Audrey Fox

Nettle is a warm and approachable way for older adults to add casual conversation and community to the routine of making tea. As the user makes a pot of tea, they are connected to their network of Nettle users. Pouring the water indicates availability. Placing a mug into its tray initiates conversation, and closing the mug ends the connection. An embedded microphone and speaker allows hands-free use for the duration of the call. Users are paired with the first available contact in their network. It could be a neighbor or friend, or someone they've never met. This adds an element of unpredictability to the experience. Whether the user is looking for a lifeline, or just a fun way to have a casual conversation, Nettle integrates social contact into daily activity with ease and simplicity.