To get to know each other and to get to know the people behind the projects, members of QoLEAD have started to interview each other. Following the first interview, during which Anne Kolmans (PhD in WP4) was interviewed, Anne interviewed Dirk Steijger (PhD in WP3). After a succesful second interview, Dirk in turn interviewed Hans Arnold, project manager of QoLEAD. Read more about Hans, his personal motivations and his vision on AI!
Hans and the Power of AI
Hans is the founder of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Network (JAIN). JAIN focuses on improving the quality of life for people with dementia and their caregivers. Hans gained his expertise in artificial intelligence within the Peace, Justice, and Security domain. His involvement in projects such as CSI The Hague and BART! Burgers Realtime Alert! has shown him how powerful AI can be in solving complex problems and improving society.
AI and Social Progress
CSI The Hague was a groundbreaking initiative that utilized smart sensors, artificial intelligence, machine learning, NLP, data analysis, and virtual environments for objective evidence gathering. Additionally, BART! Burgers Realtime Alert! was a platform that allowed citizens to report incidents in real-time and stay informed about emergencies in their vicinity. This significantly improved response and coordination during crises. Both projects have shown Hans how AI can contribute to social progress and the well-being of people.
Personal Motivations
Hans has always been drawn to technology and its potential to improve lives. This feeling was reinforced after his best friend suddenly lost all cognitive abilities. Hans believes in the potential of technological innovations to better support the individual needs of people with dementia and their caregivers. His current project focuses on improving the quality of life for people with dementia and their caregivers.
In his free time, he enjoys hiking in the mountains, writing articles, and making music. He has been playing guitar and piano for 58 years. These creative activities provide him with inspiration and energy to continue his work.
Direct Collaboration with People with Dementia
During this project, Hans has worked directly with people with dementia. Their perspectives and experiences have helped him better understand what is truly needed to improve their quality of life. Additionally, he has lived with loved ones with dementia for extended periods and has explored how to create moments of happiness with the help of AI. He has particularly focused on improving daily activities, which are essential for their independence and well-being.
The Added Value of AI for People with Dementia
The added value of AI for people with dementia lies in the ability to develop personalized interventions that address the unique needs of each individual. AI can perform predictive analyses that help with early problem detection, adjust care plans, and provide ‘warm’ technological solutions that promote the health, safety, participation, and autonomy of people with dementia. Additionally, AI can contribute to creating sustainable business models that are both socially responsible and economically viable.
Warm Technology as a Foundation
QoLEAD is based on the foundation of “Warm Technology” – an approach where technology is developed and applied with an emphasis on creating human connection, comfort, and well-being. For Hans, this is the only way products should be designed. It’s not just about the functionality of the technology, but also about its emotional impact on users, in this case, people with dementia.
For people with dementia, maintaining a sense of comfort, safety, and connection is essential for their well-being. Warm Technology focuses on designing technological solutions that are not only practical but also convey warmth and empathy. This can be achieved, for example, by using friendly interfaces, familiar sounds, or visual elements that are reassuring to people with dementia. The importance of Warm Technology lies in reducing stress, anxiety, and confusion while simultaneously creating a sense of familiarity and comfort.
Designing for People with Dementia
When designing for people with dementia, we must always consider their ease of use and accessibility. Additionally, it’s essential to recognize their social and emotional needs and ensure that technologies support them without overwhelming them. Involving people with dementia and their caregivers in the design process is crucial to ensure that the solutions are truly usable and valuable. We must also ensure that the business models we develop are not only sustainable but also socially responsible so that we have a positive impact on both the users and the broader society.
Advice for Fellow Researchers
Hans’s advice for fellow researchers is to always put people at the center of their research and development. Listen to the needs and experiences of people with dementia and their caregivers, and use these insights to create AI solutions that genuinely add value to their lives. Stay flexible and willing to adapt your approach based on feedback and new insights. Additionally, it’s important to consider the long-term sustainability and social impact of the business models when developing AI solutions.
The Importance of Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Hans emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in these projects. Combining AI expertise with the knowledge of healthcare professionals, experiential experts, and other stakeholders ensures that robust and empathetic solutions can be developed. Continuous evaluation and improvement are essential to ensure the effectiveness and acceptance of technological innovations. It’s also crucial to develop sustainable and socially responsible business models so that we not only improve the quality of life for people with dementia but also have a positive impact on society as a whole.
