Human-Centered Design
Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 (in progress) | Research group guided by Leandro Tonetto
Examine how the design and delivery of horticultural therapy sessions influence the emotional, physical, and social well-being of older adults living in long-term care settings. Work done in collaboration with A.G. Rhodes nursing home.
Read our Dezeen feature here and our World Design Organization feature here!
Research Methods & Design Process
Gather residents’ backgrounds on gardening & connection to nature.
01. Initial Resident Interview
Observe residents during a horticultural therapy session at A.G. Rhodes, recording movement, emotions, and interactions every 5 minutes.
02. Structured Observation
Gather residents’ reflections on their experiences, challenges, and environmental feedback.
03. Post-Session Interview
Brainstorm design ideas with A.G. Rhodes residents to enhance the horticultural therapy experience.
04. Co-Design Activity
Gather feedback on developed design ideas for horticultural therapy by A.G. Rhodes officials and residents.
05. Presentation to Stakeholders
06. Finalize Design Concepts, Prototype, & Test
This is where we are now!
We distilled our research down to several broad themes and extracted insights from each theme. These were used to drive our design ideas going forward.
After framing what insights could drive our design ideas, I worked with a group to develop an environment-based co-design activity for collaboration with the residents.
We realized where residents find the most and least comfort in the room. Things like foot resting areas and personal space play a part in where residents choose to sit.
Big Idea #1: Table Redesign
Not feasible for prototyping
Big Idea #2: Vase Attachment
Selected concept for further development
