Design Management Contributions in the Diagnosis of a Psychiatric Hospital in Brazil: Identifying Opportunities in Assistive Technology

Design and assistive technology: a tinder match waiting to happen

“…Twelve of the identified articles noted design as either a factor of abandonment or having a potential role of design in AT abandonment in the future. Three articles engaged AT abandonment using a design method (user-centred design) (Lynn et al 2016; Merino et al 2017b; Rasmussen, Stewart & Janes 2022). This led to understanding the literature comparatively, illustrating the relationship between literature that amalgamates design practice with AT and traditional healthcare approaches (Table 1).…”

“…An example of design assisting within this space is Merino et al (2017b), who utilise design management within healthcare – noting that design management directly engages with the artefact or system and the existing relationships and stakeholders. Subsequently, the diagnosis phase is understanding the organisation’s specific context and how direct and indirect factors interrupt service (Merino et al 2017b).…”

“…An example of design assisting within this space is Merino et al (2017b), who utilise design management within healthcare – noting that design management directly engages with the artefact or system and the existing relationships and stakeholders. Subsequently, the diagnosis phase is understanding the organisation’s specific context and how direct and indirect factors interrupt service (Merino et al 2017b). While it may be initially uncomfortable for healthcare professionals to take a step back due to their tacit and deep knowledge in the field, in collaboration with the design team they may assist in diagnosing structural issues within the system.…”

“…While the professions differ significantly, similarities exist, such as emphasising the user (Lynn et al 2016; Merino et al 2017b). In many ways, person-centred care reflects the principles of collaborative design methodologies, where user input is central throughout the process (Docherty 2017; Eklund et al 2019).…”

“…While current literature focuses on impact at the individual and community level, the design opportunities may easily be extrapolated for impact at a systemic and policy level (Docherty 2017;Valentine et al 2017), for example, designs engagement with traditional and non-traditional stakeholders to explore current 12/18 and future possibilities (De Couvreur & Goossens 2011;Merino et al 2017b). Furthermore, designers utilise skills such as prototyping and fabrication of AT and system-level planning to create a more user-centred approach (Merino et al 2017b;Rasmussen et al 2022). These skills in working in complex areas at a systemic or policy level while incorporating skills in working within an interdisciplinary team differentiate design professionals going forward (Merino et al 2017b, Rasmussen et al 2022).…”