Seeing interior design through others' eyes

The AgeExplorer®, which is normally used in Blum requirements research, consists of various components. Each simulates a physical limitation typically arising in old age. In just a few minutes, Jürgen Krämer is transformed into a kind of orange astronaut. With limited vision, stiff joints, impaired hearing and muscle fatigue, the creative businessman is ready to explore his workspace and showroom.

Suddenly the clothes rails in the walk-in wardrobe that graces the showroom seem incredibly high. The top stitches on the sleeves make stretching noticeably difficult for Jürgen. As he sits down on his favourite sofa, he immediately realises that getting back up off the soft cushions takes a great deal of effort. "How soft something should be, how deep a sofa should be – this is very enlightening," says Jürgen.

Colours and materials are particularly important for the design expert. The AgeExplorer® visor imitates the yellowness that can arise after many years of exposure to sunlight. "You almost can't differentiate between the colours on the colour palette," says a shocked Jürgen. Touching various surfaces with the gloves which simulate arthritis and diminished sensitivity is also fascinating for Jürgen. "We spend a lot of time choosing materials," explains the experienced interior designer. "It's a real eye-opener, discovering how that might feel for our customers," he says pensively.