Dr Claire L Craig FCOT, NTF, PhD, MA, BA, BSc

I am a National Teaching Fellow and was awarded a Fellowship from the College of Occupational Therapists in 2012, in recognition of my contribution to the profession. I have also been awarded the Higher Education Academy Health Science and Practice Award and currently hold three Inspirational Teaching Awards and the Vice Chancellor's Award for learning and teaching within my university.

My PhD has focused on visual methods in gerontological research and I welcome the opportunity to supervise students with an interest in visual methods, practice based research and all topics relating to older people and people with dementia.

I have taught across a number of programmes in the University including BSc and Master's provision in Occupational Therapy and the Masters in Design. I am supervisor on a PhD and am currently advisor on a Microsoft PhD focusing on dementia. I hold lectureships in Malta and Switzerland and have taught and undertaken research with colleagues and institutions in Lisbon, Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Poland. I am external examiner for Coventry University.

Quality of life and well-being for older people, creativity and communication for people with dementia, visual methods in research, visual methods in research, critical artefacts.

Science, Technology and Arts

I am a Reader in Design and Creative Practice in Health and Co-Director of Lab4Living, an interdisciplinary research cluster at Sheffield Hallam University.

My research focuses on the role of design and creative practice in promoting wellbeing and quality of life. Within all aspects of my work I continue to be particularly inspired by older people and by people living with dementia and the remarkable stories they tell about their lives and much of my research focuses in this area. 

I utilise design methods including artefacts, photography and art to build understanding of the experiences of individuals and then develop creative responses to these. These responses have manifested themselves in films, commercially available products and nationally commissioned interventions and have informed government guidelines (NICE 2008 and 2015, Alzheimer Scotland, 2018). I am author of 8 books and have written widely about the value of creative practice and design and health.  

My research with older people has led to global collaborations with older people, colleagues in design and in healthcare. Current collaborations include Australia and New Zealand, Canada, Poland, the Netherlands, Denmark and Switzerland. I am part of an international think-tank on social inclusion and more locally I sit on the steering group of the Sheffield Action Alliance. 

• Art and Design Research Centre
• Cultural Communication and Computing Research Institute

• Art and Design Research Centre
• Cultural Communication and Computing Research Institute
• Lab4Living

SHINE - Design in Rehab

RSA Spinal Injury Design Workshops

FRAILsafe

EPSRC (2017) Content Creation and Consumption in the Digital Economy 880,000 (Co-applicant): Designing digital tools to support identity for people with dementia

ADRC Placing Ludic Artefacts in Care Environments (1850.00)

New Zealand Government: Catalyst fund: Design and Dementia: 80,000 NZ dollars (UK PI)

Marie Curie (2016) Design for Care: Redesigning Services for end of life care £500,000 (Co-I)

CLAHRC YH (2016-7) Designing a Dementia Friendly Eye Clinic £10,000

European Network of Occupational Therapists in Higher Education (2016) Developing an International Think Tank for Occupation Based Social Transformation (£2,000 euros)

NIHR HTA programme: Journeying through dementia: randomised controlled trial of clinical and cost effectiveness. £1,964,888 (co-I)

InTact: (2014-18) (Insights into telecare and health technologies) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (Co-applicant) in collaboration University of Sheffield (National Institute of Health Research) £129,000.00

Exhibition in a Box (2014): Zhaw Institute, Zurich. HEA funded through National Teaching Fellowship, £3,000.00

Moving Stories (2013) Exploring the potential of art and film making to promote social inclusion for people with dementia (PI) £4,000 ADRC and Sheffield City Council.

