How can emerging designers be better equipped to design for older adults living with dementia? A partnership between Toronto’s Baycrest, a leading health sciences centre, and OCAD U is tackling that very challenge by pairing design students with older adults living with dementia for a semester of hands-on design research.
OCAD U’s INDS2016 Human Centred Design class, which introduces students to developing physical prototypes and products in a health care context, has been collaborating with the Baycrest Terraces Residence and Community over the last year. The partnership, supported by Baycrest’s Innovation Office, allows students to observe and interview residents and personal support workers in their daily lives. The goal of the program is to encourage students to design products that enhance the experiences of older adults living with dementia.
The Alzheimer Society of Canada estimates that more than 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia, with a new diagnosis every three seconds. Researchers predict that nearly one million people in Canada will be living with dementia by 2030. By 2050, the Canadian projections are expected to rise to 1.7 million.
Each student-designed final product is vetted by Baycrest staff before entering a trial period, during which the products are tested by the residents at Baycrest Terraces. With the potential for real-world application in health care settings, OCAD U is positioned at the forefront of design and research to address a growing concern in Canadian society.
“As part of this unique experiential learning program, I encourage students to design beyond function and consider the older adults' lived experiences,” said Associate Professor Ranee Lee, who leads the program with Baycrest staff. “Alongside Instructor Nadine Hare, a health care anthropologist, I mentor them on designing for emotional, social and cultural contexts, elements that are often overlooked in health care design.”
Now in its second iteration, the Human Centred Design program remains popular with students, who are eager for the opportunity to gain practical experience while making a difference in their communities. As a prerequisite to participation, students are required to show proof of immunizations, TB testing and vulnerable sector checks. Lee notes that her students completed all the necessary steps without hesitation, underscoring the enthusiasm they have shown for the program.
The final project designs include educational sensory activities, memory training tools, music therapy devices and wearable electronic information aids designed to reduce medical anxiety.
“It was a special experience to design with full context, starting from a blank slate and identifying problems to solve,” said Owen Palmer, who co-created Sonic-Touch, a multisensory music remote with fellow students Finlay Brodylo and Noah McBriar. “This work is only going to become more important as the population ages.”
“Our collaboration with OCAD U fosters creativity and engagement, offering residents and staff a platform to share their lived experiences while providing students with valuable insights into dementia care,” said Fernanda “Fern” Fabrizi, the program lead and curator of the Possibilities by Baycrest program. “The unique model of care at the Baycrest Terraces honours the individual, providing opportunities for ongoing choice, connection, autonomy and purpose. The students supported this by bringing a fresh perspective and a design-driven approach in creating innovative solutions to enhance our residents’ quality of life.”
Associate Professor Lee hopes that observing the daily routines and interactions of the older adults will help inspire students to design products that aid in socialization, activities and dining.
“My mom lived with Alzheimer’s for many years, so on a personal level, I see many overlooked design opportunities in these spaces,” said Lee. “With the Canadian population aging, this initiative is a great opportunity for our students to experience designing for the future.”
The students are set to showcase their prototype designs in a public exhibition as part of DesignTO 2026, Canada’s largest annual design festival, from Jan. 23 to Feb. 1. Beyond Function: An OCAD U x Baycrest Exhibition will be on view at All Ours Studios at 62 Geary Ave., Toronto.
