An AI-AR Platform for Dementia-Inclusive Built Environment Assessment and Design Guidance

About the research project

Dementia can affect how people understand, navigate, and respond to their surroundings. Poor lighting, low colour contrast, unclear signage, complex layouts, clutter, and limited wayfinding cues can increase confusion, anxiety, and the risk of falls. Well-designed environments can support safety, independence, social participation, and dignity. Although evidence-based assessment tools for dementia-inclusive design exist, most rely on paper-based checklists, manual inspections, specialist knowledge, and trained professionals. This limits their practical use in homes, community facilities, and public spaces. There is currently no accessible AI–AR platform that can scan an environment using a standard device camera, identify dementia-related design issues, and provide real-time, evidence-based recommendations.

This PhD project will develop an AI-powered augmented reality web platform that evaluates real-world built environments from the perspective of people living with dementia. Using a device's camera, the platform will overlay real-time accessibility insights directly onto a live view of any space, automatically identifying design features that affect cognitive accessibility, including lighting quality, colour contrast, signage legibility, spatial layout, clutter, and wayfinding clarity. It will generate practical, evidence-based design recommendations aligned with the internationally recognised Design Dignity in Dementia framework hosted at UTAS. The augmented reality layer is what distinguishes this platform from any prior attempt to digitise environmental assessment. Rather than producing a written report after the fact, the system presents feedback in context, overlaid on the actual environment being assessed, at the moment of assessment. This represents a fundamental shift in how dementia-inclusive design knowledge is communicated and acted upon.

The expected outcomes are a validated AI-AR web platform prototype, a set of AI models trained on dementia-sensitive environmental data, and an expanded framework for applying digital intelligence to assistive and inclusive design research. The project also aims to produce at least two high-quality journal papers or equivalent conference papers. Potential topics include:

• AI–AR systems for providing real-time and context-aware design recommendations
• AI and computer vision methods for assessing dementia-inclusive built environments;
• The translation of the Design Dignity in Dementia framework into measurable AI assessment criteria;

Potential publication venues include journals such as Expert Systems with Applications and Knowledge-Based Systems, as well as conferences such as CHI and AAMAS. The supervisory team will provide research and writing support throughout the publication process.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Wenli Yang

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• A master’s degree, or equivalent Honours degree, in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Data Science, Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a related discipline, with sufficient research components.
• A good academic record in relevant coursework and research.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing academic papers, research reports, or technical documentation.
• The ability to work independently and contribute to a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.
• The ability to undertake the project on campus.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Demonstrated knowledge of or interest in machine learning, computer vision, or AI systems development
• Experience or coursework in web-based application development
• Strong written and analytical communication skills
• A commitment to socially purposeful research and human-centred design.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience working with large AI models, deep learning frameworks, or augmented reality technologies
• Familiarity with human-computer interaction research methods including user testing and interface evaluation
• An understanding of or interest in aged care, dementia, disability, or inclusive design contexts
• Experience in interdisciplinary or collaborative research environments.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Wenli Yang to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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