This workshop invites participants to explore how playful activities can stimulate communication and interaction, facilitating the sharing of life stories and meaningful memories through cultural probes — specially crafted mediating artefacts. Structured within the REMIND project, which focuses on designing cognitive stimulation artefacts for persons with dementia based on their life history and culture, this workshop addresses a major social issue affecting over 55 million people worldwide. Research highlights the importance of person-centred care, which involves understanding a person's life story, culture, interests, and values, a concept rooted in personhood. Effective communication methods that stimulate cognitive function and enhance social interactions are crucial in alleviating symptoms. However, impaired communication skills often hinder social interaction and the understanding of what is meaningful to the person. Although research on the use of cultural probes as communication mediators for persons with dementia is limited, findings indicate these artefacts have significant potential, especially when incorporating playful elements. This workshop aims to uncover biographical and cultural elements that can inform ludic activities. Through discussions and participatory design techniques using cultural probes, participants will explore how these tools can enhance interpersonal interactions and the sharing of experiences and memories. The workshop also emphasises reflecting on significant life experiences and underscores the importance of early diagnosis in improving the quality of life and well-being for individuals.

Authors:
Cláudia Lima, Lusófona University, Portugal
Susana Barreto, University of Porto, Portugal

About the Presenter(s)
CláudiaLima is professor of Design at Lusofona University and researcher at ID+, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Porto. Her research is focused on design for health with spetial emphasis on person centred practices and participatory design.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cl%C3%A1udia-lima-44897a24b/

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Claudia-Lima-7

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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