Project
Project
Haven
Haven
Because there is no caregiver in this world that can do this job alone. At some point, it becomes impossible. Haven isn’t here to replace caretaking, but rather here to make caring possible.
Because there is no caregiver in this world that can do this job alone; Haven isn’t here to replace caretaking, but rather here to make caring possible.
Team
Team
Tyler Kim
Industrial Designer
Tyler Kim
Industrial Designer
Client
Client
For Terrance, Mom, & Dad
For Terrance, Mom, & Dad
Responsibility
Responsibility
Industrial Design
Visualization
CMF
Creative Direction
User-Research
Industrial Design
Visualization
CMF
Creative Direction
User-Research
Context | Scroll to View [↓]
BRIEF
Robotics for Caretaking Assistance
For years, it's always been my mission to build something that can completely change the quality of life for my parents and my little brother. For this project, I wanted to focus on taking the innovation of autonomous robotics and utilizing it in a more intentional and purposeful way, targeted towards preventing caregivers from experiencing caregiver burnout.
+ Provides an Ease of Mind
+ Blends Seamlessly
+ Serves as a Helping Hand/Gentle Guide
My goal with this project is to inspire those with the ability to shape the future of robotics to rethink their priorities as to who they need to be designing for. Haven is just one example of how robotics can completely change our family's lives. Please feel free to reach out anytime if you're interesting in knowing more!
OPPORTUNITY
Incredible Innovation with the Wrong Focus
Humanoid robots represent extraordinary innovation, but the purpose and focus these robots represent are misaligned. Beyond industrial and house-chore automations, caregiving should become one of the most prioritzed applications for autonomous robotics.
WHAT I FOUND
24/7 Caretaking is Impossible
For millions of families, full-time caregiving means sacrificing their time, energy, finances, and often their own well-being.
+ Over 150 - 300 million are unable to meet their basic needs independently
+ Over 40% of family caregivers provide care alone, yet the vast majority report needing more assistance
MY MISSION
Introduce a system that is inviting, supportive, and provides reassurance to caretakers and their loved ones.
Process
CONTEXT
Why is Suctioning so Important for Terrance?
Terrance is quadriplegic and unable to excrete excess mucus himself. Because of his condition, he is primarily in a position where he is lying down on his back. All of that mucus, builds up and eventually ends up blocking his airways. As his caretaker, we need a suction machine (aspirator) in order to collect that excess mucus to allow Terrance to breathe comfortably again.
THROUGH MICHELLE'S EYES
The Task Seems Simple, However...
Although the act of suctioning may seem simple, imagine having to repeat it every 5–10 minutes throughout the night, leaving you with virtually no opportunity to sleep.
And when exhaustion finally takes over and you do fall asleep, there is always the fear that you may not be there when your loved one needs you most.
PAIN POINTS
A Never Ending Chain Reaction
Suctioning any time mucus builds up
↳ requires… 24/7 Monitoring
↳ causes… Sleepless Nights
↳ meaning… Unable to Recover
↳ resulting in… Caregiver Burnout
ENVIRONMENT
Adapting to Terrance's Space
Terrance’s space is located within the living room, chosen for its accessibility and convenience. Given his needs, the space accommodates his medical devices, supplies, toiletries, and other essential care items.
One of the key challenges was integrating Haven into this environment in a way that not only enhances the caregiving experience but also complements the overall aesthetics of the space.
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
What Haven Needs
+ an arm with the range to safely access the patient's primary touchpoints
+ fully integrated suction machine utilized by the arm
+ self-cleansing system
+ a secure/reliable base mount
+ storage/tray-like feature
Initial Ideation (Mounting Possibilities)
Architecture Exploration
Architecture Refinement
Project
Haven
A robotic appliance that isn’t here to replace caretaking, but rather here to make caring possible.
Team
Tyler Kim
Industrial Designer
Client
For Terrance, Mom, & Dad
Responsibility
Industrial Design
Visualization
CMF
Creative Direction
User-Research
Context | Scroll to View [↓]
BRIEF
Robotics for Caretaking Assistance
For years, it's always been my mission to build something that can completely change the quality of life for my parents and my little brother. For this project, I wanted to focus on taking the innovation of autonomous robotics and utilizing it in a more intentional and purposeful way, targeted towards preventing caregivers from experiencing caregiver burnout.
+ Provides an Ease of Mind
+ Blends Seamlessly
+ Serves as a Helping Hand/Gentle Guide
My goal with this project is to inspire those with the ability to shape the future of robotics to rethink their priorities as to who they need to be designing for. Haven is just one example of how robotics can completely change our family's lives. Please feel free to reach out anytime if you're interesting in knowing more!
OPPORTUNITY
Incredible Innovation with the Wrong Focus
Humanoid robots represent extraordinary innovation, but the purpose and focus these robots represent are misaligned. Beyond industrial and house-chore automations, caregiving should become one of the most prioritzed applications for autonomous robotics.
WHAT I FOUND
24/7 Caretaking is Impossible
For millions of families, full-time caregiving means sacrificing their time, energy, finances, and often their own well-being.
+ Over 150 - 300 million are unable to meet their basic needs independently
+ Over 40% of family caregivers provide care alone, yet the vast majority report needing more assistance
MY MISSION
Introduce a system that is inviting, supportive, and provides reassurance for caretakers and their loved ones.
Process
CONTEXT
Why is Suctioning so Important for Terrance?
Terrance is quadriplegic and unable to excrete excess mucus himself. Because of his condition, he is primarily in a position where he is lying down on his back. All of that mucus, builds up and eventually ends up blocking his airways. As his caretaker, we need a suction machine (aspirator) in order to collect that excess mucus to allow Terrance to breathe comfortably again.
THROUGH MICHELLE'S EYES
The Task Seems Simple, However...
Although the act of suctioning may seem simple, imagine having to repeat it every 5–10 minutes throughout the night, leaving you with virtually no opportunity to sleep.
And when exhaustion finally takes over and you do fall asleep, there is always the fear that you may not be there when your loved one needs you most.
ENVIRONMENT
Adapting to Terrance's Space
Terrance’s space is located within the living room, chosen for its accessibility and convenience. Given his needs, the space accommodates his medical devices, supplies, toiletries, and other essential care items.
One of the key challenges was integrating Haven into this environment in a way that not only enhances the caregiving experience but also complements the overall aesthetics of the space.
Initial Ideation (Mounting Possibilities)
Architecture Exploration
Architecture Refinement
PAIN POINTS
A Never Ending Chain Reaction
Suctioning any time mucus builds up
↳ requires… 24/7 Monitoring
↳ causes… Sleepless Nights
↳ meaning… Unable to Recover
↳ resulting in… Caregiver Burnout
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
What Haven Needs
+ an arm with the necessary range/mobility
+ fully integrated suction machine/aspirator
+ self-cleansing system
+ a secure/reliable base mount
+ storage/tray-like feature