CoPaSS CCI

The Virtual Library is an online platform that compiles relevant data from Denmark, Germany, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and Sweden, research results, publications, tools, furniture prototypes and tested design methods developed in the project. The Library is a knowledge database for any furniture manufacturers, designers, students, practitioners and researchers that would like to learn more about furniture that better meet the needs of seniors. It is also a constantly developing platform, with new documents, films, photos, research results being added.

This is a set of manuals and guidelines to new design working methods, which make use of design thinking, open innovation, and refer to the databases on the seniors’ preferences, and safety requirements for furniture for seniors. This comprehsive and inspirational set of design working methods was described and illustrated in order to ensure better understanding of the methods and to facilitate their implementation by companies, designers, students into their daily routines. The elaborated manuals and guidelines summarise all workshops, case studies and examples of the design methods that were tested and implemented during the project. The documents are also part of the Virtual Library.

This database collects new knowledge on the seniors’ needs and preferences regarding kitchen, bedroom and upholstery furniture. Thanks to an optimised search engine, this online tool allows for finding relevant information about the seniors’ needs and preferences according to their e.g. country of origin (Denmark, Germany, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and Sweden), age, sex and independence. The database guides manufacturers and designers in developing age-friendly furniture by providing valuable hints on how to adapt their products to create a safe home space for seniors.

This online application enables to calculate the reliability of cabinet furniture joints and whole furniture constructions made from wood-based materials. This mathematical tool provides furniture designers, manufacturers and students with a unique possibility to calculate the warranty period length and align the design of furniture construction accordingly in order to achieve the extended warranty period. The application is based on long-term reliability investigations of samples of selected types of cabinet furniture joints performed by the project BaltSe@nioR. It makes use of new knowledge on the safety and reliability of furniture joints taking into consideration different materials and kinds of furniture joints.

A set of functional furniture prototypes guide students, designers, architects and furniture companies how to integrate new technologies into traditional furniture, and in this way create smart furniture for the elderly that adapted to their needs and preferences. For example, a magic mirror displays personalised messages, a ReAbleChair collects data on sit-to-stand movements, a smart chair helps in physical rehabilitation, and a mobile robot with the fall detection and stand-up support function. 3D printable furniture handles help in more comfortable use of cupboards and drawers. More information about the prototypes is also available in the Virtual Library.