# Collaborative Research: HCC Small: Future Proofing for Age-Related Changing Cognitive Abilities using Smart Objects as Assistive Technologies

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Clemson University (SC) · $300,000

## Abstract

People who are experiencing cognitive decline, such as people living with dementia and mild cognitive impairment, want to maintain their independence, even as their abilities change over time. To support this goal, this project will design "future proofing" approaches, in which people use smart objects in their homes and routines  that can help them adapt to anticipated changing cognitive abilities over time. The research team will create toolkits, training sessions, and guidebooks that will allow people living with cognitive impairments and when appropriate, their caregivers,  to invent, make, and use their own future proofing systems. If successful, ideas and outcomes from this project will help people with changing cognitive abilities maintain their independence for longer periods of time, with better quality of their own life and their relationships with friends, family, and community.

The main goal of this project is to create a framework for designing technology that can adapt to changing cognitive abilities over time. The research team will first conduct diary studies to find  out when people with changing cognitive abilities experience those changes, what impacts they have on their independence, and what ideas they have for reducing those impacts. The researchers will then hold co-design workshops based on those insights, working with people experiencing cognitive impairments and caregivers to create and develop customizable systems that can adapt to changing abili

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2433349
- **Awardee organization:** Clemson University (SC)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** H2BMNX7DSKU8
- **PI:** Emma E Dixon
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, SMALL PROJECT, Cyber-Human Systems
- **Estimated total:** $300,000
- **Funds obligated:** $300,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 06/01/2025 → 05/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2433349

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2433349, Collaborative Research: HCC Small: Future Proofing for Age-Related Changing Cognitive Abilities using Smart Objects as Assistive Technologies. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2433349. Licensed CC0.

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