Abstract

Dementia is a condition that is becoming increasingly prevalent as our society ages; it is probably known best for the dramatic memory loss that accompanies it, but the difficulties associated with dementia are much more far-reaching and complex than many people realize. Partaking in communication, particularly conversation, is a valuable way to help an individual with dementia maintain a sense of control over their life, feel competent, express themselves, and keep their place in the world around them. As normal conversation can be a difficult thing to achieve in dementia, there is an opportunity for technology to assist individuals in maintaining more satisfying relationships through the augmentation of conversation. I will discuss a new design approach for this user group, combining user-centred design with mobile technologies to create tangible artefacts aimed at augmenting conversation between those with dementia, and with their carers and others.