Visual Communication Design undergraduate student work

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Designing for a Dementia-Inclusive Society

Work by Ann Mathew (2024).
Ann Mathew, Life's Tapestry, 2024. Design installation. Photo: Rosaline Dou.
Ann Mathew. "Person First — Designing for a Dementia Inclusive Society. How might we augment our physical environments to create a dementia-inclusive society while improving the sense of personhood.”MDes Thesis, University of Washington, 2024.

My life has been a journey of constant discovery. Growing up in seven different cities across the globe (Seattle being the latest chapter) has instilled in me a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and human adaptability. I believe that this exposure to new environments honed my ability to observe and acclimate quickly.

I believe that as designers we are not problem solvers but problem finders and definers. We are a means to an end for individuals to accomplish what they want.

Driven by the quote, 'Posterity does not care about you, it cares about what you contribute' I was compelled to explore the world of dementia care. My thesis focuses on enhancing social interaction for individuals with early-stage dementia in both community centers and family settings.

My passion is fueled by volunteering at the Memory Hub in Seattle, a beacon of support for the memory loss community. Witnessing programs like the Legacy Letters Program, the Shared Outdoor Adventure of Resilience, and the Community Weaving Project has been incredibly inspiring. These experiences directly inform my research and design decisions as I strive to create solutions with real-world impact. Through my thesis, I hope to leave a small yet significant mark on the lives of those belonging to the memory loss community and their loved ones.

Additional Advisers: Marigrace Becker

Read Medium post about the research phase.

See full project

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