Output details

The Memory Game: an iPad-based Interactive Reminiscence Programme to Aid Those with Dementia.

The Memory Game is a visual media iPad-based system for reminiscing, supporting memories of people with dementia and decreasing their caregiver’s burden. It encourages older people to reminisce in a way that is both engaging and fun. As users interact with the programme, they can access their family photographs alongside wider cultural material designed specifically for their age group. The programme hyperlinks images and music via a chronological timeline in the form of quiz-type game. However, the quiz element is not goal-driven - participating, recalling and discussing past events and memories are the key concerns. The prototype programme has a 1950s period aesthetic interface designed to appeal to a target age group of 60-70 years.

The interface and quiz ‘Challenge’ are theoretically underpinned by current memory and visual representation research. We have undertaken our own research on the usability of tablet devices by older people, as well as disseminating some of the results through conference papers and refereed journal publication. For example, our research showed that older people showed an immediate adeptness to viewing photographs displayed on iPads as stimuli to reminiscence – expectations had been that mastering the technological display would constitute a significant barrier to this activity. We are further developing a more general photographic memory, storage and retrieval programme called SmartiPix. Patent protection is being sought for the concepts in this project.

The University of Ulster has an established research cluster working in this field drawn from the schools of Art & Design, Mathematics & Computing, and Health Sciences. International collaboration with Cornell University and the University of Texas Medical Branch funded Prof Wright to pursue further research at UTMB on image and memory in relation to the project (May–Aug 2012).