RE CONNECT
DESIGN
THROUGH THE AGES
PROCESS BOOK VOL. 2
DANIELLA FRANCO
DEMENTIA \di-’men(t)-she, -she-e\ :n A decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. It may affect your memory, communication and language, ability to focus and pay attention, reasoning, and judgment, as well as visual perception. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases. Vascular dementia, which occurs after a stroke, is the second most common dementia type.
DANIELLA FRANCO
FIFTH YEAR THESIS INDUSTRIAL + INTERACTION DESIGN SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY 2013
CONTENTS Time Capsules
4
Side Experiments
16
Phase 2
19
The First Trip
22
Tell me one story
24
Second Trip- Dementia Unit
18
Testing Theory
34
Design Challenge Statement
36
Dementia Research
38
Design for Dementia Ideation
44
Reconnect App
48
The Categories
52
Finals
58
ABSTRACT It is certainly no secret that the global population is aging at a rate not seen in our history previously. Both the United States Census Bureau and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs report similar staggering statistics. To begin, one in five members of the world’s population is above the age of sixty-five. Add to this the fact that, for the first time in history the population of the
United States that is over age sixty-four is greater than its population that is under twenty-five (Farage, Miller, Ajayi, & Hutchins, 2012). These statistics clearly show us the trend of the global population to be more elderly than it has been at any point in our history. The purpose of this thesis, is to illustrate the discoveries found through four months of researching, testing, prototyping and creating a final product
that will allow the aging population to continue to contribute to society. This Volume contains my process work from start to finish, illustrating my journey to achieve what in the end was a system meant for patients with dementia & family members to use on a need to need basis to re-connect with friends and family, and reconnect the elderly with impaired memories.
1
2
phase I HOW CAN WE FACILITATE THE TRANSFER OF KNOWLEDGE
ACROSS GENERATIONS?
3
4
BEN MURPHY Age: 65 yrs old
PROMPT:
“If you could place 7 different objects in a container to pass down a part of you to your grandchildren. What would they be?”
“What stories would they tell?”
GIVEN A CONTAINER: to place objects in GIVEN TAGS: to explain why they chose the object
round
1 5
6
GRANDFATHER WATCH
1
I leave you my grandfather watch. My grandfather was the second black person to work in the Syracuse City Water Dept. 35yrs. He was a child when slavery ended. He always kept moving forward, never looking back. Follow your dreams & keep going forward.
A DOLLAR
2
I leave each of you a dollar. (Don’t talk your brother out of this. But I know him, he will let you have it.) I want you to know, you have to work hard for the things you need. No shortcuts!
MY PICTURE
3
SMALL BIBLE
4
LETTER OF DREAMS
5
STORIES OF MY MOTHER
6
PICTURES OF MY FRIENDS
7
This picture of me, because as you always said when you see me, you see love. Also, you can show your kids and grandkids that I was a good looking guy!! For the Lord!!
This bible is your guide in life. Have faith and God will always make a way. You will see this, through others good deeds. Always, help another.
Always follow your dreams. Know that you can make it with the right help and hard work.
I leave you this letter about your aunts and mother to let you know they make the same mistakes.
I life, I hope you find the kind of people that i did. They helped me grow and taught me about love.
7
8
Renee Storiale Age: 28 yrs old
PROMPT:
“If you could place 7 different objects in a container to pass down a part of you to your grandchildren. What would they be?”
“What stories would they tell?”
NOT GIVEN A CONTAINER: to place objects in NOT GIVEN TAGS: to explain why they chose the object
round
2 9
10
A SHELL FROM BELIZE
1
A DOORKNOB WIND-CHIME
2
I got it on Long Island. It represents opportunity. The key is unnecessary. Each individual is their own key, only you can open doors.
A BOOK
3
A book, gifted to me by my mother. It is a lovely book. I recommend reading it, and many others, but that is not why I included it. I included it because of the inscription from my mom.
A CAST METAL PIECE
4
A cast metal piece I made. A failed project, really. But it seems at home in here. It’s message is to not let your vices, habits, and fears bind you.
