Abstract:

According to international studies, the number of people living with dementia worldwide is currently estimated at 47 million and is estimated to almost triple by 2050 (World Health Organization, 2017). Effective and accessible care for people with dementia is therefore, a pressing concern. The intervention of sensory stimulation via multisensory environments (MSEs) had proven to be positive in dementia care (Bonora et al., 2011; Van Weert, Van Dulmen, Spreeuwenberg, Ribbe, & Bensing, 2005). The predominant lighting props used in typical MSEs are fibre optic strands, light emitting diode (LED) nets and glowing lamps. The tactility and functionality of such generic products are often foreign and obtrusive to the specific needs of the users. Interactive Polymeric Optical Fibre (POF) textiles are integrated with sensors and components to offer interactive illumination with tactile familiarity. These textiles are particularly applicable to MSEs, as they possess similar characteristics to typical fabrics and offer the dual stimulation of sight and touch. Using the collaborative project with the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Lok Man Alice Kwok Integrated Service Centre (a community service centre for older people), as the main case study, this paper investigates collaborative, interdisciplinary research with new POF textile MSE product development underpinned by participatory design. The research studies how hybrid processes led to the design enhancement of novel interactive textile products specific to the needs of users with dementia.

Keywords:

Interactive materials, multisensory environment, interdisciplinary design process.