Hibu
Personal Panic Button
A smart Bluetooth wearable button, that allows the elderly to turn their smartphone into an emergency device.
With integrated fall detection, emergency button, localization, and waterproof functionalities. Hibu helps the elderly to stay safe and connected at all times.
Year
2014
Client
Monitorlinq
Expertise
Industrial Design
Electronic Design
Firmware Development
Prototyping
Certifications
Quality Control
Mass Production
Awards
A’ Design Award Silver
The Challenge
As populations age, a significant and dangerous risk for the elderly is the inability to call for help during an emergency, especially after a fall. Many older adults live alone or are mobile but frail. Even if they have a phone, they may not be able to reach it in a crisis. Traditional medical alert systems rely on bulky base stations, require subscriptions, or simply don’t feel comfortable for daily use.
For our client, Monitorlinq, this highlighted a clear need: to create a device that was not only functional but also wearable, non-stigmatizing, and easy to use. It needed to fit smoothly into the daily life of an older person, something they would feel comfortable wearing at home, in the garden, or even in the shower. Additionally, since false alarms are a concern, the system had to intelligently identify different types of emergencies, rather than just a single “panic” button.
Our Approach
Our process started with understanding the daily lives of seniors who might use this device. We spent a lot of time looking at how they move, how they interact with technology, and what worries them or their families. This helped us shape the design toward something soft, compact, and friendly instead of technical or scary.
We chose lightweight materials (ABS-PC and PU) and improved the shape through several rounds of prototyping to ensure it was comfortable against the skin. Waterproofing was a key requirement, especially since many household accidents happen in the bathroom.
At the same time, we developed the electronic system and software that would link the wearable to a smartphone using Bluetooth. This allowed the phone to serve as the communication hub, removing the need for separate base stations. We created a smart fall-detection algorithm supported by motion sensors and programmed a three-level alert system that could tell the difference between critical emergencies and non-urgent help requests.
During testing, we collaborated closely with seniors and caregivers, fine-tuning button tension, adjusting detection sensitivity, and making sure the device felt easy to use. Once we confirmed the design, we moved on to preparing for mass production, handling certifications, quality control, and final manufacturing adjustments.
The Result
Hibu became as a reliable emergency companion specifically designed for the needs of older adults. It allows seniors to trigger alerts or automatically send notifications after a fall. This feature gives them a sense of independence while reassuring their families. The comfortable and friendly design encourages users to wear it consistently. Because it uses a smartphone instead of bulky home equipment, seniors can carry it with them anywhere. Through careful engineering and testing, the device became a highly dependable product that offers both safety and dignity. Although it is a small device, it can make a significant difference for someone in a vulnerable moment.
Its thoughtful design later earned a Silver A’ Design Award, recognizing the combination of innovation and focus on human-centered design.
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