PREPARIO
Making Everyday Kitchen Tasks Safer and Easier for Older Adults
PREPARIO explored how to redesign microwave ovens so older adults can heat meals safely and confidently. By testing prototypes in real households and involving local care organisations, the project showed how small design changes can make a big difference in daily independence.
Understanding Why Microwaves Often Fail Older Users
Although microwaves are common, many older adults avoid using them because they find the controls confusing or fear making mistakes. PREPARIO set out to understand these barriers and develop a more intuitive microwave for ageing users. The municipality of Vila Nova de Cerveira and Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa served as enduser partners, bringing direct access to older residents and care organisations. For the municipality, joining the project was a natural step: supporting older adults is part of its daily mission, and PREPARIO aligned with the region’s demographic challenges
Testing Prototypes in Real Homes and Care Contexts
The municipality conducted two rounds of user trials with independent but ageing residents. These tests showed that even people who own a microwave rarely use it because they worry about temperature settings, time adjustments or simply doing something wrong. The prototype developed by the coordinator introduced simplified, automated heating options, reducing the need to manage multiple parameters. Participants welcomed the ease of use and felt reassured by a product that anticipated their limitations rather than requiring digital skills they often do not have. Care organisations participating in the trials confirmed the relevance of these adaptations.
Beyond Heating: Supporting Meal Distribution Services
In rural areas, many older adults rely on daily mealdelivery services. PREPARIO explored how an adapted microwave could support not just individuals but also the organisations delivering meals. The prototype included the possibility of connecting usage data to service providers, allowing them to see whether a delivered meal had been opened or heated. For isolated older adults, this created an additional layer of safety, giving social organisations insight into daily routines and potential risks. For the municipality, this was one of the project’s most valuable findings, demonstrating how design and connectivity can support community-based care.
Challenges: Market Readiness and Partner Continuity
One project partner withdrew during the process, which limited technical progress and complicated the path toward commercialisation. While the municipality completed all planned activities, the coordinator – a small company – faced capacity challenges in developing a market-ready product. Although discussions with larger appliance manufacturers were initiated, they did not progress further. For the municipality, this highlighted a common issue in European projects: strong user engagement does not automatically translate into market uptake, especially when solutions depend on industrial partners and manufacturing capacity.
Lessons: Engage People Early and Make Technology Invisible
PREPARIO showed that projects succeed when citizens understand and value the topic. Older adults engaged readily once they realised the product could genuinely support their independence. The project also confirmed that technology for ageing users must require as little action as possible – no codes, no complex interfaces, no digital prerequisites. Municipalities and local organisations play a key role in making such projects meaningful and in reaching people who benefit most from innovation.
Project Info
PREPARIO was an AAL project exploring how to create user-friendly microwaves for older adults. Pilots in Portugal tested prototypes with independent seniors and care organisations, demonstrating the value of simplified controls and connected features for safer daily meal preparation.
Discover more from the 5th Impact Assessment
