Jurojin: Designing a GPS device for people living with dementia

Abstract

Memory loss is the most common symptom of dementia. The impact is such that people living with dementia (PLWD) lose the ability to find their way to previously familiar locations, such as local amenities, and without the aid of others, find themselves confined to home. PLWD report they would like to be able to live unsupported for as long as possible [3] and in this regard the ability to walk to amenities also provides exercise which has been shown to be particularly beneficial for PLWD. This paper presents the Jurojin project which arose out of the Dress/Sense competition to design wearable technology that would positively impact on an individual’s health. It details the challenges of the design process, examines PPI (Patient and Public Involvement) feedback and considers whether there might be lessons to be learnt beyond simply designing for PLWD.