ARTHOUSE (2011) : Using digital media and animation to explore the experiences of growing up and growing old in care. Engineering and Physical Science Research Council: £20,000 (PI)

Lifestyle Matters (2011-present): Randomised controlled trial. MRC Lifelong Health and Wellbeing: Total value £1,131,276.80 (Co-applicant), led by Sheffield University

European Life Long Learning grant (2011) for international curriculum development on creative approaches to social inclusion in occupational therapy (250,000 euros)

Engagingaging (2010): British Council’s PMI CONNECT programme (co-applicant) £30,000.00

Expert patient programme (2008): developing a self-management programme for people with dementia £10,000 (Co-applicant)

Well-Elderly study revisited (2004-6): Feasibility study: Health and Social Care Research Consortium: £50,000.00 (Co-applicant)

2015: Journeying through dementia: randomised controlled trial of clinical and cost effectiveness. NIHR HTA programme. £1,964,888 (Co-applicant)

InTact: (2014-18) (Insights into telecare and health technologies) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (Co-applicant) in collaboration University of Sheffield (National Institute of Health Research) £129,000.00

Evidence based transformation CLARHC YH (2014-18) (co-applicant) in collaboration with University of Leeds, (National Institute of Health Research) £68,000.00

Exhibition in a Box (2014): Zhaw Institute, Zurich. HEA funded through National Teaching Fellowship, £3,000.00

Moving Stories (2013) Exploring the potential of art and film making to promote social inclusion for people with dementia (PI) £4,000 ADRC and Sheffield City Council.

ARTHOUSE (2011) : Using digital media and animation to explore the experiences of growing up and growing old in care. Engineering and Physical Science Research Council: £20,000 (PI)

Lifestyle Matters (2011-present): Randomised controlled trial. MRC Lifelong Health and Wellbeing: Total value £1,131,276.80 (Co-applicant), led by Sheffield University

Engagingaging (2010): British Council’s PMI CONNECT programme (co-applicant) £30,000.00

2008: European Life Long Learning grant for international curriculum development on creative approaches to social inclusion. Partners in Germany, Sweden, Heerlen and Amsterdam (250,000 euros)

Expert patient programme (2008): developing a self-management programme for people with dementia £10,000 (Co-applicant)

Well-Elderly study revisited (2004-6): Feasibility study: Health and Social Care Research Consortium: £50,000.00 (Co-applicant)

Journal articles

Rudman, D., Pollard, N., Craig, C., Kantartzis, S., Piskur, B., Simo, S., ... Schiller, S. (2018). Contributing to social transformation through occupation : experiences from a Think Tank. Journal of Occupational Science. http://doi.org/10.1080/14427591.2018.1538898

Chamberlain, P., & Craig, C.L. (2017). Design for Health: reflections from the editors. Design for health, 1 (1), 3-7. http://doi.org/10.1080/24735132.2017.1296273

Craig, C. (2017). Imagined futures: designing future environments for the care of older people. The Design Journal, 20 (Sup 1), S2336-S2347. http://doi.org/10.1080/14606925.2017.1352749

Craig, C. (2017). Navigating unchartered territory. Design for Health, 1 (2), 149-151. http://doi.org/10.1080/24735132.2017.1387002

Chatters, R., Roberts, J., Mountain, G., Cook, S., Windle, G., Craig, C., & Sprange, K. (2017). The long-term (24-month) effect on health and well-being of the Lifestyle Matters community-based intervention in people aged 65 years and over: a qualitative study. BMJ Open, 7 (9), e016711. http://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016711

Mountain, G., Windle, G., Hind, D., Walters, S., Keertharuth, A., Chatters, R., ... Roberts, J. (2017). A preventative lifestyle intervention for older adults (lifestyle matters): a randomised controlled trial. Age and ageing, 46 (4), 627-634. http://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afx021

Craig, C.L. (2017). Book review: Design for care: innovating healthcare experience by Peter Jones. Design for Health, 1 (1), 146-148. http://doi.org/10.1080/24735132.2017.1295541

Sprange, K., Mountain, G., Shortland, K., Craig, C., Blackburn, D., Bowie, P., ... Spencer, M. (2015). Journeying through Dementia, a community-based self-management intervention for people aged 65 years and over : a feasibility study to inform a future trial. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 1 (42). http://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-015-0039-6

Craig, C. (2014). Photography in care homes: methods for a revealing practice. SAGE Research Methods Cases. http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/978144627305013508506

