A friend of ours recently told us about Tovertafel – a beautiful, interactive game that creates a ‘magic table’ which encourages people with dementia to play and spend time together.

Tovertafel is a series of interactive games developed for people with dementia. It provides stimulation for more physical and mental activity. A projector creates images and light on a table and sensors detect movement from participants. It includes lots of natural imagery and sound and has a wonderful, soothing, truly magical feel. And it is easy to use for staff and carers. People have described it as having a calming effect on participants who can choose to just watch the visual projections or take part in the different games.

Who created the Tovertafel?

The Tovertafel was developed by Active Cues, an organisation that feels that “everybody has the right to play”. They create moments of happiness in residential care by developing games for specific groups.

We love that this game is focused on play and joy. Often people are focused on designing services and support which target specific problems, ignoring the happiness, confidence and social aspect of activities that focus on fun and creativity.

It’s exciting because it is different; because it’s technology bringing people with difficulties to the centre and enjoying something new that they haven’t seen before.

This is a great example of technology, play and creativity that really is ‘thinking outside the box’ and making a difference to people.

Seeing the table in action

We discovered this mesmerising video that shows the Tovertafel in action and explores the impact it has on participants. It is a must watch! And for more visuals of the game, check out Shift 8*, the organisation bringing the Tovertafel to the UK.

And a big thank you to Steve Goslyn who let us know about this beautiful game.

Photo by Tovertafel