Flowie

2009-01-05T13:20:00.001-08:00

How does it work?

2009-01-05T13:13:00.000-08:00

Flowie consists of two main components: a wireless pedometer and a small touch screen.

The ActiPED© step-counter logs and transmitts the ambulation levels of the user. It integrates a memory chip that allows the user to walk freely for up to 21-days. When the user walks within the vecinity of a USB antenna (approx. 20m), all the data is uploaded to a local server (installed in a laptop for our experiments).

A series of software components collect, process and compare the data with a set of pre-establised goals.

The user can check his or her performance via a Graphical User Interface displayed on the touch screen. This GUI combines several informative and persuasive elements.

The main feature of the GUI is Flowie, an animated flower that adapts its looks to the current performance level of the user. Flowie allows elderly users to realize their current status in an easy, familiar and appealing way.

In addition to Flowie, the system includes other functionalities such as a progress chart or a history record meant to engage seniors in a healthy physical activity program based on the routine activity of walking.

New sponsors

2009-01-03T15:26:00.000-08:00

Flowie was developed as part of the research project Independent@Home, sponsored by Senter Novem throught the IOP-MMI program (MMI 06011). The Independent@Home project aims to build an activity-aware service platform that monitors elderly in their daily routines, and serves as a platform for activity-aware services

Currently, we're looking for partners to take our idea to the next level. If you are interested in collaborating with us, or if you run a company where there is room for creativity, please contact us.

About the designer of Flowie

2009-01-01T20:22:00.000-08:00

Iñaki Merino Albaina (February 13, 1984, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain).

After completing my Bachelor's Degree in Telecommunication Technical Engineering (Universidad Pública de Navarra, 2005), I moved to the UK where I worked as a researcher at the Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing (University of Surrey).

In September 2006 I started my Master degree on Media & Knowledge Engineering at the Delft University of Technology. I graduated in December 2008 thanks to Flowie and to all the people who helped me during its development: Martijn H. Vastenburg, Charles A.P.G. van der Mast and the volunteers from ING Delft, especially Elly Cieremans and Toon and Tineke Croon.

Currently I'm taking some well-deseved time off after what I'm planning to start working as an interaction designer.

Send me a message

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Contact

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If you have any suggestions or comments about Flowie, or if you want more information about our prototype don't hesitate to contact us via email: flowie.info(at)gmail.com

If you want to contact the designer of Flowie, you can send a message to: imerinoalbaina(at)gmail.com