Tell us about yourself and/or your business in 150 words or less.
I’m a career creative: graphic designer, visual artist, and interior decorator who over the last 2 decades has become an Industrial artist, Independent Researcher, and Speaker in Health- and Aged Care Design. I’ve pioneered Art-based Technologies (ABTs) – a distinctive science-driven facility-wide wayfinding system for dementia environments that can balance residents’ stimulation and calm to support their identity, autonomy and community well-being. I focus on lived experience and evidence-based research on dementia science, perceptual science, neuroaesthetics, neuroscience, psychology, evolutionary biology, art theory, and art and design practice.
I collaborate with governments, universities, and providers and speak at neurology and psychology conferences. I am also a Co-chair of an International Health Informatics Knowledge Management Conference (HIKM) and a ACM Chapter and am published in a scientific journal. I got into Art Health Design when Aged Care providers started giving me their research on visuo-spatial perception- and a book on dementia murals demonstrated a need for more science-based interventions through art. So, I guess science makes my approach quite unique as an artist and designer in the health space.
What’s your secret sauce for great design?
Science. Over the last ~15 years neuro-physiological imaging like fMRI, has led to the ability of scientists to study and measure human responses to our environments, which led to the Biophilic movement in hospitals, and then neuroaesthetics: the study of how the brain perceives, evaluates, and responds to visual and sensory experiences, including art and built environments. By learning the sciences and adapting my art to them, we can anticipate where ‘stressors are likely to be caused by Aged Care environments and intervene. The secret sauce is understanding that all environments, whether Boutique Hotel, Acute Mental Health Ward, or Small Home Model, have stressors, and being able to design to them.
What do you enjoy most about being a designer?
I thrive on purpose, and the challenge of solving a large and difficult problem. Like most of you, bringing a vision to life feels rewarding. For me, as a dyslexic thinker, being a designer gives me the freedom to innovate and in this way, use science and also Australian policy and ethical standards in Aged Care, to create change. What better way than through art!
Where do you find inspiration?
This might sound super dull, but I read papers. That is, the kind you find in science journals…dozens of them… and policy manuals, podcasts on dementia and Zooms with experts around the world; and I enrol in UTAS courses like one on Childhood Dementia that I’m starting this month.
How has being part of the IDA community supported or influenced your journey? Or, what prompted you to join the IDA?
While studying Interior Decorating, I was invited to join the then QIDA back in ~06 by its founder. Paul Coulson as IDA president nominated me for 2 HIA Awards a few years back which was very appreciated and encouraging.
And just for a bit of fun, can you answer these ‘Fast Five’ questions for us?
Favourite drink: Red Wine for the Polyphenols
Song you never skip: ‘Riding Horses’ in commemoration of my brother
Book or show you’re loving right now: ‘The Handmaid’s Tale
Guilty pleasure: I’m getting divorced.
One word that describes you: Purposeful.
Sharron can be contacted on 0419 428 628 or visit her website here – https://sharron.art/