In the summer of 2024, Ellis Bartholomeus began her PhD journey at Eindhoven University of Technology, as part of the QoLEAD project within the Expertise Centre for Dementia & Technology (ECDT).
Within QoLEAD, Ellis dives into co-creation and participatory design, specifically exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can support people with dementia and those who care for them. With a background in game and play design, she investigates how AI technologies can enhance interaction, communication, and reflection in care settings.
During her exploration of evidence-based methods in dementia care, Ellis came across the ABC-method course “Challenging Behaviour” by Rino Zuid via the Vilans knowledge platforms. This course addresses a theme that resonates strongly in practice: how do you respond to behaviour that is often misunderstood, as is frequently the case in dementia?
“It sparked my curiosity: how do care professionals learn to deal with challenging behaviour, and what role could AI play in this? For example, as a training partner, or perhaps even as a tool in daily care practice.”
Ellis participated in the course and discovered the value of physical presence, shared reflection, and exchanging real-life experiences. While observing through her research lens how AI could make learning more engaging and effective, she also recognized the strength of existing methods for care professionals working under high pressure.
Ellis’s experiences highlight the importance of connecting research, practice, and innovation. Within the ECDT, Vilans and Rino Zuid collaborate to build these bridges — from inspiring courses and learning trajectories to forward-looking research where AI and technology may play a meaningful role.