Design Thinking & Process

Naming Concept — LI (黎)​

The name LI (黎) carries a dual layer of meaning—personal and symbolic.

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In Traditional Chinese , LI (黎)  refers to the moment just before dawn, when darkness begins to loosen its grip and light is about to emerge.
It represents transition, resilience, and the possibility of self-rescue before external help arrives.

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On a personal level, the name is drawn from a family story. During cancer treatment, a close elderly relative once fell alone at home and was forced to crawl to reach help—an experience that permanently affected her mobility.

This moment deeply shaped the project’s intention:
to design not only for emergency response, but for the fragile interval between vulnerability and survival.

Rather than centering fear, LI reframes emergencies as moments where agency, belief, and dignity still exist.

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Design Intention

LI is designed to be worn as a pin or pendant on clothing—appearing first as a personal accessory rather than a medical device.

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Core Functions

• A pull-down, self-activated emergency alarm

• Notifies family members or medical services

• Can also be activated indirectly (e.g. by a service dog pulling the pendant)

Design Principles

• Easy to locate and activate, even under stress

• No screens, no complex interfaces

• Designed for intuitive physical interaction

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Cultural & Emotional Layer

A key design decision was the integration of religious and cultural symbols into the pendant’s surface pattern.

Research and observation show that many older adults—especially those with spiritual beliefs—associate religious symbols with:

• Protection

• Calmness

• Psychological safety

Symbols referenced include:

• Rod of Asclepius (healing and rebirth)

• The Hand of Fatima (protection and blessing)

• Algiz Rune (guardian and defense)

• Seigaiha / Qinghai Wave (eternal peace and continuity in Japanese culture)

These patterns are not decorative alone; they function as emotional anchors, offering reassurance at moments of fear or disorientation.

In this project, belief itself becomes a form of strength.

Research & Trend Analysis

The project began with an in-depth analysis of the Silver Society megatrend, focusing on:

• Demographic data

• Aging lifestyles and independence

• Technology acceptance among older users

• Health, safety, and emotional well-being

Key opportunity areas identified:

• Emergency assistance

• Independent mobility

• Emotional reassurance

• Products that blend into everyday life

Design Process
1. Ideation

Multiple concepts were explored and evaluated based on:

• Ergonomics and grip

• Visual clarity

• Activation logic

• Suitability for aging users

2. Prototyping

Plasticine and physical mock-ups were used to test:

• Weight

• Tactile feedback

• Pull resistance

• Ease of activation

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3. Digital Development

• Initial generative experiments using Grasshopper

• Transition to 3D scanning and Rhino modeling for smoother, more precise surfaces

The final form balances mechanical reliability with symbolic softness.

Outcome & Reflection​

LI demonstrates how research-driven design can move beyond problem-solving toward meaning-making.

Rather than designing for older adults, this project designs with their emotions, beliefs, and lived realities in mind.

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By integrating:

• Trend research

• Universal design principles

• Cultural symbolism

• Hands-on prototyping

the project proposes a new direction for emergency products—one that values dignity as much as safety, and emotional trust as much as technology.

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Final Reflection

LI is not only a signal for help.
It is a reminder that even in moments of vulnerability, light has not disappeared—it is simply waiting to arrive.