If only there were products that could solve these inconveniences. If only this product were a bit more like this, it would be easier to use—there is a growing movement to listen to what inconveniences people experience and what wishes they have, aiming to create user-friendly products and products that make life easier.

“As I walked, it became more and more enjoyable. When I arrived, I thought, ‘It’s already over. I wish I could walk more.'”

reflected on her experience using the wristwatch-type walking navigator “Tsugicoco,” currently under development, to walk to her destination. also tried Tsugicoco and clothing that can be worn without worrying about front/back or inside/out.

Connections with 8 Companies

The two are members of a group for people with young-onset dementia. They tried the products after a proposal was made: “There’s a request to get opinions from people with dementia.”

is participating in the “Orange Project” starting in the 2024 fiscal year. This project aims to realize a society where people can continue to live as themselves even after developing dementia, and it seeks to spread a system where people with dementia participate in the development and improvement of products and services.

served as the contact point and had connections with 8 companies in the 2024 fiscal year that develop and manufacture walking navigators, clothing, calendars, tablets, planners, and more. Intentions were gathered from groups for people with young-onset dementia, family groups, and day services for the elderly that are involved with, and those who wished to participate were able to do so.

“Feeling a sense of role is happy,” “It’s fulfilling”

Regarding participating in product development and improvement, one person said, “I sometimes learn for the first time that ‘such things exist,’ and I can convey usability and what we want to companies,” while another said, “If there’s an opportunity, I think I’d try it. It’s fun and educational.”

According to the coordinator, other participants also shared feedback such as, “I’m happy to feel a sense of role,” “If my current activities can be of use to someone, it’s also fulfilling,” and “Because I developed dementia, I’ve been able to have various experiences.”

The method of participation involves trying it on the spot…

Tsugicoco

I am unable to find any verifiable information on a place or cultural site named “Tsugicoco.” It is possible the name is misspelled, from a very localized context, or is a fictional reference. Could you please provide any additional details or check the spelling?

Orange Project

The Orange Project is a contemporary art initiative and cultural center located in the coastal town of Agadir, Morocco. It was founded to promote local and international artists, transforming a traditional Amazigh (Berber) house into a vibrant gallery and creative space that fosters cultural exchange.

walking navigators

I am unable to provide a summary for “walking navigators” as it does not refer to a specific place or cultural site. The term seems to describe a person or a role, such as a guide who navigates on foot, rather than a location with a history.

clothing

“Clothing” refers to the vast cultural practice of creating and wearing garments, a tradition as old as humanity itself. Its history reflects social status, occupation, and technological advancement, evolving from basic animal skins for protection to the complex global fashion industry of today. It remains a fundamental form of non-verbal communication and personal expression across all societies.

calendars

Calendars are not a physical place but rather cultural systems for organizing and measuring time. They have evolved over millennia, with early examples like the Sumerian and Mayan calendars reflecting agricultural and astronomical knowledge. Modern calendars, such as the widely used Gregorian calendar, are rooted in religious and historical reforms that standardized timekeeping across societies.

tablets

The term “tablets” most commonly refers to ancient writing surfaces, such as clay tablets from Mesopotamia or wax tablets from the Roman Empire. These artifacts were used for record-keeping, literature, and correspondence, with some of the oldest examples dating back over 5,000 years. They provide invaluable insight into the legal, economic, and daily life of early civilizations.

planners

“Planners” is not a specific place or cultural site, but a general term for professionals who design and organize the development of communities, cities, and regions. The field of urban planning has a long history, evolving from ancient civilizations that designed cities with grids and public spaces to the modern profession that addresses complex issues like sustainability and land use.

day services

I am unable to provide a summary for “day services” as it is not a specific place or cultural site. The term generally refers to a category of community-based support programs for seniors or adults with disabilities, rather than a single location with a definable history.