NSCAD Students Bring Human-Centred Design to Northwood

Northwood welcomed students from NSCAD University’s Bachelor of Design (BDes) program yesterday morning as part of a hands-on exploration of how thoughtful, human-centred design can better support people living with dementia.

The visit was coordinated by NSCAD and included on-site media coverage from CBC Radio and CTV News. Sarah Cluett, Northwood’s Manager of Adult Day Programs, spoke with both outlets about the importance of designing care environments—and tools—that meet real people’s needs.

Designing with, not for, people living with dementia

During their time at Northwood, students connected directly with clients in the Adult Day Program to learn more about daily experiences, routines, and the realities of living with dementia. This first-hand engagement is at the core of human-centred design.

“I think the lived experience of being [at Northwood], feeling it and being in the environment will position them better for the future,” said Glen Hougan, Associate Professor of Design, in the CTV story. “Because if we’re looking at a human-centered or user-centered design, and you’re not actually interacting with a real user, it’ll be challenging. Design is face-to-face, design is a contact sport.”

The visit supports a project where NSCAD students have reimagined a dementia toolkit—moving it beyond traditional memory games and puzzles. The redesigned toolkit emphasizes independence, physical activity, social connection, and life skills. As NSCAD noted, many existing kits focus almost exclusively on cognitive activities, overlooking physical, emotional, and social needs. Students presented their updated dementia toolkit prototypes at Northwood’s Halifax Campus.

Innovation across the health-care system

The CTV report (below) also highlights work from another NSCAD student cohort partnering with the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation and Arthritis Centre. These students applied design thinking to improve materials used in the Self-Medication Program (SMP), which helps patients learn to manage their medications after discharge.

Their ideas include:

• A proposed section in the YourHealthNS app for medication-tracking

• A new reminder app to keep patients engaged and motivated

• Redesigned pill labels to improve clarity

• A take-home dossier of key program information

• A website featuring educational videos and easy-to-read guides

  
  

Students also presented these concepts to Nova Scotia Health at the Health Innovation Hub.

Collaboration that shapes better care

For Northwood, hosting NSCAD students is an opportunity to demonstrate how design can elevate dignity, independence, and quality of life for older adults. For the students, the experience offers meaningful connection with the people who inspire their work.

We extend our thanks to NSCAD faculty and students for their dedication—and to our Adult Day Program community, who generously shared their time and lived experience.

For Extended Media Coverage:

• CTV News – Mike Lamb

• CBC Information Morning – Jerry West (coverage coming soon)