderly on an almost weekly basis has been eye opening.