A TETRAHEDRON OF OLD POETRY
5
A POSTCARD
6
RAFFIA CHAIN
7
I traveled there alone. It represents my trip, my love of travel & cultures, and the need to be independent Life is an adventure, everyday. Seize everyday.
A tetrahedron of old poetry I wrote. Writing is very important when I was younger. It might have saved my life. It reminds me to know oneself; trust in oneself.
A postcard of my favorite painting, reminds me to follow my passions. Art speaks to me and challenges me, and gives me something when there’s little else.
Lastly, a raffia chain that speaks to tragedy. Death cannot be avoided, it is real and inevitable, yet has no form, no artifact, no shape. This story is wrapped around nothing, just air and thoughts.
11
12
BRENDAN GORMAN Age: 26 yrs old
PROMPT:
“If you could place 7 different objects in a container to pass down a part of you to your grandchildren. What would they be?”
“What stories would they tell?”
WAS TOLD THE TIME CAPSULE WOULD BE MADE FOR HIM
round
3 13
message artifact
14
SPIDERMAN ACTION FIGURE
1
A spiderman action figure I always want you to remember why spiderman became a hero. His uncle told him “With great power comes great responsibility.” Remember that you are powerful, you are responsible, and the world is counting on you to be a hero.
A CRUCIFIX
2
Regardless of what you grow up to believe I need you to know the power of sacrifice. It is the ultimate expression of love. Never be afraid of sacrifice. Like Christ, put others before yourself. Love unconditionally.
“THE ROAD”
3
Read this. Protect the light at all cost.
THE MOVIE RUDY
4
Watch this. Take immense pride in what you do. Think big and work hard. Be relentless in pursuit of your Great Perhaps. Never, ever give up.
MICROPHONE
5
EMPTY JOURNAL
6
HAND WRITTEN
7
by Cormac McCarthy
NOTE
Words are magic. They can create emotion out of nothing. They can hurt or heal, save or damn. Be careful of your words. Use them to inspire. Work magic.
Fill it. With friends and stories, with tears and joy. Experience all you can and create memories. They will be your most treasured possessions one day.
I love you. I hope these things help you learn what that means. 15
Time Theory One: Past, Present, Future-Linear -The past exists as a combination of deeds and emotions, etc. -it influences our present -our present determines our future -the 3 exist separately, even though they are connected -each is a distinct entity-we each have a past, a present, and a future Theory Two: Circular -time exists only as one entity -the past does not actually exist because it is not tangible-it is only an idea -the future does not exist because it is constantly changing and cannot be known or even described -all 3 blend into one, constant present
16
In order to further understand certain difficulties that were faced by the elderly population, I decided to create to specific sensory barriers, focused on sight and hearing loss. Ear plugs: To understand the difficulties an aging person faces during hearing loss. Tinted glasses: To get a better understanding of the colors the elderly see when they begin to start losing their sight.
side experiments
Sensory Barriers
17
18
phase II
19
Intro to test studies Interacting with everyday people, nursing home patients, and family members to understand what they believe is important in life. Throughout this phase, I learned about
20
THE QUESTIONS 1
What is the most important lesson you would like passed down?
2
What is the most satisfying experience in your life and why?
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
What is your most treasured possession? What has been the most difficult task in your life? What would you encourage young people to make their first priority? If you could tell one story, what would it be? What makes you happy? Is it the same now as when you were younger? What was the best advice you ever got? What was the time in your life when you have had the most fun?
