Towards the Development of a Technology for Art Therapy and Dementia: Definition of Needs and Design Constraints

TitleTowards the Development of a Technology for Art Therapy and Dementia: Definition of Needs and Design Constraints
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsMihailidis, A., S. Blunsden, J. Boger, B. Richards, K. Zutis, L. Young, and J. Hoey
JournalArts in Psychotherapy
Volume37
Start Page293
Issue4
Date Published09/2010
Keywordsart therapy, artificial intelligence, assistive technology, computer, dementia
Abstract

Art therapy is a growing field of interest in the care and maintenance of quality of life for persons with dementia. This paper describes research that had arts therapists participate in the identification of desirable features and functionalities of a computer-based tool for use in arts therapy with older adults who have dementia. The study targets the needs of art therapists and their clients, with the eventual aim of creating devices or software tools that will enhance art therapists’ work with persons who have dementia. This paper describes the first two phases of the study: a multi-national survey, and the development of prototype devices based on the survey's results. First, results from the survey of creative arts therapists are presented along with an analysis of needs, practices, and ideas about technology. The paper then presents the three prototypes of potential art therapy technologies that were developed based on the findings from the survey. This research shows both a need for technological solutions in the domain of art therapy for persons with dementia, as well as a general acceptance and enthusiasm for technology as a clinical tool for practicing creative arts therapies.

URLhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197455610000663
DOI10.1016/j.aip.2010.05.004