Co-Designing a Digital Storytelling Application to Improve Social Connections and Participation for People with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Social participation is crucial for the well-being of people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an intermediate stage between normal aging and dementia. This study employed mixed-methods research to develop Huiyou, a digital storytelling application co-designed with people with MCI, caregivers, and therapists in China. Tested with 20 participants over one-month, Huiyou significantly improved outdoor activities, interpersonal relationships, and storytelling engagement. These findings underscore Huiyou’s potential to enhance social participation and overall well-being for people with MCI, offering insights for designing accessible, user-friendly digital interventions to support meaningful social interactions and improve the quality of life for this population.