Design thinking and semiotics to increase socio-cognitive-affective engagement: An inclusive design human factors case study

Successful aging with and into disability is a challenge in various countries due to an increasing aging population. Prior research indicate that brain training may stimulate but significant improvement may take time. To sustain improvement, this exploratory study suggests adopting a technology-assisted affective socio-cognitive approach to arrest cognitive and social decline holistically. WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) supports the holistic dimensions to adaptive, and engaging sustenance of quality of life. We scope our study to the participation aspect; extending context and various context-aware interactions. This study reports on the use of semiotics for inclusive design to increase cognitive engagement with youth and some seniors with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), forming the bases for design thinking-based technology-assisted scaffolds/affordances.