IoT Product Design for Dementia: HydrationCane (Empowerment) & SoundReminiscence (Wellbeing)

Abstract

We present two design proposals that respond to the practical needs and emotional challenges experienced by people living with dementia. HydrationCane, a design to support improved hydration in people with early stage dementia, provides users opportunity to continue to engage in the outdoor pursuits of walking and climbing familiar within the design’s Korean context of use. The proposal thereby highlights how empowerment involves the provision of opportunities for people living with dementia to continue to engage lifelong habits, often informed by culturally dependent contextual activities. SoundReminiscence, in contrast, draws upon research on sound/music therapy and memory to provide people living with dementia opportunity for reminiscent storytelling through episodic memory recall, thereby increasing meaningful communication between people living with dementia, caregivers and family members. The results of a user-centred research approach, both design proposals are interim concepts posited as exemplars of design-driven alternatives to non-pharmaceutical alternatives supporting empowerment and wellbeing for people living with dementia. The two concept designs provide opportunity for reflection and discussion around approaches to and opportunities for designing viable and appropriate technology-driven products for people living with dementia.