Ana Diaz-Young

About

Chirp shifts caregiving from surveillance to connection, using presence detection to provide peace of mind while preserving dignity.

Course: Product Studio IV
Duration: 8 Weeks Fall 2025
Tools: Solidworks + Keyshot

The App:
When a caregiver checks in on the app they can view activity patterns through heat maps, and build a shared scrapbook by sharing photos. One tap sends a gentle "thinking of you” to the physical hub.

The Light System:

When family checks in through the app, Chirp lights up at home in personalized colors. Each family member gets their own color to help the user identify patterns of their support network.

One Button Response:

Seniors can choose to respond by holding the button to record a voice message. One clear action—simple, dignified, on their terms.

Presence Sensing:

Based on the Aqara FP2 sensor technology, Chirp uses radio waves to detect presence and movement patterns—no cameras needed. Sensors can be placed throughout the home to create a complete picture of daily routines while maintaining privacy.

transforms caregiving from surveillance to connection—giving families peace of mind while seniors keep their dignity and autonomy.

Research & Insights

Interviews revealed a consistent tension: families installed cameras and called daily for reassurance, while seniors felt uncomfortable being tracked. One wanted monitoring "without being invasive." The gap between peace of mind and autonomy became Chirp's design challenge.

Interviews at Vintage Senior Center, visits to the Healthy Home Lab, and ongoing conversations with my grandmother shaped insights about independence, dignity, and how technology fits into home life.

Across all interviews, the pattern was clear: caregivers and seniors both want to feel safe—they just struggle to communicate that safety. Chirp bridges that gap.