CrossSense

CrossSense comprises lightweight smart glasses and an augmented reality app, which help people living with dementia remember loved ones, objects, and daily activities. In collaboration with the user, the smart glasses assign digital representations to elements in the physical environment, superimposing words and voice reminders to connect objects to their functions, and other important information. This enables individuals living with dementia to maintain context and carry out daily tasks with greater ease. It also overlays colours, shapes and sounds as multisensory memory cues, because ‘dual coded’ objects (e.g. a mother’s name written in her favourite colour blue) reinforce memories. Psychological science states that by establishing these multisensory connections, CrossSense may slow down memory decline, and even improve broader cognition.

About the team

Animorph, a London-based co-operative, is composed of an interdisciplinary team creating next-generation software that enhances human potential. They specialise in developing evidence-based, personalised medical devices and mental health apps. Research collaborator Professor Simner draws from her personal experience caring for her father, who has dementia. The daily creative strategies they employ to help him remain focused are invaluable in shaping the team’s approach.