La Wallace
Socio-technical device for independence and socialisation around meals
Phase 2
Type of project: Prototype
Disability concerned: Mental disability, Motor disability, Multiple disabilities, Polydisability
Topics: Nutrition, psychological well-being, interpersonal relationships
Status: In progress
The Wallace is currently a concept for a device designed to help people with severe disabilities become more independent and sociable at mealtimes. The aim of the project is to set up a multi-disciplinary team to produce mock-ups and usage scenarios to draw up overall specifications for the device, in both its technical and service dimensions.
The Wallace is currently a concept for a device designed to help people with severe disabilities to become more independent and sociable at mealtimes. The result of an exploratory study, this concept offers a technical solution in the form of a meal preparation dispenser, but is not limited to it. If it is to be a viable proposition, the Wallace’s technical dimensions cannot be considered in isolation from its logistical, food, social and economic dimensions. The aim of the prototyping project is therefore to set up a multi-disciplinary team around the working group of severely disabled people, already set up during phase 1,
to develop, through the production of mock-ups and usage scenarios, an overall specification for the device, in its technical and service dimensions. The concept of a food dispenser and preparer at the heart of the proposal was inspired by 2 existing products. It would enable people to prepare a simple dish using the food of their choice, using simple interfaces. Once the order has been placed, the plate would be ready to be eaten for oneself and for others, thus encouraging socialisation that includes the possibility for the people concerned to invite guests over for a “home-cooked” and “home-made” meal.
The food supplied will be fresh and frequently pre-prepared, which means setting up a network of production and logistics operators. The Wallace innovation is that the dishes offered will be co-created by users, a chef, local producers and engineers. The ecosystem around the food dispenser will be designed with and for people with severe disabilities, so that it can be disseminated to wider networks of users, while at the same time making the most of the networks of social enterprises that are stakeholders in the system.
