Designing Meaningful Applications and Interactions for a Social Robot for People with Mild Dementia

This study explores how people with mild dementia can be involved in co-designing meaningful applications and interactions for a social assistive robot (SAR) named Tessa. Through ten case studies and several focus group sessions with elderly participants, researchers identified specific needs and tested four prototype applications. Findings show that people with mild dementia still want to take initiative and should be supported to stay in control. Building trust and relationships with participants improves the co-design process and input. The study confirms that involving people with mild dementia in technology design is not only possible but also valuable.