Design for Living…with a neurological condition

We know design can be great! But why don’t we see more of it every day for people with neurological conditions?

This time it’s a guest blog from one of our Heroes, Jonathan. He comes to classes regularly, and has noticed something since having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Not everything that he needs looks good, and between us all, we thought we might be able to help. Read on for more.

“I’m convinced that Boomers like me, born 1946 to ’64, and Generation X, 1965 to ’80 are part of a growing wave of consumers that will drive a new market for things. Devices, tools, objects, apps, mobility aids and so on, that will improve the lives of an ageing population with varying levels of ability and disability, due to chronic conditions or simply from getting older.

The Office for National Statistics reckoned that in 2021, in England alone, around 10 million people were classed as disabled and, as the ageing population increases, this will certainly not diminish.

Our society has new found expectations based on lifestyle brands like Apple’s iPhone, endless shows on interior design, garden makeovers, motor cars, fashion, appliances and clever, design led packaging. We demand high design standards but this is not generally reflected in the products on offer to improve mobility or day to day activities like bathing, eating and dressing.

Many things that are available now have the same feel as the NHS spectacles we were given as kids in the ’50’s - ugly, utilitarian and awkward. Some things have improved. I recall my grandfather’s ‘deaf aid’ of pink plastic, wire, huge earpieces and whistling feedback. Now micro hearing aids are virtually invisible, USB rechargeable and blue toothed to your phone to take and make calls and play music. Also, I note, easy to lose. 

Good design addresses function, sustainability, elegance, lifestyle match, durability and value for money based on varying price points. And everyone should have access to good design, be it for fashion, or their walking stick. As part of Neuro Heroes we propose to set up a directory of brands and products - think mobility aids, wheelchair friendly clothes, devices, wearable tech and apps – to bring together the best in every category with excellent design at the core.

We plan to call it DESIGN FOR LIVING which I think needs no explanation. We would love to hear your thoughts, ideas and suggestions about what’s available now - the good, the bad and the ugly - and start to assemble what could be a really useful resource to add to the work of Neuro Heroes.”