Designing for Social Engagement in Cognitive Care: A Case Study

Objectives: This study reports on a postoccupancy evaluation (POE) of the Cognitive Empowerment Program (CEP), a purpose-built day program designed for individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). It examines how the built environment is perceived to support or constrain social engagement (SE) among CEP members and their care partners, and organizational effectiveness (OE) for staff. Background: MCI affects SE and daily functioning, requiring environments that foster wellbeing. However, limited research has explored how purposefully designed facilities support individuals with MCI. Unlike traditional healthcare settings, the CEP was conceived as a living laboratory, enabling ongoing evaluation and refinement of environmental modifications to enhance user experiences. Methods: A mixed-methods approach included surveys and focus groups. In total, 11 staff members completed the survey and 12 participated in the focus group, while 22 members and care partners completed the survey and 54 participated in the focus groups. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. Results: While the facility successfully promotes SE and OE, the study identified opportunities to enhance key environmental dimensions, including navigation, environmental comfort, social adaptability, resource accessibility, and privacy-sensitive collaboration to further support both SE and OE. Conclusion: The study introduces a framework that addresses key challenges in designing for people with MCI. These insights inform evidence-based strategies for enhancing healthcare spaces and highlight the value of iterative POE assessments in optimizing built environments for this population.