During the spring term of 2025, Abilia collaborated with the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm, Sweden, in two parallel student projects within cognitive and social support. By sharing real user needs and mentoring the students, we gained fresh perspectives, innovative prototypes – and a great deal of inspiration.
Design students worked with real needs
In the Design and Product Realization course, 110 KTH students, organised into 28 groups, applied the product design process to actual user needs provided by Abilia. Working from real needs adds an extra dimension to product development compared to fictional scenarios.
The two challenges the groups addressed were:
- A time aid with reminders for young people with neuropsychiatric disorders
- A discreet visual timer with the same intended purpose as MEMO Timer
MEMO Timer is an aid suitable for all ages that makes it easier to understand time – for example, how long an activity takes or when something is about to start.
The work was carried out in three phases, with intermediate presentations and feedback from Abilia. The final results, presented as prototypes at an open expo, showcased the meeting between real needs and innovative design.
"It was incredibly inspiring to see how quickly the students understood the users’ needs and turned them into creative solutions. They demonstrated both strong empathy and technical skill."
– Jenny Berglund, Portfolio Manager for Abilia’s time and planning products
In-depth master theses on Komp Pro
In addition to the design course, Abilia hosted two master thesis projects focusing on Komp Pro – a one-button computer with a highly user-friendly interface, enabling even technology novices to stay connected with family, friends, and healthcare providers.
Komp Pro allows relatives to send photos, messages, and make two-way video calls via an app, while healthcare staff can communicate through a web portal.
The students explored this hypothesis:
Could Komp Pro be introduced earlier in life if users could interact with the screen to a greater extent – and could this be done without compromising its simple user-friendly design?
Examples of interactions explored:
- Starting or ending a video call
- Adjusting the volume
- Starting, stopping, or selecting content (e.g., video) from a favourite chair
- Identifying other needs important to both users and care staff
These projects were also presented throughout the term, with feedback from Abilia, and final results displayed at the expo, offering concrete proposals that preserve Komp Pro’s intuitive user experience.
The two groups came up with the same three concepts: a control pad, a watch including GPS/safety alarm function, and a remote control, but the priorities differed.
"The thesis projects have provided us with valuable insights and concrete solutions, highlighting new opportunities for Komp Pro in the market. Collaborations like these strengthen our strategic position and support user-centred product development, for which we are very grateful."
– Anna-Stina Slattum Ferner, Research & Impact Manager at Abilia
Shaping the future together
We are proud to contribute to students’ learning while gaining valuable insights into how social technology and cognitive support can be developed and introduced at different stages of life. The collaboration with KTH shows how tomorrow’s engineers and designers approach today’s challenges – with empathy, creativity, and technical skill.
And yes – we look forward to more collaborations in the future.
