Many individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, as well as elderly people with hearing impairments, face difficulties knowing when someone knocks on their door. Existing solutions like loud doorbells or flashing lights often fall short, especially if the person isn’t nearby or the light isn’t bright enough. A more intuitive and reliable alert system could bridge this gap.

How the Idea Works

One approach involves placing a sensor on the door—either vibration-based or sound-based—that detects knocks. When triggered, the system activates a bright light box situated in the user’s frequently occupied space (e.g., living room). The alert could flash or remain steady, ensuring visibility. This could be implemented as a battery-powered or wired device, designed for easy installation without major modifications. Benefits would include:

• Accessibility: Provides a visual cue for those who can’t hear knocks.
• Simplicity: No need for smartphones or complex setups.
• Flexibility: Could offer adjustable brightness or patterns for different environments.

Standing Out from Existing Solutions

Unlike smart doorbells that rely on internet connectivity, this would be a standalone system, making it ideal for users who prefer simplicity. Compared to wearable vibration alerts, it eliminates the need to carry a device. The focus on detecting knocks—not just doorbell presses—also makes it more versatile, as not all visitors use doorbells.

Next Steps for Implementation

An early version could be prototyped using basic components like vibration sensors and programmable microcontrollers. User testing with the target audience would help refine sensitivity, light intensity, and placement. For wider adoption, partnerships with accessibility-focused retailers or healthcare providers could be explored. While smart features could be added later, the core product would prioritize reliability and ease of use.