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

Reference:

Orpwood, R., Chadd, J., Howcroft, D., Sixsmith, A., Torrington, J., Gibson, G. and 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.

Related documents:

Official URL:

http://dx.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.

Export

Actions (login required)