Sprange, K., Mountain, G.A., Brazier, J., Cook, S., Craig, C., Hind, D., ... Horner, K. (2013). Lifestyle Matters for maintenance of health and wellbeing in people aged 65 years and over: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials, 14 (1), 302. http://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6215-14-302

Mountain, G., & Craig, C. (2012). What should be in a self-management programme for people with early dementia? Aging and Mental Health, 16 (5), 576-583. http://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2011.651430

Craig, C., & Piskur, B. (2012). Student perspectives on the development and evaluation of a joint international education to promote employability in Europe. Work: a journal of prevention, assessment and rehabilitation, 41 (4), 439-447. http://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-2012-1309

Mountain, G., & Craig, C. (2011). The lived experience of redesigning lifestyle post retirement in the UK. Occupational Therapy International, 18 (1), 48-58. http://doi.org/10.1002/oti.309

Craig, C., & Killick, J. (2011). Why creativity and dementia go together. Journal of Dementia Care, 19 (6), 20-22.

Kamat, S.R., Yoxall, A., Craig, C., Carrsé, M.J., & Rowson, J. (2010). Understanding grip choice and comfort whilst hoovering. World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, 42, 1324-1329.

Kamat, S.R., Yoxall, A., Craig, C., Carré, M.J., & Rowson, J. (2010). Understanding grip choice and comfort whilst. World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, 66, 1338-1343.

Kamat, S., Yoxall, A., Craig, C., Carre, M., & Rowson, J. (2010). Understanding grip choice and comfort whilst hoovering. Proceedings of World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, 66, 1338-1343. http://www.waset.org/journals/waset/

Mountain, G., Mozley, C., Craig, C., & Ball, L. (2008). Occupational therapy led health promotion for older people : feasibility of the Lifestyle Matters Programme. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 7 (10), 406-413.

Mountain, G., Mozley, C., Craig, C., & Ball, L. (2008). Occupational therapy led health promotion for older people: Feasibility of the Lifestyle Matters programme. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71 (10), 406-413. http://doi.org/10.1177/030802260807101002

Craig, C. (2007). Pockets of time. Journal of Dementia Care, 15 (3), 18.

Craig, C. (2006). Pockets of time. Journal of Dementia Care, 14 (4), 9-10.

Craig, C. (2006). Pockets of time. Journal of Dementia Care, 14 (1), 12.

Craig, C. (2005). Pockets of time. Journal of Dementia Care, 13 (4), 16-17.

Craig, C. (2005). Pockets of time. Journal of Dementia Care, 13 (2), 15.

Craig, C. (2002). It all begins with a blank sheet of paper. Journal of Dementia Care, 10 (1), 14-15.

Craig, C. (2001). Transformations... from awakenings. Journal of Dementia Care, 9 (5), 10-11.

Conference papers

Craig, C. (2019). Co-designing tools for engagement in care homes. In Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Birmingham, 16 June 2019 - 18 June 2019. Royal College of Occupational Therapists

Reay, S., Craig, C., & Kayes, N. (2019). Unpacking two design for health living lab approaches for more effective interdisciplinary collaborations. The Design Journal, 22 (Sup1), 387-400. http://doi.org/10.1080/14606925.2019.1595427

Fisher, H., Craig, C., & Chamberlain, P. (2019). Life Cafe - A co-designed method of engagement. The design journal: Proceedings of the 13th EAD conference University of Dundee, 10-12 April 2019, 22 (sup1), 445-461. http://doi.org/10.1080/14606925.2019.1595431

Craig, C., Reay, S., & Nakarada-Kordic, I. (2019). Design/health: exploring tensions in design and health for more effective trans-disciplinary collaborations. Design Journal, 2215-2219. http://doi.org/10.1080/14606925.2019.1595014

Wallace, J., Koulidou, N., Duncan, T., Lawson, S., Trueman, J., Craig, C., ... Welsh, D. (2019). Blueprints physical to digital: curation of media to support ongoingness. Proceedings of the 4th biennial research through design conference 19-22 March 2019, (Art 31), 1-16. http://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.7855814.v1

