Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

A motivational theory in psychology proposed by Abraham Maslow that organises human needs into a hierarchical pyramid, from basic physiological needs at the base through safety, social belonging, esteem, and self-actualisation at the top. The theory proposes that lower-level deficit needs must be substantially met before higher-level being-needs become motivating. In assistive technology and aging research, Maslow's hierarchy provides a framework for prioritising which needs technology should address first — for example, ensuring safety and medication management (deficit needs) before targeting social contact and recreation (being-needs). This framework helps designers and caregivers make principled decisions about which assistive technology applications are most important for a given individual.