Can the ability to retain aesthetic preferences support identity in dementia?

Category: preferences

Exploring how design can support expression of everyday aesthetic preferences in dementia

My research is exploring how design can support the expression of everyday personal aesthetic preferences in dementia:

How much do visual aesthetic preferences reflect a sense of identity?
Can an understanding of our aesthetic preferences help us to collaborate in the curation of our personal space as dementia progresses ?
Using practice based design methodologies: everyday objects, colour choice and personal space as critical artefacts to explore expression of everyday aesthetic preferences

How do you like your tea?

How much do we really know about the personal preferences of our friends and family?

We might ask ” How do you like your tea? (milk/sugar/strong/weak).

But do we ever ask what would you like to drink your tea in?

Mug or cup? Large or small ? China or stoneware? Patterned or plain? Colour?

These images (1-6) by Magali Nougarede speak volumes about personal preferences. The seventh is me. How much can they tell us about the person?

Investigating whether the ability to express personal aesthetic preferences can support a sense of identity, as dementia progresses.

Exploring the impact of visual stimuli on the lived experience of dementia
The meaning of personal aesthetics
The relevance of visual aesthetic preferences to a sense of identity
Practice based design methodologies using images and objects as critical artefacts to explore personal aesthetics
How do we use our aesthetics preferences to curate our personal space ?