Thinking a head
Given that the Internet is the most powerful information tool ever devised, it’s good that someone would come up with a website to let you easily find…a local bathroom. Locations can be added and identified by whether a purchase is required, whether there are baby changing capabilities–and whether they’re wheelchair accessible!
Watching pictures
Brookstone now has a photo watch that can display up to 60 pictures on a reasonably good-sized screen and has the option of superimposing the time in either analog or digital format. We could see a variety of uses for this as a cognitive aid–what if you brought up the picture of the place you’re going to or the person you’re meeting before you leave the house, so that you’ll remember when you get there? If it had an alarm option that you could tie to a specific picture, that would be even better.
Everything USB.com: Digital photo watch (great grandpa gift?)
Android deserves augmented reality
Android, Google’s mobile development platform, has attracted a really useful app. Enkin takes your location, camera input, and other info, and renders a customized meaningful overlay: where your car is in the lot, where the nearest noodle shop is, etc. This kind of personal guidance would be tremendously valuable for those with cognitive disabilities, permitting independent living and travel. Add audio output and you have a wayfinding device for blind users.
Mama has a sneeze box
The Ah-Choo! box not only holds facial tissues, but when you approach it emits one of five sounds that mimic your upper respiratory system in full distress. Interesting model for auditory cuing; we could see it applied to other types of objects that would be harder to find and/or identify.
British graffiti
We hadn’t heard anything from our buddies Suck UK in ages, so we’re happy to report that they’ve now come up with a line of glow-in-the-dark spray paint. Originally designed for taggers, we can see it also being implemented for in-house (in-hotel, in-dorm…) use by anyone with low vision just trying to find their way to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Gizmodo: Glow-in-the-dark graffiti makes street art ravetastic
Inflated hopes
Designed for motorcycle riders, this wearable air bag system will protect against falls and other high impact events. Many more people could continue to live independently if they felt safer moving around their homes and neighborhoods. Just be sure to de-activate it before doin’ the Bump at the Senior Surgical Sock Hop.
Hot wheels
The Hotdog Temperature Alert System figures out when a car overheats, and responds by opening windows, honking the horn, and sending a pager message. Designed for Fido and Fluffy, but could also be useful for quadriplegics who may not be able to tell when the weather is sizzling hot.
Nerd Approved: Hotdog Temperature Alert System Protects Your Pooch