In the Netherlands, a startup has unveiled a device for dementia patients that is comprised of a single arrow that points to only one direction: home.
Conceived and produce by Aumens, the “compass” is made mostly of wood and is activated whenever it is picked up. There is no interface or power button; in fact, there is no screen at all. Just a red arrow pointing a person home.
The device is based on research from Prof. Dr. Ir. Rens Brankaert showing people with dementia respond better to physical cues than to digitally presented information. More than 100 people living with dementia, along with their caregivers, helped inform the design.
Aumens told designboom.com the Compass would become available for purchase in 2026.