Using code of colors through ICT and home automation technologies in the housing environment context for persons with loss of autonomy

Abstract

The appropriation process of the environmental space parameters by elders can be done through the use of color codes that are meaningful to the persons with loss of autonomy. This approach is based upon the natural interpretation of communicating signs and signals by the brain that helps to answer more quickly to critical situation at different degrees. We illustrate first with the transposition of the color codes used in the automobile domain to the housing environment. By extension, we show that intelligent furniture can be designed through ICT and home automation to assist persons with cognitive troubles or motor disability. Finally, we describe the application done in a dare care center for persons with cognitive troubles. Colors of the rooms have been chosen to allow the patients to naturally identify the role of each room. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.