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Rendering of 2 laptops showing Mind Book interfaces

DBA Inclusive Design Challenge 2008

Mind Book / Adare

Mind Book is a multimedia software application in the form of a virtual scrapbook that triggers memory and facilitates positive interaction between people with dementia, their families and carers.

Background

For the 600,000 people with dementia in the UK, short-term memory loss is a key issue. Dementia has no cure but assistive technology can help compensate for memory loss, allowing those affected to live independently for longer by retaining their sense of identity, communicate effectively and slow the progress of the illness.

How does it work?

Mind Book is a software application that is easily accessible, user friendly and fully adaptable to the user’s needs. It helps those living with dementia to increase confidence, maintain relationships and improve interaction in social situations.

Its main features are:

  • A Life Book to store and retrieve images, words, music and video clips and connect these to a specific date in their own life history. These serve as valuable memory triggers to inspire conversation with family members or care workers allowing them to get to know a resident's background. Understanding the uniqueness of a person is key to the effective delivery of their care.
  • A Games area that features cognitive, mathematical, word tests and puzzles
  • A Diary section to keep track of appointments and events, continually updating the user’s home page with reminders of birthdays, anniversaries etc.

User input

The design team gained an understanding of various users needs through:

  • Meeting with care workers at a Sanctuary Care residential care home
  • A home visit organised by the Alzheimer’s Society
  • Discussing accessibility issues with older people, carers and family members at a user forum organised by the Helen Hamlyn Centre.

The insights gained helped develop the direction of the project and shape the features and functionality of the solution.

Judges’ comments

The judges loved the interactive, relationship-building concept of a life book, particularly one that was simple and realisable now for older people or could be built up over a lifetime by anyone to future proof their old age.

They saw it as a crucial creative tool that would alleviate the isolation experienced by dementia sufferers. It would bring stimulus and enjoyment, helping everyone negotiate the changed nature of communication in a simple practical way in which all family members including the grandchildren could take part. For professional care staff, Mind Book would be an invaluable aid and the beginning of the journey to build a full picture of the richness of an individual’s history that would help them engage in a more personal and meaningful way with the person under their care. 

What the designer said:

“It was as a fantastic opportunity to really immerse ourselves in a meaningful brief. Researching as much as possible about dementia, we met some great people who gave us unique insight into how they manage living with dementia, providing us with inspiration to create a truly inclusive application that can benefit everyone.”

Shane Brown, Senior Designer, Adare