Since the launch of the AcTo Dementia website 6 months ago,
we have evaluated more than 40 different types of game or activity, reviewing over
400 apps in the process. So far we have recommended 23 apps that are the most
accessible of their type for people living with dementia, encompassing a
diverse range of games or activities. These have included classic board games,
sports simulations, interactive art and modern puzzlers.
When taking the apps out-and-about for people with dementia
and their families to test and play for fun, the most popular based on feedback
are Jigty Jigsaws, Dominoes, Bubble Explode and 10 Pin Shuffle. Some of these
can be enjoyed independently during those quiet times when a bit of escapist
fun is needed, whereas others can be played with another person as a shared
activity.
Our process for selecting apps involves firstly identifying
the type of app that we will review, for example dominoes or football. We then
search the app store for examples of the app type and download at least ten
representations of the app for review. Each of the ten apps are then analysed
using our evidence-based App Evaluation Tool, which generates a score for each
app based on the presence or absence of design features that have been shown to
have an impact on accessibility for people living with dementia. The highest
scoring app is then sent for final approval to the lead researcher, and if approved
is published on the website as a recommended app.
Not all of our app evaluations lead to app recommendations, as
just because an app is the highest scoring and therefore the most accessible of
its type, doesn’t mean it is of sufficient quality or suitability and therefore
worthy of recommendation. This is demonstrated by the fact that we have so far
rejected 18 different types of app on this basis, including driving simulators,
spot the difference puzzles and Chinese Checkers.
Suggestions for types of app to be considered for review are
always welcome. Initially our selections have been based on feedback from
Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) forums, ideas suggested by staff members
and service users of places visited by the research team, and the previous work
of members of the research team when developing touchscreen software for people
living with dementia. We encourage visitors to the website to contact us or
post in the forum if they have specific types of app they would like us to
review and recommend, and this will be crucial in continuing our aim to develop
a catalogue of accessible apps for people living with dementia that can be
browsed on our website.
Over the next six months we have app recommendations of
Sudoku, bingo, adult colouring, Scrabble and free-form painting all pending
publication, and we are also intending to widen our catalogue from just gaming
and activity apps to information resource, productivity and self-management
apps. To stay up to date with all of this and more, follow us on Twitter
@actodementia and bookmark our website www.actodementia.com.
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