Occupational Therapy News OTnews July 2019 | Page 40

FEATURE INCLUSIVE DESIGN
Enjoyable without a challenge
Nina Evans, Emma Beadle, Jess Fox and Keir Haines report on a small
design charity’s approach to developing a novel sensory cushion
D
esignability is a research-based charity in
Bath. The charity is a small multidisciplinary
team of occupational therapists, engineers
and designers who are interested in using
an inclusive and iterative design process to develop
new healthcare products.
The need for stimulation through uncomplicated
activity for people living with advanced dementia has
long been recognised (Cleland and Clark 1966), but
finding meaningful occupations is challenging (Jacob
and Collier 2014).
Sensory objects are commercially available
and include cushions, clothing, blankets and toys
that can be handled and played with. They often
include activities such as zips, buttons, beads and
a tactile experience of different fabrics. The purpose
is to alleviate ‘restless hands’ and relieve anxiety by
providing sensory input, distraction and occupation.
As a team we have had some experience of
sensory cushions from our participation in a Dementia
Challenge project called The Memory Technology
Library.
The library loaned free of charge commercially
available sensory cushions to people with dementia.
User feedback from families and carers on the effect
of the cushions was very encouraging, describing a
calming effect that soothed agitation and lessened
anxiety, creating occupation and providing an
opportunity for communication.
40 OTnews July 2019
Other anecdotal feedback suggested that these
products could be perceived to be ‘childlike’.
Designability was sponsored by Sirona Care and
Health to find out more about user requirements for a
sensory cushion to appeal to adults with dementia and
their carers.
The first phase of the project was to consult
with a network of experts to inform the design and
development programme. Our network included users
and carers, occupational therapists, nurses, healthcare
assistants, activity co-ordinators, day centre managers,
nursing home managers and complementary
therapists.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted,
identifying behaviours like agitation, anxiety and hand
actions, folding and sorting and methodical actions.
An expectation was that a cushion could be used both
alone and with others.
Three potential problem areas were identified;
robustness for adult hands; childlike or stigmatising
design, which could be distressing to both user and
carer; and the need for it to be cleaned for infection
control.
The final part of the interview looked more closely at
design, with a preference being expressed for gender
neutral products.
Most interviewees preferred neutral colours
combined with vibrant colours with an emphasis on
age appropriate design.