In the dynamic realm of medical technology, innovation to improve the lives of those with chronic conditions like Parkinson's Disease (PD) is paramount. This graduation report represents the culmination of a project aiming to address prevalent symptoms in individuals with PD.

Client and Objective:

The project aims to develop a concept product for Dopple B.V., a Dutch tech company specializing in head-worn audio smart wearables, seeking to expand into the medical market. The focus is on utilizing their existing product line to create a solution.

Scope:

The project focuses on creating a smart wearable audio device equipped with modern technology to alleviate symptoms of PD, particularly "freeze of gait & festination."

Symptoms:

Freeze of gait (FoG) refers to a sudden inability to move forward despite intending to walk, significantly impacting mobility and increasing fall risk. Festination involves a rapid, short-stepped gait, leading to balance issues and difficulties in movement control.

User Testing:

Tests conducted with PD clients showed promising results in evaluating the effectiveness of feedback mechanisms.

Product Features:

The "Dopple Earbuds" utilize advanced technology such as smartphone integration, neural networks, and Bluetooth data transmission. Beyond addressing FoG and festination, they offer a range of functionalities including object detection, heart rhythm monitoring, fall detection, posture correction, and more.

Design:

The Dopple Earbuds are designed with considerations for aesthetics, ergonomics, and materials, tailored to the needs of elderly users. The involvement of neural networks necessitates careful management of memory, battery consumption, and data flow.

Collaboration:

The project involved collaboration with healthcare professionals, Dopple engineers, and coaching, aiming to pioneer novel solutions in medical technology beyond traditional pharmaceutical approaches.

In summary, this project represents a significant step forward in leveraging technology to improve the quality of life for individuals with PD, showcasing the potential of medical assistance technology in complementing existing treatments.