Dementia describes a set of symptoms that can include memory loss and difficulties with processing information, problem-solving, or language. It is a progressive disease, with the symptoms gradually worsening as time goes on.
Developing a website that can address these symptoms presents its own unique set of challenges. The design decisions surrounding the UX/UI for a dementia-friendly website go beyond the basics of minimizing the number of choices the user must make, creating intuitive navigation, and making sure that the user achieves their (or your) intended outcome as quickly as possible. The design must keep in mind both the mental and emotional state of the user to ensure that the user is able to both use and benefit from the site.
Laurence Ivil and Paul Myles discuss their findings through the development of the “Dementia Diaries” website in this Smashing Magazine article. They have found that by making websites more accessible to a group of users who are often excluded from the benefits that the internet has to offer, designers are not only supporting people living with dementia, but also those with similar accessibility challenges.