Intelligent Technologies for Wellness and Independent Living Lab
295 Phillip Street
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
N2L 3W8
Contact Jennifer Boger, Director, Intelligent Technologies for Wellness and Independent Living (ITWIL) Lab
Title | Towards the Development of a Technology for Art Therapy and Dementia: Definition of Needs and Design Constraints |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2010 |
Authors | Mihailidis, A., S. Blunsden, J. Boger, B. Richards, K. Zutis, L. Young, and J. Hoey |
Journal | Arts in Psychotherapy |
Volume | 37 |
Start Page | 293 |
Issue | 4 |
Date Published | 09/2010 |
Keywords | art 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. |
URL | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197455610000663 |
DOI | 10.1016/j.aip.2010.05.004 |
Intelligent Technologies for Wellness and Independent Living Lab
295 Phillip Street
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
N2L 3W8
Contact Jennifer Boger, Director, Intelligent Technologies for Wellness and Independent Living (ITWIL) Lab
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Office of Indigenous Relations.