In 2014 I identified a gap in the market for inclusively designed furniture for people with dementia.
I formed a startup, designed a range of furniture and launched it after 28 months of R&D and Product Design.
Covid 19 put a hard stop to Included, but it remains one of the highlights of my career.
Accessing tables with four legs can be tricky. You have to pull the chair out, sit on it, and ‘hop’ back in before getting close enough to the table. On the other hand, tables with a central leg can be ‘wobbly’.
The Gingko Table features a central leg that allows diners, including wheelchair users, to swing in and out with ease. The sturdy steel construction of the central pillar and the solid steel base prevent the table from tilting, even when leaning on it to get up. The scratch and moisture-resistant tabletop is perfect for everyday use. The unique solid walnut edging adds a natural feel that complements any interior.
The Gingko mirror cabinet features sensor-activated inset LED lights and a de-mister. The mirror inside is framed by solid American cherry and revealed by opening the two curved doors.
People living with dementia can be confused by mirrors, potentially failing to recognise themselves. Mirrors may be perceived as windows, reflections could be seen as unfamiliar people or intruders.
By placing the mirror inside the bathroom cabinet, the mirror can be concealed if desired, and just partially revealed through the ginkgo leaf pattern, or fully opened gradually, allowing time to adjust and process the reflection in the mirror.
The Gingko Floor Lamp provides targeted lighting, whether on your dining table or sofa. Its exquisite ‘Pietra Leccese’ base (limestone from Italy) offers immense stability, complemented by beautiful solid walnut and maple ‘arms’. A dimmer switch ensures the perfect lighting for any activity, from work to relaxation.
Environmental triggers like light levels can hinder certain activities like eating, staying hydrated, moving around, reading, and sleeping. By strategically placing the lamp, focussing on specific objects or areas, you create a more enabling environment conducive to wellbeing. Illuminating a healthy bowl of fruit or leaving a book on a coffee table with adequate lighting encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Even when the light is off, the dimmer switch glows in the dark, making it easy to identify and control.
The Gingko Coat Hook helps you remember to pack everything you need before you go out. A whiteboard with four extra-strong magnets keeps your important appointments and notes securely stored. A prominent shelf provides a safe place to put your keys, wallet, and phone. Three marine-grade stainless steel hooks can accommodate your coat, walking stick, hat, and bag.
How often do we go out and only halfway through our journey realise we’ve forgotten our keys, shopping list, or wallet? By strategically placing a whiteboard, shelf, and coat hook near the front door, all your important items can be stored in one place, reducing the likelihood of forgetting them.
