Exhibition concept for digital assistance systems

KielRegion | SmarterLeben

A woman stands at a large touch display and selects a point on the floor plan.

An exhibition that makes assistance systems for autonomous living in old age understandable and accessible – through clear language, holistic design and cross-media implementation.

  • 2

    media landscapes united by one concept

  • >10

    assistance technologies, presented in a tangible and understandable way

  • 100 %

    user-centered, from research to implementation

  • 2

    media landscapes united by one concept

  • >10

    assistance technologies, presented in a tangible and understandable way

  • 100 %

    user-centered, from research to implementation

  • MInimalistic vector illustrations of the different sensors.
  • The floor plan of the model apartment with a total of 13 sensors marked.
The various assistance systems and sensors are displayed on the floor plan of the “Marthas Treff” neighborhood space.

Structure and content: concept of an interactive exhibition

The exhibition combines a real living environment in the “Marthas Insel” district in Kiel with explanatory information modules on digital assistance solutions. The challenge: reducing technical complexity without compromising content. And to take into account the different background knowledge of non-technical senior citizens and well-trained professionals.


We have developed a modular system that allows for different levels of information – print media provides a quick overview, while the interactive digital application on a touchscreen offers more in-depth information. The result is a consistent range of information for very different user groups.

The exhibition is not a static format, but was designed from the very beginning with a focus on continued development and transferability. The connection to existing structures in the neighborhood – such as regular digital consultation hours and other uses of the “Marthas Treff” space – creates a sustainable learning space that can be applied to other contexts. This turns an individual project into a flexible communication system with long-term added value.

The exhibition is not a static format, but was designed from the very beginning with a focus on continued development and transferability. The connection to existing structures in the neighborhood – such as regular digital consultation hours and other uses of the “Marthas Treff” space – creates a sustainable learning space that can be applied to other contexts. This turns an individual project into a flexible communication system with long-term added value.

Starting point people: design from the user’s perspective

At the center of our work was the exchange with experts for “Ambient Assisted Living” (AAL), people from social welfare and the future visitors of the exhibition: older residents, caregiving relatives and professionals. Through user tests, we were able to identify key needs – such as the desire for greater safety, easy access to information and the fear of being overwhelmed by technology. These findings form the basis for a low-threshold, trust-boosting exhibition concept.

Two DinA4 displays with information on the “Doorbell amplifier” and “Water sensor” sensors.
A poster about the “Intelligent light switch” sensor, hung up with wooden rails.
A poster for the “LAROsense App” sensor, which is integrated into a poster stand.

Design with clarity and personality

The visual language of the exhibition has been deliberately kept to a simple yet distinctive design. High-contrast colors, clear typography, vector-based illustrations and a uncluttered layout structure provide orientation – both analog and digital.

Design decisions were always reflected in the context of the target groups: Design that does not distance, but creates a sense of approachability, trust and comprehensibility.

Print and digital: opposites that complement each other

We do not see print and digital as opposites, but as complementary elements with different advantages and disadvantages. All content has been designed in such a way that it fits together across all media and plays to its respective advantages. The digital part enables independent discovery and offers a more technical level of information in addition to the basic information. The print products can be accessed quickly and are also visible when the room is being used for other purposes.

Sarah Göbels Communication Designer

SmarterLeben | KielRegion is a joint project of the state capital Kiel and the districts of Plön and Rendsburg-Eckernförde and is being implemented together with the KielRegion. It is one of the current 73 Model Smart Cities Projects (MPSC) and is funded by the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building (BMWSB).

Logo of KielRegion | SmarterLeben

  • 2

    media landscapes united by one concept

  • >10

    assistance technologies, presented in a tangible and understandable way

  • 100 %

    user-centered, from research to implementation

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