Tangible Memories, led by Dr Helen Manchester, Lecturer in Educational and Social Futures in the Graduate School of Education, aims to help improve the quality of life for residents in care homes by building a sense of community and shared experience through a co-operative exploration of their life histories.
The project brings together an interdisciplinary team including digital artists and makers, learning researchers, computer scientists and social historians, along with older people themselves and those who work with them. The team is developing a set of new digital tools that will address some of the key societal challenges concerning the care and well-being of older people and the legacy of the memories and stories that they leave for future generations.
Dr Manchester said: ‘The weekend was a great opportunity to showcase our work, including our prototypes, to a wider audience. Our interactive rocking chair was a hit with children, and with adults who enjoyed the space to relax in a busy environment. We had many fascinating conversations with others interested in the work, and we made some great connections as a result.’