果冻传媒

With an aging population, the number of people with dementia is increasing. In her PhD research, Sandra Suijkerbuijk focuses on improving the quality of life of people with dementia through technology, with an emphasis on their active involvement in the design process.

Daily Challenges

People with dementia experience daily challenges that affect themselves and their environment. Technology can support, but must be closely aligned with their needs.

Design with Insight

The research shows that it is essential to involve people with dementia in technology design from the beginning. This creates products that are truly useful and enrich their daily lives. But we also see that it can be challenging for designers to adapt participatory design methods so that they are usable for this target group.

Inclusive Methods

Suijkerbuijk developed methods to improve communication between designers and people with dementia, such as playful testing methods and adapted interview techniques. In addition, the research also shows that the context in which the research takes place is just as important. Methods can help make that context supportive, but the attitude of the designer to really put the other at ease is also important for this.

This research contributes to a society in which the voices of people with dementia are increasingly heard. The development of technology that takes into account the specific needs of people with dementia promotes their autonomy and independence. This has a positive impact on their daily lives and those of their loved ones. The research also provides insights for policy makers on how to look at new technology and its development, so that the use of this technology contributes to the social image we have of people with dementia. 

Sandra Suijkerbuijk defended her thesis on September 12, 2024. Title of the thesis: ''. Promotors: Yvonne de Kort 果冻传媒), (TIAS), (Vilans) and Wijnand IJsselsteijn (果冻传媒).