Semi-annual update 2 – August 2017
Between March and August 2017, the teams of both work packages (WP4 – personal design and WP5 – design for the environment) have continued to work closely together, as well as with WP 2 (mindful framework) and WP3 (dementia care/data collection) to provide support for the data collection through the development of supportive materials, and to establish the mindful design framework.
From our earlier analysis of design projects, we have concluded that projects in this area either have a strong focus on safety, wayfinding, or related (functional) issues or, alternatively, seek to provide stimulation through creating multi-sensory, holistic experiences. Taking design for the environment as a starting point, we have further analysed the state of the art and have concluded that insights and guidelines are missing in particular in this area.
We are developing an positioning paper (to be submitted in Okt 2017 to Healing Environments Research and Design – HERD) that outlines this gap in knowledge and development and that introduces a specific, evidence-based focus on multi–sensory stimulation and nature experience. This latter focus is warranted, we argue, because when moving through the stages of dementia, cognitive functioning gradually diminishes whereas capacities for sensory exploration and ‘mindful’ experience in the immediate moment (i.e., direct experience not mediated by cognitive interpretation) remain intact. Both multi-sensory experience and exposure to nature may well be successful strategies, precisely because they do not pose cognitive demands and promote mindfulness. Furthermore, we will argue that they are also suited to enhance social engagement. Our work closely aligns with research on healing environments.
From May 2017 onwards, the MinD project has also begun with its active design phase: In May, the results from the data collection in three countries were presented (WP3), and – in joint work between healthcare professionals and designers, nine areas of ‘need’ were identified from the data and illustrated with quotes and visuals. Further more, these three areas were rationalised in the ‘AIR’ model, which grouped them into needs relating to Activities, the Individual and Relationships. In response to the nine themes, designers conducted initial brainstorming sessions to identify design directions and opportunities. Together with a key selection of participants’ quotes and existing design products and services, the design ideas were related back to the Needs themes as well as to mindfulness and psychosocial criteria (topics) taking the form of a grid. The grid highlighted areas of focus for participants as well as of existing designs and design ideas, where they converged and where they diverged.
The next steps from September onwards will be further sessions of brainstorming and of the selection of design ideas in discussion with people with dementia and healthcare experts.
Semi-annual update 4 – March 2018
During three secondments in September and October 2017, further brainstorming sessions for the 7 Transitions Areas were conducted. Shortlists of the most promising design ideas were presented to a total of 17 experts, including people with dementia, external healthcare experts and carers, and dementia and healthcare colleagues from the MinD project. All experts were invited to provide feedback on the design ideas and to indicate and discuss their preferences and reasons for them. Based on this feedback, the MinD management group was able to make a decision on which design ideas to take forward. The decision for two groups of designs were made, relating to WP4 and WP5 each:
WP4: Good Life Kit, including the ‘Me & You – You & Me’ and ‘Over to You’ features
The Good Life Kit aims to support people with dementia after the diagnosis meeting through personalised information and contacts, and through mindful-reflective exercises to help them reflect and manage their conditions as well as their social interactions, including negotiating relationships and making decisions. The design responds to feelings of uncertainty and depression by people with dementia following their diagnosis and the need to be respected and stay in control of their life.
WP5: Social Engagement Map, including the ‘What I can do service’ and ‘Savouring the Good Times’ features
The Social Engagement Map aims to provide people with dementia with initiatives and emotional and practical support to stay active and socially engaged to be able to enjoy the environment. The design responds to the need for people to stay active and socially engages. Rather than changing the environment, it seeks to empower people with dementia by helping to stay socially connected, and to plan and prepare for going out to aid confidence.
From November 2017, the MinD design team has begun work on the design realisation phase, working out the specifics of the design concepts, developing design specifications, and developing the digital and physical parts of the designs. This will include regular presentation to and inclusion of co-design workshops with people with dementia and carers from March 2018.