21
PRESBYTERIAN HOME New Hartford, NY {Friday visits}
FIRST TRIP
TO THE PRESBYTERIAN HOME As we walked through the door, we were welcomed in by Karen and some other important board member, whose name I do not recall. Introductions took place, shortly after that, Karen then took us on a tour of the facility. First thoughts that came to mind while walking through: I hope that I never have to call a place like this my home. It didn’t smell as weird as I thought it might. But, the people there were in
22
worse shape than I was expecting. The lighting was very dim, and the place seemed to be carrying the original fixtures; very little has been updated. The place was a bit eerie, and seemed like a waiting ground, a different realm you enter once you can no longer live on your own. The state of depression could be absorbed straight through your pores. That took me more off guard then
anything else. I knew it was going to be outdated, and they weren’t going to have the highest standards of things, but I didn’t realize how much it would affect my state of mind; I can only imagine what it does to the residents. Another shocking revelation was in the dementia corridor. This section of the facility is the one that should have been designed even more so than the rest, with visual cues and guided paths that would allow the resident to recognize where they are. But, it wasn’t. If I got lost, I’m sure they do as well. My resident was Bud (80 year old male); he spent most of his life as a plumber, never went to college but instead spent two years in the service. He had a wife, who died unexpectedly and because of that has no choice but to live at the Presbyterian home. He has two sons, one that is nearby and visits every Tuesday of every week. And the other who lives in Florida, which rarely visits, but makes the effort to come back for special occasions. Bud’s a simple man, with no need for personal belongings or attachments. He was well known, and seemed very well liked not only by the other residents but by maintenance and staff members alike. When I asked him why in the world, he didn’t move to Florida and instead chose to stay in Central N.Y, where it’s always
cold? He responded with such a sincere answer. He said, “This place is all I know, the cold is all I know, and I don’t want to leave what I know behind. “ This was an insight on the kind of person he was, a man whom felt he had completed his journey through life and was very content where he was. He doesn’t mind passing the time in his current location, as he has accepted his situation. This is now his home, these are now his friends, he must continue to live life reading newspapers, petting a rabbit in a basket, watching TV, and joking around with Maury (whose another resident and his best friend). He kept saying he didn’t know much, except right from wrong. But, I think he knows more than he believes. He has learned so much throughout his life, how can we make him realize that his journey, values, and experiences are worth more then he thinks? At least to me they are. Did my meeting match my expectations? No. I got out a bit more than I thought I would from the time spent with Bud. It wasn’t about the topic of conversation but more so the body language and the moments that allowed me to see deeper into his emotions and thoughts. {Unfortunately, no photos were allowed, therefore this was written all by memory.}
23
IF YOU COULD ONLY TELL ME ONE STORY, WHAT STORY WOULD YOU TELL ME? 24
“...It wasn’t until my uncle took us to a library, that I realized that humans have stories waiting to be read just like books. One must ask questions, and open them up to fully understand their many layers.” -Ben Murphy
25
26
WHAT IF OVER TIME THE MEMORIE S BECOME IMPAIRED and we can no longer retrieve them.
27
28
WHO CAN HELP US PIECE THEM ALL TOGETHER AGAIN ? family, friends, strangers?
29
SECOND TRIP The Cedar (dementia) Unit My experience at the Presbyterian home this past week was a bit different than everyone else’s. I spent the majority of the time in the Cedar Unit, which is the secured Dementia Center. I was escorted to a side room, where windows lined the walls, and a group of about 8 residents sat around Sue, the Cedar Units activities coordinator. They casually surrounded a long knee high table. This was no ordinary table, it was a bowling table, and 30
soon I would find out how much this table meant to them. I introduced myself to the residents, as I quietly sat down on the side to merely observe their behavior and interactions. They were all currently participating in the 10am activity that would last about 40 minutes to an hour. During this time, they would each get a chance to bowl, and interact with one another. I sat
down next to Lucy, whom introduced herself right away to me, and made sure I felt comfortable. She asked me my name, where I was from and how old I was. I promptly responded, and as soon as I told her I was 23, her face lite up in awe, and she then said “Oh, honey, how I yearn to be 23 again. Would you do me a favor?” I said “Of course, anything.” Lucy then said “Will you make sure, you do whatever you want in life. Do whatever makes you happy, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” I politely obliged, with the greatest smile on my face, I took her hand and promised her I would.
or to wander the halls for hours until the next planned activity takes place late in the afternoon.