Wallace, J., Koulidou, N., Duncan, T., Lawson, S., Trueman, J., Craig, C., ... Welsh, D. (2019). Blueprints physical to digital: curation of media to support ongoingness. Proceedings of the 4th biennial research through design conference 19-22 March 2019, (Art 31), 1-16. http://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.7855814.v1

Langley, J., Bec, R., Wheeler, G., & Partridge, R. (2018). The need for distributed co-design in healthcare contexts. In Christer, K., Craig, C., & Wolstenholme, D. (Eds.) Design4Health, 4 September 2018 - 6 September 2018. Sheffield Hallam University

Langley, J., Wolstenholme, D., Snellgrove-Clarke, E., & Matherson, L. (2018). How Lego Serious Play supports team building through the creative co-production. In Christer, K., Craig, C., & Wolstenholme, D. (Eds.) Design4Health, 4 September 2018 - 6 September 2018. Sheffield Hallam University

Craig, C., Chamberlain, P., & Fisher, H. (2018). What do Life Cafes tell us about dying and end of life care. Design4Health: Proceedings of the 5th European Conference on Design4health. https://research.shu.ac.uk/design4health/publications/2018-conference-proceedings

Craig, C., Chamberlain, P., & Fisher, H. (2018). What do Life Cafes tell us about dying and end of life care. Design4Health: Proceedings of the 5th European Conference on Design4health. https://research.shu.ac.uk/design4health/publications/2018-conference-proceedings

Partridge, R., Langley, J., & Gwilt, I. (2018). Design, behaviour change and long term conditions: he impact of demonstrating design skills to adolescents with chronic pain. In Christer, K., Craig, C., & Wolstenholme, D. (Eds.) Design 4 Health. Sheffield Hallam University

Wheeler, G. (2018). A reflective tool to consider notions of healthcare community participation in design. Proceedings of the 5th European Conference on Design4Health, Sheffield, UK, 4th – 6th September 2018. https://research.shu.ac.uk/design4health/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/660.pdf

Wheeler, G., Mills, N., King, S., & Culmer, P. (2018). Child-led, Creative Exploration of Paediatric Incontinence. Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Design4Health, Sheffield, UK, 4th – 6th September 2018. https://research.shu.ac.uk/design4health/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/662.pdf

Craig, C. (2017). Giving people living with dementia a strong voice: reflecting on the role of design to create enabling activities. Proceedings from the Design4Health Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 60-63. https://research.shu.ac.uk/design4health/publications/2017-melbourne-conference-proceedings

Pedell, S., & Craig, C. (2017). Technology in health and social care: a critical reflection from across two continents. Design4Health Conference Proceedings Melbourne 2017, 196-199. https://research.shu.ac.uk/design4health/publications/2017-melbourne-conference-proceedings

Craig, C. (2017). Imagined futures: designing future environments for the care of older people. Proceedings of 12th European Academy of Design Conference. http://doi.org/10.1080/14606925.2017.1355614

Craig, C. (2017). Imagined futures : designing future environments for the care of older people. In European Academy of Design: Design for Next, Rome, 12 April 2017 - 14 April 2017. http://www.designfornext.org/

Chamberlain, P., & Craig, C. (2017). HOSPITAbLe: Critical design and the domestication of healthcare. Research Through Design. http://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.4746952

Chamberlain, P., & Craig, C. (2016). HOSPITAble: Domestication of healthcare. In Desmet, P., Fokkinga, S., Ludden, G., Cila, N., & van Zuthem, H. (Eds.) Celebration & Contemplation: Proceedings of the Tenth International Conference on Design and Emotion, Amsterdam, September 27-30, 2016, (pp. 553-557). Amsterdam: Design & Emotion Society: http://www.de2016.org/proceedings

Chamberlain, P., & Craig, C. (2016). A design primer for the domestication of health technologies. In Lloyd, P., & Bohemia, E. (Eds.) Proceedings of DRS2016: Design + Research + Society - Future-Focused Thinking, (pp. 1499-1514). London: Design Research Society: http://www.drs2016.org/431/

