Empathize and Then Design

The article focuses on improving care for people with dementia and other neuro-cognitive disorders by making healthcare environments more empathetic and supportive. Dementia, now understood as a brain disease rather than a mental illness, affects millions of Americans. Experts at the Environments for Aging conference emphasized how understanding the lived experiences of patients can guide better design in care facilities. Tools like virtual reality (VR) simulations and staff immersion exercises help caregivers and designers see the world from a patient’s perspective, leading to more thoughtful layouts, better lighting, quieter environments, and easier access to things like bathrooms and dining spaces.

P.K. Beville’s VR tour simulates the sensory overload and impairments that dementia patients face daily—like poor vision, hearing every noise at once, and reduced motor control. Caregivers who take the tour report feeling confused, agitated, and overwhelmed—similar to what patients experience. Architects and designers are now using these insights to improve care environments by removing distractions, increasing lighting, and simplifying layouts. New methods, like tracking movement with sensors and simulating new facility designs in VR, allow for real-time feedback and more compassionate, effective spaces.

Green, J. (2017). Empathize and then design [for people living with dementia]. The Dirt