Color and contrast: Designing with the eye in mind

Did you know that color and contrast can make or break how safe and welcoming a care environment feels? For people with dementia, high-contrast design supports depth perception, safety, and orientation.  

In this episode, Dr Sun and Yashi explore how the thoughtful use of colour can transform dementia care spaces. 

Tune in to learn about

·         Why contrast matters for people living with dementia  

·         Using colors to signal safety, comfort, and familiarity  

·         Practical examples from real care homes  

·         How small design tweaks can reduce falls and anxiety  
  

If you work in aged care, respite, or support someone living with dementia, this episode will give you fresh inspiration and practical ideas.  

Dr Joanna Sun is an environmental gerontologist and lecturer at the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre. She leads the DESIGN Project (Design and Dementia Global Knowledge Translation) and has over two decades of experience in design and dementia care across Singapore and Australia. Her work focuses on creating enabling, inclusive environments and understanding how culture, policy, and the built and natural environment shape dementia care. Dr Sun co-developed the Singapore Environmental Assessment Tool (SEAT), contributes to the global Dignity Manifesto of Design, and was recognised as a 2024 Fellow of the Australian Association of Gerontology.