Co-design and loneliness
Funded research projectCo-designing technological solutions to loneliness with at-risk populations
Research lead
Project core team
Bradley Barker-Jones
Dr Sarah Campbell
Professor David Ellis
Dr Lukasz Piwek
Patrycja Nasiadka
Ann-Marie Scott
Hub Research theme
Care outside the hospital
Hub Researcher(s) in Residence
Matthew Wragg
Emily Nielsen
Background
Addressing loneliness is a public health priority. People who are often lonely are more likely to develop a range of physical and mental health disorders, including heart disease, dementia and depression. Loneliness can also make people’s existing health conditions worse. Certain groups are particularly at risk of loneliness due to health conditions or caring responsibilities.
Intended outcomes
Dr Grey and her team will work with three groups at greater risk of loneliness but who could benefit from technological innovations:
- Neurodivergent teenagers and young adults
- People with Parkinson’s or dementia
- Informal carers of people with Parkinson’s or dementia
They will co-design technology solutions to help them feel more socially connected. Workshops will identify their specific needs; look at potential ways technology could address these needs; and develop prototype solutions.
This work will provide important evidence on the technology needs of these under-served yet high-risk groups and deliver early-stage solutions for development in future. Dr Grey’s team will share their findings with organisations supporting these groups and with academic and industry communities.