Intersection of Dementia + Design

If you are thinking about designing for dementia, the Intersection of Dementia + Design course at the University of Stirling is highly recommended — it is worth attending. The course is accredited by DSDC and covers all aspects of design for dementia environments.

Written testimonial, 2019

Designing wall-coverings and murals for the care home sector is an area ATADesigns have been exploring for the past two years. To help realise this project, award-winning surface design specialist Annette Taylor-Anderson (ATADesigns) and Gareth Wyn Jones, founder of Wallsmiths (printers) and expert in the field of wallpaper printing, joined forces to collaborate. ATADesigns and Wallsmiths exhibited their first wall-coverings and murals collection for care homes at the Dementia Care & Nursing Expo, Birmingham, which proved to be a huge success with very positive feedback. Wanting to learn more about designing for care homes and dementia, both booked onto the 'Intersection of Dementia + Design' two-day course at Stirling University (2019).

Before signing up, both Gareth and Annette did extensive research. The course caught their eye after hearing good things from an interior designer who had attended previously, and after reading about the accredited DSDC programme. After speaking to Ailidh Aikman (Business Support Officer), who explained the course in more detail, the decision was made to book — and both couldn't wait to get started.

Going in with an open mind, the course proved welcoming and provided a great opportunity to network with companies from other disciplines. It encouraged learning from each other through well-presented workshops covering problem-solving, scenarios and decision-making — some challenging, but always collaborative.

As a business focused on designing and printing wallpapers and murals, it was particularly valuable to see the course cover all aspects of design — from new build and interior design to lighting, outdoor space, gardens, regulations and guidance.

The course changed the way ATADesigns and Wallsmiths approach care home projects — looking at spaces differently, asking the right questions, and considering the type of resident, what designs will work in a space, and the tonal colour values in a room. Learning about colour tonal values was a significant eye-opener, providing important knowledge applicable both professionally and personally — especially as more and more people will know someone living with dementia.

The presentations and workshops over the two days were excellent, with industry expert speakers sharing their knowledge directly. ATADesigns and Wallsmiths aim to create wall-coverings and murals where residents, families and staff can feel at home in a well-being and safe environment — working with familiarity and bringing the outside into every design.

Annette Taylor-Anderson (Creative Director/Designer — ATADesigns)
Gareth Wyn Jones (Founder — Wallsmiths)