We use rational formality of configuration spaces and the bar construction to study the cohomology of the space of braids in dimension four or greater. We provide a diagram complex for braids and a quasi-isomorphism to the de Rham cochains on the space of braids. The quasi-isomorphism is given by a configuration space integral followed by Chen’s iterated integrals. This extends results of Kohno and of Cohen and Gitler on the cohomology of the space of braids to a commutative differential graded algebra suitable for integration. We show that this integration is compatible with Bott–Taubes configuration space integrals for long links via a map between two diagram complexes. As a corollary, we get a surjection in cohomology from the space of long links to the space of braids. We also discuss to what extent our results apply to the case of classical braids.

We used participatory design methodology to engage independently living older adults with depression and co-occurring physical illness in the design of assistive robots for their homes. Our aim was to work toward a design that can extend the amount of time they can live independently and increase their quality of life. Clinicians were also invited to contribute their ideas, as they are important advocates for using assistive technology in a clinical capacity. In this paper, we outline our strategies for engaging older adults as co-designers, noting what succeeded and what failed in our participatory design approach. We also discuss the viability of replication studies in participatory design and the need to engage other stakeholders besides older adults, such as clinicians, to provide practical robot applications.