Invitation to Participate in a User Testing Session: The Tasty Spoon Project
We are excited to invite you to take part in a unique opportunity to help improve the lives of people living with dementia.
The University of Sheffield, in collaboration with Alzheimer’s Society and AMRC Medical, is conducting research to refine the Tasty Spoon—an innovative device designed to enhance taste sensations for individuals with dementia.
Why is this important?
We understand that dementia can impact your sense of taste, sometimes leading to challenges like relying on excessive salt, which may affect your overall health. Mealtimes, however, are much more than just eating—they are moments of joy, connection, and mental well-being. The Tasty Spoon uses safe, smart technology to make meals more enjoyable by enriching flavours naturally. Your feedback will play a vital role in helping us bring this life-enhancing tool to more people in need.
What will happen during the session?
- Activity: You’ll test the Tasty Spoon by tasting food (tomato soup or minestrone, oats or organic Greek yogurt) before and after using it. We will share the ingredients with those registered.
- Feedback: Share your thoughts through short questionnaires and a friendly discussion with our team. Someone from the team can assist you with that.
- Supportive Environment: Please bring along a relative, friend, or carer with you for support. Break-out areas and accessibility options are available to ensure your comfort.
Session Details:
- When: 27 February 2025, 10am-10.45m;1-1.45pm and 2.00-2.45pm.
- There will be two more dates in early March.
- Where: New Spring House, 231 Glossop Road, Sheffield, UK
- Closest parking: Bank Park, Cavendish St, Broomhall, Sheffield S3 7ST (5 minutes away) or Fitzwilliam Street Car Park - Sheffield City Council, Fitzwilliam St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S3 7SG0 (8 minutes away).
- There will be someone at reception receiving people and guiding them to the meeting area. The main event will be held on the Second Floor, Breakout Area.
- There is a bus stop in front of the building called “Glossop Road/Gell Street” (Stop ID: 37020378). Other bus stops are less than a 5 minutes walk.
- There are 4 steps to the entrance of the building, then the floor can be accessed by stairs or a lift. However, if you are unable to walk the 4 steps, there is wheelchair access at the entrance of the building.
- Duration: Approximately 30–45 minutes.
- Who: People with dementia who have trouble tasting their food, your companion, and our dedicated research team (please note that we ask people to attend who have full mental capacity)
- Further Questions: For those who register, we will provide you will a link to an online meeting, so you can ask further questions. This is optional.
Why should you join us?
By participating, you’ll:
- Contribute to a ground breaking project that could significantly enhance the eating experience for people with dementia worldwide.
- Be part of a supportive community that values your insights and experiences.
- Help us take a step closer to bringing the Tasty Spoon to the market, benefiting millions of people.
- As a token of our appreciation as well as travelling to the university, we will provide a £30 Amazon voucher. This voucher is to cover the attendance and local travel costs.
Is it safe?
Absolutely. The Tasty Spoon uses medically approved electro-stimulation technology that may feel new but is completely safe. You can stop using it at any time if you feel uncomfortable. The session will be conducted in a relaxed and accommodating setting to ensure you feel at ease.
Ready to join us?
We believe your voice matters, and we are incredibly grateful for your willingness to help shape this important innovation. Together, we can make a difference in improving the well-being of people living with dementia.
If you have any questions, please contact: c.morgner@sheffield.ac.uk
