Designing technology to improve quality of life for people with dementia: user led approaches

Citation

Orpwood R, Chadd J, Howcroft D, Sixsmith A, Torrington J, Gibson G & Chalfont G (2010) Designing technology to improve quality of life for people with dementia: user led approaches. Universal Access in the Information Society, 9 (3), pp. 249-259. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-009-0172-1

Abstract
This paper addresses the design of assistive technology that specifically aims to support an improvement in the quality of life of people with dementia. Starting from interviews with users, a grounded theory approach was used to compile a wish list of issues important for maintaining quality of life. A large list of potential technologies that could address these issues was generated, and four were selected for initial development: a music player, a device to reduce social isolation, a conversation prompter, and a device to support sequences of tasks. The music player and social isolation device are described in this paper in detail. A user-led approach to their design was followed, including approaches to finding control interfaces that were intuitive for people with dementia. The paper concludes with a list of recommendations for designers looking to develop equipment of this kind.

Keywords
Dementia; Quality of life; User-led design; Intuitive control interfaces; Music playing

Journal
Universal Access in the Information Society: Volume 9, Issue 3

People

Dr Grant Gibson

Senior Lecturer, Dementia and Ageing