DUCKYS
In collaboration with Maureen Thurston and Balwyn Evergreen Centre, our team designed DUCKYS, a smart bathroom safety ecosystem that helps older adults live independently and confidently .
DURATION
12 WEEKS
ROLE
UX Designer
Researcher
TOOLS
Figma
Adobe Illustrator
Miro
TEAM
6 MEMBERS
Overview
As Australia's population ages, more older adults want to continue living independently in their own homes.
However, bathrooms remain one of the most hazardous areas in the home due to wet surfaces, limited mobility and the increased risk of falls.
DUCKYS is a smart bathroom safety ecosystem designed to identify environmental risks and provide gentle, real-time support through smart tiles, a companion device and an accessible control panel.
The goal was to create assistive technology that feels reassuring and supportive rather than clinical or intrusive.
Detect environmental risks and respond through real-time alerts and guidance.
Help older adults maintain their daily routines with greater confidence.
Provide safety support and caregiver alerts without relying on intrusive cameras or constant surveillance.
Problem
Falls remain a significant risk for older adults, particularly within the home.
Bathrooms are especially hazardous due to slippery surfaces, restricted spaces and changes in mobility, balance and vision.
At the same time, research showed that older adults value independence and control. Safety technology must therefore provide support without making users feel monitored or overwhelmed.
Our challenge was to explore how technology could prevent risks before an accident occurs while remaining simple, discreet and respectful.
by 2030
one in five
Australians will be aged
65 or over
one in three
older adults fall each year
60%
of fall happen at home
#1
bathroom is the most common place
How might we enhance bathroom safety and accessibility
for older adults while maintaining their privacy?
Our solution
DUCKYS combines environmental sensing, a friendly companion device and an intuitive digital control panel to create a connected bathroom safety ecosystem.
Rather than only responding after an emergency occurs, the system aims to identify potential risks within the bathroom and communicate them through gentle visual, haptic and audio feedback.
Smart Tiles
Modular smart tiles detect motion, moisture and sudden impacts within the bathroom.
Sensor data is communicated across the DUCKYS ecosystem in real time.
When a potential incident occurs, nearby tiles can illuminate to highlight the affected area and guide attention to where support may be required.
The modular system allows tiles to be positioned across different bathroom layouts.
Control Panel
Modular smart tiles detect motion, moisture and sudden impacts within the bathroom.
Sensor data is communicated across the DUCKYS ecosystem in real time.
When a potential incident occurs, nearby tiles can illuminate to highlight the affected area and guide attention to where support may be required.
The modular system allows tiles to be positioned across different bathroom layouts.
Ducky Companion
The DUCKYS Companion acts as the friendly communication point of the system.
Using light, sound and haptic feedback, DUCKYS communicates environmental changes such as temperature, damp surfaces and potential falls.
Its approachable form was designed to create reassurance and make the system feel less like a traditional medical alert device
Key Feature
Fall Detection
Detects sudden impacts and identifies potential emergency situations.
Gentle Guidance
Uses light, sound and haptic feedback to communicate risks.
Gentle Guidance
Uses light, sound and haptic feedback to communicate risks.
Environmental Monitoring
Tracks moisture, temperature and environmental conditions within the bathroom.
Routine Scheduling
Allows users to create and manage personalised daily routines and reminders.
Gentle Guidance
Uses light, sound and haptic feedback to communicate risks.
User Testing
Prototypes
We tested the DUCKYS concept with older adults to better understand how the system might fit into real daily routines.
Testing revealed that participants were highly aware of bathroom safety risks and appreciated technology that could support ageing in place.
However, convenience and simplicity were essential.
Several participants felt that carrying an additional handheld device could become inconvenient, while others already relied on familiar technologies such as an Apple Watch for emergency alerts.
Participants also emphasised the importance of large buttons, clear interfaces, reliable emergency responses and minimal maintenance.
by 2030
one in five
participants
Overall Usability Score
5
4.6 /5
WHAT WE LEARNED
Familiar technology influences adoption
Some participants already used devices such as Apple Watches for emergency alerts.
This helped us better understand that DUCKYS needed to offer value beyond traditional fall detection.
Prevention creates an opportunity
While many wearable devices react after an emergency, DUCKYS explores environmental monitoring to identify potential risks such as wet floors and changing humidity.
Portability needs improvement
Participants raised concerns about carrying the DUCKYS Companion while completing bathroom routines.
Future development could explore wearable options and flexible docking systems.
Future design direction
Participants appreciated the environmental monitoring system and the ability to share alerts with caregivers, providing greater peace of mind. They also found the Control Panel intuitive and easy to navigate. However, many participants already used an Apple Watch or emergency alert pendant and felt that carrying the DUCKYS Companion would be inconvenient. This highlighted an opportunity to integrate the system with existing devices while using the DUCKYS app as the central control hub.