Intentional Sensory Stimulation

A design approach for technology that deliberately leverages optimal sensory modes — visual, auditory, haptic, or multimodal — to facilitate comprehension and engagement, rather than simply reducing interface complexity. Introduced in the context of dementia accessibility research by Dixon and Lazar (2020), intentional sensory stimulation recognises that people with conditions affecting cognition and sensory processing may benefit from carefully chosen sensory input rather than minimal stimulation. For example, auditory cues can support comprehension when visual processing is impaired, or tactile feedback can provide grounding when cognitive load is high. This concept challenges the dominant "simplify everything" paradigm in dementia technology design, suggesting that the right type and amount of sensory stimulation at the right time can enhance rather than hinder understanding.