The LiveNature installation offers people with dementia a way to relive the past and get closer to nature through simulated sensory experiences with rich interaction possibilities.
Starting a new life in a place you have not consciously chosen is a difficult choice for both people with dementia and their loved ones. In healthcare institutions such as Vitalis Berckelhof (Vitalis) in Eindhoven, people are looking for new ways to ensure the comfort and happiness of clients, with the aim of the “Highest Quality of Care”.
There is a great need for innovative designs for leisure activities to keep residents feeling energetic and happy. A cute pet is a great option because it can activate people with dementia and provide residents with daily companions. However, a real animal would distract healthcare staff with extra work, attention and safety risks. That's why Feng and the design team offered the people living there a relaxing, more natural experience through simulated petting of a robotic animal, accompanied by responsive context using an augmented reality display on the wall.
The 87-inch ultra-high definition screen displays dynamic video footage of a lawn with a flock of sheep to simulate a window view of a typical Dutch farmyard. The dynamic context was responsive, as residents' interactions with the robot activated not only the robot's movement and sound, but also the visual and auditory responses of the display. LiveNature's design hopes to bring a calming feeling to clients living in Vitalis and allow both residents and their loved ones to enjoy a cheerful moment during the day.
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