I soon then left the Cedar Unit, and went on a hunt for my resident Bud. By the time I met up with Bud, his lunchtime had arrived and we were barely able to catch up. He doesn’t play around when it comes time to eat, as meal times really dictate his schedule. I spent the rest of the time, listening to Whitney (my partners) experience with our resident. She caught me up on their journey to his room. Bud, is extremely easy going, and nothing really tends to bother him which I knew from our I immediately, felt comfortable. And be- first meeting. Of course there are certain gan to watch how this simple bowling ta- things that he wishes could be different, but ble game brought these residents back to he doesn’t see the purpose on dwelling, so life. Most residents bowled while sitting he simple lives with it. He’s main complaint either in their wheelchairs or a stationary was the temperature being regulated by a chair positioned in place for them. The main thermometer, and not being able to game was a positive activity as it allowed adjust it according to his body temperature multiple chances for success and little changes. room for failure. The residents were actually pretty good, and had full range From my first encounter with the dementia of the tossing motion that made them unit, and what I know about Bud’s passion excel in this particular activity, bringfor the bowling league at the Presbyteriing joy to the bowler and the spectators an Home, its pretty obvious that one of alike. When the game was over, they all the biggest and most liked activities is the clapped, and thanked Sue, as this was bowling table game. I mean after all they the best part of their day (according to even have a Bowling Banquet where they Lucy). As she said that to me, she then give out trophies to the winners! I wonder asked me again, my name, and where what other activities could be implemented I was from. I quickly responded and that would be feasible for both long-term introduced myself once again, as if we residents as well as the Cedar Unit resihad just met, and she went on her way. dents? Where you ask? Well, there is actually no where for them to go but their rooms
31
CHAT WITH
Sue
Sue believed a couple of simple changes could make a huge difference in a patients day to day lives.
32
Presbyterian Home {activities coordinator}
hand-held (easy grip) imagery is powerful music only does so much respond well to sensory wandering is a problem
POPUP
33
TESTING with Lindsay Mox & sensory barriers
Sounds / Size of the wrapper allow you to know its candy.
34
Imagery allows you to connect back to a specific moment in time.
Textures / sensory gives the person tactile ways to connect the dots.
POPUP KIT
SET
LAYOUT OF A BOOK
GUIDED
7 STORY ARCHETYPES
GIVEN
CUT OUTS
ADD
PERSONAL
PLUS
VOICE RECORDER
that provides prompts various plot lines
textures & noises
35
DESIGN CHALLENGE STATEMENT HOW MIGHT WE TRIGGER IMPAIRED MEMORIES IN dementia patients THROUGH
THE USE OF FAMILIAR IMAGES,
TEXTURES, & SOUNDS TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE.
36
phase III
37
PHASE III: design for dementia
Alzheimer’s disease:
Irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys: -Memory -Thinking skills -Ability to carry out simple tasks Dementia: loss of cognitive functioning
Mild Dementia:
The period when memory loss worsens, and causes trouble with paying bills, getting lost, handling money, completing simple daily tasks, & requires information to be repeated. Alzheimer’s disease is complex, and very unlikely that any intervention will be found to delay, prevent, or cure it. People age differently, the research thus far has turned up inconclusive data regarding treatment that works. That’s why the current approaches focus on different coping strategies, including helping people maintain mental function, managing behavioral symptoms, and slowing down symptoms.
38
UNDERSTANDING DEMENTIA
ESTABLISHING DESIGN CHALLENGES
DESIGN OUTCOMES
Literature review and audit of good & bad practice
Discussions with specialist
Visits to existing care homes
Interviews with residents, staff & family members
Development of design brief
39
40
PHASE III: design for dementia Research
THE VARIOUS LEVELS
EARLY
Difficulties with recent memory and forgetfulness Anxiety and depression often occur Loss of concentration
Disguising difficulties may be successful from time to time
MID
Impaired ability for activities of daily living such as depressing eating or shopping Significant memory lapses such as not recognizing a person they know Challenging behavior and social seclusion may occur Sleep disorders are common
LATE
Reduced capacity to reason or make decisions Significant communication difficulties, including fragmented speech Immobility, rigidity and recurrent falls Physical deterioration & difficulties with eating result in progressive physical decline
41
Increased Dependence on the senses Recollection vs. Recognition
Stress & Anxiety
COGNITIVE
SOCIAL
PHYSICAL
Mobility
Prospective Memory
Doing tasks together
42
Sight
“MY
GRANDMA IS MY HERO” 3543
PHASE III: design for dementia Ideation
CONNECTING DOTS
THE TRACK Allows the person to connect dots on their own with very little guidance.
