Arthur De Bono

A personalized multimedia device to treat agitated behavior and improve mood in people with dementia: A pilot study

Agitated behaviors and dysphoric moods in nursing home residents with dementia may be a response to a lack of personalized, meaningful activity and stimulation. To address this deficiency, a personal computer was adapted to play favorite music and display photographs, movies and messages that were selected or made by family members. The system (called Memory Box) is accompanied by a simplified interface to help people with dementia access material independently. The systems ability to reduce agitation, and improve symptoms of depression and anxiety, was tested by means of an eight-week randomized, single-blinded, cross-over trial comparing Memory Box with a control condition that offered equivalent contact with research staff. Eleven nursing home residents with mild to severe dementia and persistent, daily agitated behaviors completed the study. Outcome measures included ratings of anxiety, depression and agitated behavior made by knowledgeable staff members in collaboration with researchers. Memory Box was well utilized and highly rated by residents, families and staff members. There were significant reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms during the course of the intervention. The system shows promise as a tool to assist families and nursing home staff to improve the wellbeing of cognitively impaired older people with agitated behaviors.

A Case Study: Designing a Sustainable Recreational Vehicle for the Emerging Market through Computer-Aided Design Process

ABSTRACTThis design research project was based on a joint PhD research into the Recreational Vehicle design organised by Monash University (Australia) and Tsinghua University (China) during 2010 to 2011. Through a range of comparative research about use habit, lifestyle between Australia and China, the paper formed a design specification for an emerging Chinese market. Moreover, with the latest Wacom equipment and CAD software, such as Sketchbook, Keyshot and Solidworks, this research try to develop a new industrial design process driven by CAD technology. Through a range of practice-based research and computer-aided design practice, ultimately this concept was accepted by Chinese manufacturing industry and finally built a prototype, which was featured in 2012 Beijing Design Week.