Ease: A Cognitively Accessible Walking Aid for People Living With Dementia

Winner

Ease is a cognitively accessible walking aid designed for people living with dementia. Traditional walking aids often overlook the mental and sensory challenges users face, leading to confusion, misuse, and increased fall risk. Ease addresses these issues with a high-contrast color scheme for easy visibility, a self-standing base for effortless retrieval, and a loop handle that prevents accidental drops, allowing users to focus more on their surroundings rather than holding the cane. Its form and features are designed to reduce cognitive strain while supporting safe, confident movement. Developed through research, prototyping, and user testing, Ease integrates principles of cognitive accessibility and inclusive design to help users maintain independence, mobility, and dignity in everyday life.