Development of a design process to design for people with dementia and their extended care network - Learning from a case study

DS 75-1: Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Engineering Design (ICED13), Design for Harmonies, Vol.1: Design Processes, Seoul, Korea, 19-22.08.2013

Year: 2013
Editor: Udo Lindemann, Srinivasan V, Yong Se Kim, Sang Won Lee, John Clarkson, Gaetano Cascini
Author: Brankaert, Rens; den Ouden, Elke
Series: ICED
Institution: Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands, The
Page(s): 229-238
ISBN: 978-1-904670-44-5
ISSN: 2220-4334

Abstract

In Europe we face an aging society with a growing number of people suffering from dementia. This challenge we face as a society, because current healthcare systems are not ready for such an increase. In this paper we propose a new design process to find new opportunity areas using an interactive experience flow based on the dementia care chain. This overview is based on multiple perspectives in the care chain, and reflects the different experiences people have in the process. Design for dementia is difficult as user-driven techniques are challenging to apply with the impaired user group, surrounded by an extended network. The methodology proposed shows how we can include the shared perspective of all the people involved (including users). And in this way develop a design proposition together iteratively. In the case study, about the design of a physical activity reminder, the methodology is illustrated and explored. It shows the overall design process is promising, arguing to use the methodology for future design projects as well. Eventually we aim to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and keep them at home longer to unburden healthcare systems.

Keywords: Design practice, Design process, Human behavior in design, social innovation, healthcare design

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