Re-connect
Overview
How might we trigger impaired memories in dementia patients through the use of familiar images, textures, and sounds to improve their quality of life?
Created an app where family members of dementia patients could upload photography, sounds, and stories to trigger memories in conversations. These memories are uploaded and then produced into physical, tangible memories.
My role
Industrial Designer focused on branding, app design, typography, and research
Research
Observation and interaction of Alzheimer's patients at the Presbyterian home in Syracuse, NY. Interviews and creation of user personas.
THE PROCESS
I explored many tangible methods of retrieving and flexibly organizing data or memories for the older generation. I gathered user research through prototypes and refined my hypothesis based on the findings.
DESIGN SOLUTIONS
The creation of an app was an essential element of the product. Here a family member could input all the stories their older relatives would always share. They would be able to upload stories, images, and sounds. These would then be output into the physical cards and sound clips that were part of a board game to be played with family and their relative with dementia.
The product
Users connect images with their associations and build up a story. Word associations can unblock memories by activating emotions. Sounds and objects help to complete thoughts with tangible recollections.
