GreyMatters was inspired by my late grandmother, Frieda, who suffered from vascular dementia for six years, and my family who cared for her during this very challenging time. Despite my grandmother’s cognitive & physical decline, I witnessed how her long term memory, language & spirit could be drawn out dramatically through reminiscence activities like looking through photos from youth, listening to familiar music, and hearing her early life stories. At the time, I was a graduate student in the SVA MFA Design program, and this project quickly became my master’s thesis. I set out to create a user-friendly, human-centered product that would make it easier to draw out these remaining–yet often hidden–abilities in people with dementia, offering them dignity, engagement & connection to loved ones. Through visual reminiscence, paired with music & games, the app helps families share more joyful moments together, reduces caregiver stress & improves quality of life for all involved.