Color Design and Dementia: Harnessing HCI to Improve Environmental Visual Literacy

Color design for people living with dementia has moved beyond esthetics. In the past, color design strategies focused on creating environments that were engaging, harmonious, and practical, either in relation to people living with dementia but more often in relation to other stakeholders or decision makers. While color design strategies continue to focus on encouraging engagement, this is now just a starting point when designing for people living with dementia. In this context, specific color design strategies have a number of key aims. The first of these is to develop color design strategies that address the variable color vision needs and visual challenges experienced by those living with dementia. A second aim is to ensure that color design strategies enhance environmental visual literacy and help improve orientation, wayfinding, and the safe operation of daily activities. A third aim is to ensure that color design strategies are underpinned by the imperatives of inclusivity, user-centered involvement in decision-making, and respect for people living with dementia.