We developed a Digital Health Design (DHD) framework to address the challenges and opportunities in creating digital health interventions (DHIs). By analyzing semi-structured interviews with 24 design professionals, we identified eight stages grouped into four phases: preparation, problem-thinking, problem-solving, and implementation. Our framework integrates design activities, deliverables, and stakeholder roles while addressing twelve challenges, providing actionable strategies for enhancing patient experiences with digital health solutions.
What was the context of our study?
Designing effective digital health interventions (DHIs) is essential to improving healthcare access and patient outcomes. However, many digital health tools fail to meet patient needs due to poor design and a lack of user-centered approaches. We aimed to investigate the design processes used by professionals and propose a structured framework to guide the creation of DHIs that prioritize patient experience.
What did we do?
We conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 design professionals across diverse healthcare domains. Using thematic analysis, we identified eight key stages in the digital health design process. We categorized these into four phases: preparation, problem-thinking, problem-solving, and implementation. Additionally, we explored challenges and strategies encountered by designers and developed the Digital Health Design (DHD) framework to address these issues.
What did we find?
- Four Phases: The framework organizes the design process into four phases:
- Preparation: Clarifying requirements and creating a project plan.
- Problem-Thinking: Conducting research and framing design problems.
- Problem-Solving: Generating and evaluating design concepts.
- Implementation: Developing, releasing, and maintaining solutions.
- Twelve Challenges: Designers faced issues like navigating complex healthcare contexts, involving diverse stakeholders, balancing user needs with technical constraints, and creating sustainable business models.
- Eight Strategies: Key strategies include iterative testing, involving stakeholders early, and aligning business goals with user-centered design principles.
Why is this important?
The DHD framework provides a comprehensive guide for healthcare professionals and designers to create patient-centered digital tools. By addressing common challenges and offering actionable strategies, the framework promotes the development of effective, sustainable digital health solutions that enhance patient experience and healthcare delivery.
Reference
Wang T, Zhu H, Qian S, Giunti G, Goossens R, Melles M. Designing digital patient experiences: The digital health design framework. Appl Ergon. 2024;119:104289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2024.104289.