LEO

The LEO project followed a rigorous human-centred research and design. Extensive user research including; interviews, stakeholder mapping, user journey mapping, and UX testing uncovered the barriers older adults face with modern smart technologies, such as physical discomfort, low digital literacy, and cognitive load.

These insights informed a clear problem statement and a “How Might We” question, guiding ideation around accessible, intuitive smart home interfaces. Initial concepts were evaluated against elderly users’ needs, with the modular “LEO” system selected for its adaptability and familiarity. Iterative prototyping and testing conducted with elderly participants refined the affordances, ergonomics, and interaction patterns of each module, resulting in a set of physical interfaces that are familiar yet functional.

The final product suite includes tactile modules (speaker, phone, thermostat), a simplified UI dashboard, and a service offering setup and ongoing support. The design emphasises readability, high-contrast elements, and nostalgic form language inspired by traditional home electronics. It integrates modern UI principles with retro aesthetics to foster trust and usability. Manufacturing was considered early in the design with parts selected for ease of production (e.g., CNC-milled aluminium, injection-moulded housings, and off-the-shelf components). The prototype was professionally finished, combining electronics soldering, 3D printing, aluminium detailing, and a polished cherry wood veneer. By centric on the elderly experience, the final design not only met the brief, it went above and beyond it.

LEO is more than a smart home device; it’s a system that supports aging in place with dignity, confidence, and independence.

LEO was designed to be more than just functional. It is a system that meets people where they are. The project satisfies key principles of good design by prioritising accessibility, safety, and quality, while also delivering a warm and tactile aesthetic that feels familiar and non-intimidating. The physical modules take cues from traditional home electronics, offering a comforting sense of nostalgia while providing clear and reliable interaction.

Each module is customisable, ergonomically considered, and tested for ease of use by older adults. High-contrast visuals, clear iconography, and tactile feedback ensure the system is easy to read and interact with. Sustainability was addressed from the beginning, with material choices that balance durability and environmental responsibility. Components include recyclable plastics, responsibly sourced cherry wood veneer, and standardised parts for ease of manufacturing and future repair. The user experience was a core focus from the outset.

Throughout the design process, older users were directly involved in testing and refining every element. From the comfort of the knobs to the readability of the dashboard interface, every decision was made to ensure confidence and reduce friction. The inclusion of a setup and support service means users are not left to figure things out alone, which makes the system approachable even for those unfamiliar with smart technology. LEO sets a high standard for inclusive product design that is both technically considered and emotionally aware. It shows how professional design can lead to solutions that are not just accessible, but desirable.

While developed in Victoria, LEO addresses a global need for more human-centred approaches to technology for older populations. It demonstrates how thoughtful design can restore independence and dignity, while encouraging broader conversations about equity and innovation in design.

LEO addresses a very real and often overlooked challenge. As smart home technology becomes more embedded in daily life, older adults are frequently left behind. Many existing products focus on features rather than people, assuming a level of digital fluency that simply does not reflect the needs of aging users. LEO approaches this problem differently by rethinking what smart interaction can look like when it is built from the ground up to support confidence, familiarity, and independence for aging adults. Rather than relying on voice control or touchscreens, LEO uses modular, tactile devices with clearly labelled physical controls.

These modules are shaped, sized, and angled for comfort and clarity, based on testing with elderly participants. The design is not just user-friendly. It is user-led. Every choice reflects the lived experiences and frustrations shared by older users during the research phase. One of LEO’s most original aspects is the integration of a human-centred service layer alongside the physical product. The system includes setup and training, offered in person, as well as an ongoing support line. This creates a sense of continuity and reassurance, helping users feel equipped and connected even after the initial installation.

LEO creates a new opportunity for what accessible technology can be. It does not force older adults to adapt to the pace of innovation. Instead, it adapts technology to suit their world. This approach is rare in the consumer technology space and opens up possibilities for other industries to rethink how they design for aging populations. By turning deep empathy into tangible design outcomes, LEO presents a unique and scalable solution that blends physical design, service design, and interaction design into one cohesive experience.

LEO delivers a tangible, human-focused solution to a growing societal challenge. By making smart home technology more accessible to older adults, it supports aging in place with greater confidence, comfort, and independence. The outcome is a product and service that not only solves a real problem, but does so in a way that is scalable, sustainable, and deeply respectful of its users. From a social perspective, LEO has the potential to reduce feelings of isolation, promote autonomy, and lessen reliance on overstretched health systems. Its customisable modules and approachable design give users a sense of ownership and control. This improves wellbeing and helps shift the perception of older adults as passive users of technology to empowered participants.

Commercially, LEO demonstrates that inclusive design is not a niche concern but a market opportunity. As the population continues to age globally, products that meet the needs of older users will become increasingly important. By investing in a professional design process from the outset, this project shows how thoughtful design can create long-term value both for users and for industry. Environmentally, LEO applies principles of circular thinking through its modularity and material choices. Components are designed to be repairable, with recyclable and renewable materials used wherever possible. Standardised internal layouts simplify production and reduce waste. The system is built to last, not to be replaced frequently, reducing its footprint across its lifecycle. LEO reflects the strength of Victoria’s creative and design culture. It proves that design-led thinking can address complex social issues and deliver outcomes with lasting impact.

By placing people at the centre and treating accessibility as a design opportunity, this project promotes the importance of design not only across the state but as a model for international innovation.