Craig, C. (2016). Photography as method in care home research. In 40th College of Occupational Therapists Annual Conference, Harrogate, 28 June 2016 - 30 June 2016. http://www.cotannualconference.org.uk/2016

Craig, C., Gubler, U., & Chamberlain, P. (2016). Exhibition in a box : uncovering occupational identity through objects. In 40th College of Occupational Therapists Annual Conference, Harrogate, 28 June 2016 - 30 June 2016. http://www.cotannualconference.org.uk/2016

Craig, C., & Chamberlain, P. (2016). Digital health : promoting or preventing access to care? In 1st COTEC-ENOTHE Congress, Galway, Ireland, 15 June 2016 - 19 June 2016. http://programme.exordo.com/cotec-enothe2016/delegates/presentation/665/

Craig, C. (2016). Moving stories : using photography to understand the experiences of older people living in care homes. In 1st COTEC-ENOTHE Congress, Galway, Ireland, 15 June 2016 - 19 June 2016. http://programme.exordo.com/cotec-enothe2016/delegates/presentation/661/

Chamberlain, P., Craig, C., & Dexter, M. (2016). InTacT: Insights into Telehealth and Care Technologies. In Langdon, P., Lazar, J., Heylighen, A., & Dong, H. (Eds.) Designing around people : CWUAAT 2016, (pp. 85-94). Switzerland: Springer: http://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-29498-8_9

Bateman, R., Craig, C., Hawley, G., & Stirling, E. (2015). Learning beyond borders : pioneering interdisciplinary learning and teaching approaches to promote socially responsible design practices. In Learning and Teaching Conference 2015, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, 25 June 2015. https://blogs.shu.ac.uk/ltconference/learning-and-teaching-conference-2015-programme/

Craig, C., Gwilt, I., Langley, J., & Partridge, R. (2013). Thinking through design and rehabilitation. Assistive Technology Research Series, 33 (33), 798-803. doi:10.3233/978-1-61499-304-9-798

Chamberlain, P., & Craig, C. (2013). Engagingdesign - Methods for collective creativity. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics), 8004 LNCS (PART 1), 22-31. http://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-39232-0_3

Langley, J., Yoxall, A., Craig, C., & Reed, H. (2011). Assisted Services - Physical support or psychological blow? In Design 4 Health European Conference and Exhibition, Sheffield, UK.

Bateman, R., & Craig, C. (2015). Developing interdisciplinary learning and teaching approaches to promote socially responsible design practices. In In a planet of our own, Mumbai, India, 2015 - 2015.

Bateman, R., & Craig, C. (2016). Design in the Real world. Open Design for E-very-thing, Exploring New Design Purposes. http://www.cumulusassociation.org/open-design-of-e-very-thing/

Book chapters

Craig, C., & Chamberlain, P. (2017). Designing health technology: the ethical dimension. In Dastbaz, M., Arabnia, H., & Akhgar, B. (Eds.) Technology for smart futures. (pp. 289-301). London: Springer: http://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60137-3_14

Chamberlain, P., Mawson, S., & Wolstenholme, D. (2017). Services: Service design in chronic health. In Tsekleves, E., & Cooper, R. (Eds.) Design for health. (pp. 216-240). Abingdon: Routledge: http://doi.org/10.4324/9781315576619

Craig, C. (2011). Creativity outdoors. In Gilliard, J., & Marshall, M. (Eds.) Transforming the quality of life for people with dementia through contact with the natural world : fresh air on my face. (pp. 116-126). London: Jessica Kingsley

Craig, C., & Finlay, L. (2010). Working with groups. In Curtin, M., Molineux, M., & Supyk, J.-.A. (Eds.) Occupational Therapy and Physical Dysfunction, 6th ed. (pp. 253-264). Churchill Livingstone

Craig, C. (2003). Morning coffee : revisiting the social aspects of eating. In Marshall, M. (Ed.) Food, glorious food : perspectives on food and dementia. London: Hawker Publications

Craig, C., & Finlay, L. (n.d.). Working with groups. In Curtin, M., Adams, J., & Egan, M. (Eds.) Occupational Therapy for People Experiencing Illness, Injury or Impairment, 7th ed. London: Elsevier: http://store.elsevier.com/product.jsp;jsessionid=682B54EB592965538F4E0C8D7209B9E7.psc1705_b2cst_001?locale=en_UK&isbn=9780702054464

Books

Craig, C., & Killick, J. (2013). Kreativitat und Kommunikation bei Menschen mit Demenz. Bern: Hans Huber.

