Healthcare is a critical domain where the application of human-centered design principles and practices can greatly impact patient care and well-being. The provision of high-quality healthcare services requires a comprehensive understanding of patients' needs, preferences, and experiences. In this context, the application of human-centered design principles and practices has emerged as a powerful approach to transforming healthcare experiences and improving patient care.
Human-centered design is an approach that places individuals at the center of the design process, considering their unique characteristics, perspectives, and goals. By involving patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers in the design and development of healthcare services, human-centered design ensures that the resulting solutions align with their needs and preferences. This approach moves beyond a one-size-fits-all mentality and recognizes the inherent diversity and complexity of patients' experiences and conditions. The integration of human-centered design into healthcare processes can foster empathy, improve communication, enhance patient engagement, and ultimately lead to better health outcomes and experiences for all stakeholders involved.
It is worth noting that the application of human-centered design in healthcare extends beyond the design of physical spaces and technological solutions. It encompasses the entire patient journey, from the moment individuals seek healthcare services to their follow-up care and long-term management of their health. Human-centered design principles can inform the design of waiting areas, signage systems, communication channels, educational materials, and even policies and procedures.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the importance of human-centered design will only grow, paving the way for more patient-centric and compassionate care. This special issue aims to explore the latest research and advancements in human-centered design approaches within the healthcare context. We invite researchers, practitioners, and experts to contribute their original research papers, case studies, and reviews on topics related to transforming healthcare experiences through human-centered design.
Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):
- User-centered design methodologies for healthcare applications
- Design and evaluation of patient-centered healthcare technologies
- Improving healthcare accessibility and inclusivity through design
- Co-design and participatory design approaches in healthcare settings
- Designing for patient empowerment and engagement
- Human-computer interaction in clinical workflows and healthcare systems
- User experience design for healthcare wearables and mobile applications
- Ethical considerations in human-centered design for healthcare
- Impact of design on healthcare provider well-being and satisfaction
- Design challenges and solutions in telehealth and remote care
