DEMENTIA IN NEW LIGHT—

Understanding dementia through empathy and story.

OPPORTUNITY

After the success of Cracked: New Light on Dementia, a research-based theatre production that follows the journey of individuals living with dementia and their families, the UHN Research team looked to expand its reach through a digital learning experience.

SOLUTION

Through a series of discovery workshops, we uncovered key insights that shaped the direction of the project. The result is an educational and story-driven experience that reflects the lived and often complex realities of dementia, designed with empathy and intention.

IMPACT

Dementia in New Light invites users into a thoughtful, human-centred digital space. Through voice-overs, animated stories, and scenes from the original production, the site encourages reflection and deeper understanding.

Every design decision began with real voices.

We began by listening. Through conversations and collaborative exercises, we uncovered themes of connection, empowerment, and shared experience.

While care professionals expressed hope for the future, individuals living with dementia shared more nuanced stories of loss and resilience. These insights revealed meaningful overlap and shaped the foundation for a human-centred digital experience grounded in honesty and possibility.

Learning through connection and personal perspective.

At the core of the experience is storytelling. The platform combines personal reflections, short videos, and audio moments to illustrate the realities of dementia.

Thoughtfully designed learning modules address topics such as stigma, caregiving, and cultural perceptions, enabling users to build empathy through active engagement rather than passive reading. 

A visual language rooted in empathy.

The identity for Dementia in New Light was designed to be approachable and inclusive, highlighting authenticity through a clean sans-serif typeface. This simple wordmark allows the website's visuals to stand out effectively.

Designing for clarity and connection.

The user experience was intentionally designed to be clear, intuitive, and emotionally accessible. Navigation is simple and unobtrusive, allowing users to move through content at their own pace without distraction.

Visual design choices—dynamic gradients and nuanced animations—were guided by a desire to create a calm and reflective space to help users feel open to engaging with difficult but important subject matter.

Creating space for understanding and change.

Dementia in New Light has sparked new conversations about dementia by reducing stigma and empowering individuals with tools to discuss the subject with greater empathy and clarity. The web experience has become a trusted educational resource and demonstrates the effectiveness and power of human-centred design.

Interested in collaborating?

Let’s chat—hi@meglynch.com

© 2025 Meg Lynch
A random fact about me—I love puffins.