Participatory Design for Dementia: Engaging Life Stories and Culture in Cognitive and Sensory Stimulation Artifacts

This study addresses participatory design activities based on biographical and cultural characteristics of people with dementia aimed at their meaningful engagement in design research and subsequent design of cognitive and sensory stimulation artifacts.This emerged from a partnership with the Alzheimer Portugal association and involved people with moderate to advanced dementia who attend a Day Center run by this association, health professionals, and undergraduate design students.The involvement of students in the design process aimed at raising awareness and demonstrating to future designers the potential of design for a more inclusive society through a case study on dementia.Several participatory activities were designed based on life stories and culture of people with dementia aimed at their meaningful involvement in the design process.These activities contributed to a close and trusting relationship between all parties and fostered the sharing of stories that informed the design of cognitive and sensory stimulation artifacts in an academic context.The artifacts were delivered to the Center and are being used by participants.These artifacts have shown therapeutic potential for cognitive and sensory stimulation, to encourage socialization, to promote manual dexterity and coordination, and to reduce anxiety.Additionally, the artifacts have shown an enormous potential to provide moments of fun and laughter.