Using a living lab workshop to evaluate a digital journaling application with people living with dementia: a case study

Purpose This case study aims to examine the use of a Living Lab methodology to evaluate the digital journaling application Leafstory with people living with dementia, carers and professionals. The findings demonstrate how participatory, user-centred approaches can generate valuable insights into the usability, acceptability and perceived benefits of digital technologies. By engaging stakeholders directly in the evaluation process, the study highlights the potential of Living Labs to inform the development and implementation of technologies that are responsive to the needs, preferences and everyday experiences of people affected by dementia. Design/methodology/approach A Living Lab workshop was conducted with 24 participants, including people living with dementia (n = 10), unpaid carers (n = 9) and healthcare professionals/technologists (n = 5). Using a qualitative, participatory approach, the workshop combined structured discussions with hands-on evaluation of the Leafstory application. Data were collected through observation, facilitated group activities and affinity diagramming to capture participants’ experiences, perceptions and recommendations. The data were then analysed using thematic clustering to identify key themes relating to usability, acceptability and the potential value of the application in supporting people living with dementia and their carers. Findings Participants identified journaling as a valuable tool for memory support, emotional reflection and daily organisation, although barriers such as fatigue, forgetfulness and lack of prompting were evident. Existing technology use centred on reminders and communication, but participants raised concerns about usability, safety and confidence. Leafstory was positively received for its conversational interface, multimodal features and reflective prompts. Suggested improvements included retrospective querying, personalised reminders, task acknowledgement, multimedia resilience, community connection and signposting to support services. Research limitations/implications This study was limited by its small sample size, single workshop setting and recruitment from an existing support group, which may reduce generalisability. Participants may have been more motivated, socially connected and technology-confident than the wider dementia population. The short-term evaluation did not assess sustained use, clinical outcomes, cognitive change, loneliness, carer burden or long-term effects on independence and wellbeing. As such, findings should be viewed as an early-stage participatory evaluation of acceptability and usability rather than effectiveness. Future longitudinal research is needed to explore long-term engagement and impact. Nevertheless, many identified needs are relevant across the broader dementia population. Practical implications The findings suggest that digital journaling technologies could support memory, wellbeing, identity and social connection in dementia care. To enhance engagement, developers should prioritise accessible, intuitive and personalised designs with prompts, multimodal content and opportunities for reflection. Such tools may also support carers by facilitating reminiscence and conversations, provided they do not add to caregiving burden. The study further demonstrates the value of Living Lab workshops as inclusive, practice-based approaches for involving people with dementia, carers and practitioners in the design, evaluation and real-world implementation of dementia technologies. Social implications Digital journaling technologies may enhance social inclusion for people living with dementia by supporting communication, reminiscence, self-expression and the maintenance of personal identity. These tools can facilitate meaningful interactions between individuals, carers, family members and support networks, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and strengthen social connectedness. By enabling people with dementia to record and share everyday experiences, digital journaling may also promote autonomy and participation in community life. More broadly, inclusive technology design and co-production approaches can help ensure that digital innovations address the real needs and preferences of people affected by dementia. Originality/value This study contributes to the evidence base on participatory dementia research by demonstrating the value of Living Lab approaches for evaluating digital health technologies in real-world settings. The findings highlight how involving people living with dementia, carers and practitioners can generate meaningful insights into usability, acceptability and implementation. By adopting a person-centred and collaborative approach, the study provides practical guidance for researchers, developers and service providers seeking to design, refine and implement digital interventions that better meet the needs of people affected by dementia.