THE ROUND CONTAINERS slide on the track, and hold different things depending on the color and depth of the container.
Allows the person to exercise the ability to connect images to sounds or to objects in any order.
no wrong or right way
44
A tangible method of retrieving and organizing data or memories, in an adaptable manner. The ways the dots can connect allows the person to make connections at their own pace, and in their own way. This allows many avenues for success and leaves little chance that they might feel frustrated, as there is no wrong or right way to play with the wall.
RED CONTAINERS images and texturesold photographs
BLUE CONTAINERS sounds - the shallowest container holds sounds that are revealed when you press down on the blue circles. Recordings can be of a family members voice, songs, or reminders.
YELLOW CONTAINERS Objects - some dementia patients like to wander and collect objects. The deepest container is the yellow one, and is meant to be used as a hiding spot.
45
PHASE III: design for dementia Production
TESTING & FOCUS on a specific pair of family members: grandmother Karin and granddaughter Kathleen.
46
Meet Kathleen
Meet Karin ‘Oma’
Early stages of Dementia Still lives in her own home Hard time remembering names and completing daily tasks Requires information to be repeated
47
RE CONNECT
THE APP aA
COLLECT IMAGES / UPLOAD IMAGES ONTO THE RECONNECT APP
48
CROP / FOCUS
Aa
WHAT STORY WOULD YOU LIKE THEM TO REMEMBER?
CAPTIONS SHOULD BE SHORT AND FOCUSED
UPLOAD FAMILIAR SOUNDS RECORDED MESSAGES FROM FAMILY OR FRIENDS SOUND CLIPS FROM YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC OR CLIPS OF A RELAXING GENRE UPLOAD SOUNDS
49
Aa
CONNECT
images
WITH THERE ASSOCIATIONS,
& BUILD UP THE STORY
word
ASSOCIATIONS,
CAN UNBLOCK
MEMORIES
BY ACTIVATING
EMOTIONS.
a
sounds
& objects
HELP TO
COMPLETE THOUGHTS 50
WITH TANGIBLE RECOLLECTIONS
Aa
recognition
recall
reconnecting 51
Aa
CATEGORY 1: FAMILY & FRIENDS
GRANDDAUGHTER Kathleen
DAUGHTER Gabriele
GRANDDAUGHTER Michele
OLD FRIEND Johnny
ME Karin (Oma)
NEPHEW Jack
Aa 53
Aa
CATEGORY 2: BEAUTIFUL PLACES
BERLIN, Germany
ROADTRIP to California
A POLISH adventure
POOLSIDE in the Hamptons
PATTY’S NJ Home
UPSTATE NY apple picking
Aa 55
Aa
CATEGORY 3: FAVORITE SOUNDS
ALL OR NOTHING AT ALL
IT HAD TO BE YOU
LONDON PRICE
YOUR CHEATIN’ HEART
HOUND DOG
JOHNNY B GOODE
Aa 57
PHYSICAL
POSTER
59
THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA WORLDWIDE IS CURRENTLY
ESTIMATED AT 35.6 MILLION. THIS NUMBER WILL DOUBLE BY 2030 AND MORE THAN TRIPLE BY 2050.
15.5 MILLION family & friends PROVIDED 17.7 BILLION HOURS OF UNPAID CARE TO THOSE WITH ALZHEIMER’S & OTHER DEMENTIAS [CARE VALUED AT $220.2 BILLION]
RE CONNECT
This book represents the production phase of the Undergraduate thesis for the degree of Bachelor of Industrial Design. It was completed in the Spring semester of 2014. IIND 573, Professor Denise Heckman, Jonathan Mills, & John Truex.