Development of a new information interface for elderly using vibrations

Abstract

For older people it is often necessary to have additional orientation aids esp. when they have to leave their familiar environment. To find a location for implementing such a supporting and helping information interface into daily used and well-known things shoe soles were identified as a possible usable place. To derive the requirements and application parameters several tests were processed and afterwards with their results test equipment consists of sandals with vibrational soles, power supply and electronic components for controlling it was assembled. First tests had shown the general applicability of these soles and shoes to give the needed information to older people, but some optimizations have to be done before the system can be applied for daily use.