Development of a portable immersive experience for use in dementia care

Abstract: A prototype of a product that provides an immersive visual experience for dementia care, developed by Biosfär AB, has shown promising results when used in daily activities and therapy sessions. The project behind this thesis was to develop a concept for a portable version based on the functions of the current prototype. Due to the high turnover rate of people working in healthcare and elder care, and the amount of stress and physical strain the workers are exposed to on a daily basis, the decision was made to focus on intuitive use and minimal effort for using the product, when developing the concept. The requirement specification for the concept was gained from qualitative research and an iterative design approach, where ideation and evaluation on system-, subsystem-, and detail level, were conducted throughout the process. The project resulted in a final concept for a product that consists of two individual screens, positioned at an angle to each other, each with an ultra-short-throw projector with overlapping projection surfaces. The screens and projectors are folded in, reducing the space the device occupies when transported and stored. A framework foundation with wheels supports the structure and makes it mobile. The final concept satisfies the requirements specification. Further development and verification with a working physical prototype is needed to conclude if it is a fitting and realizable solution for Biosfär AB.