Craig, C. (2013). Fototherapie : Kreative Fotoarbeiten mit Jugendlichen, Erwachsenen und alten Menschen. Bern: Hans Huber.

Craig, C., & Killick, J. (2012). Creativity and communication in persons with dementia : a practical guide. London: Jessica Kingsley.

Craig, C., & Hurtley, R. (2012). Reflections of hope : for people with dementia. Farnham: CWR.

Craig, C. (2009). Study skills for health and social care students. London: Sage.

Craig, C. (2009). Exploring the self through photography : activities for use in group work. London: Jessica Kingsley.

Craig, C., & Mountain, G. (2007). Lifestyle matters: an occupational approach to healthy ageing. Brackley: Speechmark.

Reports

Craig, C. (2017). Journeying through dementia: an occupational approach to supported self management. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam university.

Artefacts

Phillips, M., Dulake, N., Willox, M., Gwilt, I., Craig, C., & Auton, K. (2015). Home health monitoring – EyKos HealthHub (product design concept). [Object]. http://www.activ8rlives.com/

Media

Bateman, R., & Craig, C. (2016). Down Memory Lane : exploring memory loss. [Digital Film].

Presentations

Craig, C. (2019). Co-designing tools for engagement in care homes. Presented at: Royal College of Occupational Therapists Annual Conference, Birmingham

Craig, C. (2019). The Power of Sheffield Journeys: developing meaningful engagement through film and digital media. Presented at: Royal College of Occupational Therapists Annual Conference, Birmingham

Craig, C., Fisher, H., & Smith, S. (2018). The politics of participation. Presented at: Design4Health2018 Sheffield, Sheffield, UK, 2018

Craig, C. (2018). What can practice learn from people living with dementia? Presented at: Dementia Lab, Newcastle upon Tyne, 2018

Craig, C. (2017). Re-designing dementia. Presented at: Design and the Ageing Brain Symposium, Auckland, New Zealand, 2017

Kantartzis, S., Van Bruggen, H., Craig, C., Piskur, B., Schiller, S., Simo, S., & Pollard, N. (2016). Creating a think tank for occupation-based social transformation. Presented at: 1st COTEC-ENOTHE Congress, Galway, Ireland, 2016

Langley, J., Wolstenholme, D., Craig, C., & Chamberlain, P. (2015). EngagingAging : meaningful participation for older people in research and innovation. Presented at: Innovation Learning Network Ageing Series (part of the Virtual Thursday programme)

External examiner Coventry University
Steering group, Sheffield Dementia Action Alliance

I sit on the Research and Development Board for the Royal College of Occupational Therapists

I am visiting Professor, Occupational Therapy Hogeschool Zuyd, Netherlands

Visiting lecturer by invitation ZHAW, Zurich

Visiting Lecturer by invitation University of Malta

I am editor of the journal Design for Health

I am track chair for the Health and Design Track of the European Academy of Design conference

I am founder member and sit on the scientific committee for the International Design4Health Conference

Dr. Claire Craig is a Reader in design and creative practice in health and is Co-director of Lab4Living, an interdisciplinary research group which brings together designers, health care practitioners, engineers, psychologists with the aim of designing products, services and environments to improve the quality of life and well-being for individuals.

Claire's research focuses particularly on the role of the arts and creative practice in offering individuals living with dementia and their families an outlet for self-expression and a valued meaningful activity. She has written about this widely and her published books include: Creativity and Communication for people with dementia, Meaningful making, Celebrating the person and Creative Environments.