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- 17 december 2024
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- Designing Access to Music for People with Dementia
Designing Access to Music for People with Dementia
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A dissertation to obtain the degree of doctor at the University of Twente on 17 December 2024. This dissertation investigates how music can enrich the lives of people with dementia and how designers can better address their needs. Music aids in relaxation, activation, and maintaining identity, yet accessibility remains a common issue. The focus is on people living at home in the early and middle stages of dementia. Four research questions are addressed: What are the musical needs of people with dementia? Which design principles are suitable for this target group? How can the loss of initiative be incorporated into designs? How can adaptive solutions cater to changing needs? A context mapping study shows that music plays an important role in the mental health of people with dementia, but technological difficulties can undermine their autonomy. Designs must align with their capabilities and adapt as these decline. The literature review establishes ten design principles, consolidated in the Wheel of Design Principles. One missing element is accounting for the loss of initiative. Therefore, this dissertation introduces the inviting principle, whereby products actively encourage people with dementia to engage with music. This principle is tested with a specially designed music player. Additionally, adaptive invitation design is developed, allowing products to dynamically adjust to changing needs. This approach is evaluated in a long-term practical study. Finally, the research approach is reflected upon. Involving people with dementia in their own environment over an extended period provided valuable insights, though researchers must balance the benefits with the potential burden on participants. This research contributes to both scientific knowledge and design practice, offering suggestions for further studies and applications in dementia-friendly design. This publication is part of the project Access to Music for People with Dementia.
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Auteurs van deze publicatie:
- Rik Wesselink