Our Mission

Our mission is R&D in support of aging throughout the life course. We identify “sweet spots” where technology seems relevant to human need, envision ways in which the technology could address those needs, then design and test prototypes. Our work is grounded in intensive field research both before and after any technological intervention. Our clients often suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, amnesia, or stroke; but we also work with normally aging senior citizens. Our goal is typically supporting cognition, communication, or social interaction.

Process

Recognizing that “one size does not fit all,” we approach each problem differently. We develop prostheses, aids to make up for some facility that is impaired. We also seek to create rehabilitative devices or processes, aids to help restore or strengthen some facility. Finally, in some projects we seek preventative interventions, for example those that might delay mental aging.

Encouraged by the growing number of seniors using computers and the Internet at home, we employ a variety of technologies to help meet the needs of older adults. Some of our projects build upon this trend by developing applications for desktop and laptop computers, while others target mobile phones. In some cases, we push the boundaries of technology to develop “ubiquitous computing” devices that use sensors and ambient displays.

But building promising new technology is not enough—we try to improve the quality of life for as many older adults as possible. Once our solutions have been extensively tested and seem very promising, we seek commercialization using either proprietary or open source solutions.