‘Ikigai’, by Elisava’s student Laia Millan, wins the tenth edition of jumpthegap®

Ikigai, an intelligent mirror to help people with dementia, by Elisava’s Undergraduate Degree in Industrial Design Engineering student Laia Millan Català, has won the tenth edition of jumpthegap®, the international design competition promoted by Roca, in collaboration with the BCD Barcelona Centre de Disseny, with the aim of creating new innovative and sustainable concepts for the bathroom space.

Ikigai seeks to help people with dementia to minimize the effects of this pathology, both cognitively and psychologically and behaviorally. It works by performing a daily exercise routine, guided by the facial recognition technology integrated in the mirror.

The routine is divided into two parts: a morning routine of four exercises that stimulate the recognition of the present, memories, interests, skills and knowledge of the person; and an evening routine of relaxation before going to sleep. Ikigai has been distinguished by the ‘Best of the Best’ awards and by the first position on the podium of the competition, a merit within the category of Neutral Design, which has distinguished the talent made in Elisava.

This tenth edition of the competition proposed a new look at the future inspired by the cross-cutting challenges posed by the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development in the fields of health care and hygiene, preservation of the planet, respect for diversity and equal access to technological advances.

The ceremony was held in a hybrid format (online/on-site) as part of the Barcelona Design Week City Festival.