Dementia (Alzheimer’s)
According to Timlin and Rysenbry (n.d.), dementia is a condition that progresses and evolves over time and the cure has yet to be discovered. I came up with the the design solution idea that help slow down the process of brain degeneration by using physical activities as a main concept for this project. However, to create an effective product for individuals with dementia, it is important to target a specific stage, as addressing the entire condition as a whole would be too broad. As a result, they have categorized the progression of the disease into three stages:
Early, Middle, and Late.
I selected Therapeutic Photography as the main intervention for patients, a photo-based therapy that can be done daily alone or with assistance. This therapy is affordable, convenient, and aims to improve physical and mental health. The solution includes a camera, printer, and user-friendly application for individuals at different stages of dementia. The design mimics retro-style devices to evoke nostalgia and increase confidence in technology for older users. Apart from that, the camera and printer have a traditional form to guide users in understanding their functions.
Camera
The camera is compact, easy-to-use, and stylish. Its flip-up screen enables users to take selfies or group photos, and it features a straightforward single shutter button for ease of use. The camera is powered on and off through facial recognition technology using Face ID. Additionally, photos will be synced instantly to the printer and application, reducing the confusion and overloading memories.
Printer
The design concept is to help Alzheimer's patients remember daily events using a camera and journal. Photos taken during each day will be synced automatically and displayed on the screen, allows users to track, review and share their daily lives with their loved ones.
It features two buttons for photo selection and printing, with a toaster-press handheld-like button for easier distinction. Moreover, photos are printed in black and white to reduce confusion and include date and place information.
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Remo app interface design
Photos synced from a camera will be real-time uploaded to the application and turned into black and white, as people with dementia often have a difficult time distinguishing colours or overloaded elements in a photo. Thus, black and white photos will limits what appears in focus.
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The application consists of 5 main functions:
- Home page
- a community to exchange and discuss the topics around dementia
- Dementia information and search tool
- Therapy session
- user’s account information.
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Therapy session will allow patients, especially who are unable to join any other types of therapy treatment or on-site treatment activities, to do some short online exercises daily. (The guide was taken from ‘In home Cognitive Stimulation Guidebook’.)
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