IN-PERSON Prague Research & Teaching Conference

Abstract

This paper addresses pedagogical practices with undergraduate Design students aimed at contributing to the well-being and quality of life of people with dementia through the design of cognitive and sensory stimulation artefacts based on their biographical and cultural characteristics. Studies have shown the importance of these artefacts in non-pharmacological interventions, which are essential for reducing the symptoms of dementia. However, these artefacts are still scarce in Portugal, pointing to the need for artefacts focused on the interests and life stories of Portuguese people with dementia. This study, carried out in partnership with the Alzheimer Portugal association, involved faculty and undergraduate design students, people with dementia and health professionals from a day centre specialising in dementia. It combined ethnographic methods (sensory and visual ethnography, interviews with health professionals, focus groups, participant observation); participatory design activities with persons with dementia; and an iterative design approach involving problematisation, conceptualisation, prototyping and usability testing, incorporating health design thinking methodologies such as brainstorming, concept mapping, personas, project boards, and role playing. Several artefacts were designed by students and are currently being used at the Centre by people with dementia, including ludic boardgames and digital apps, cognitive and sensory stimulation artefacts.