A Toolkit for Digital Health Designers

Abstract

The integration of digital technologies and design thinking is reshaping the healthcare industry, necessitating tools that can support designers in navigating complex, multi-stakeholder environments. This thesis presents the development of a toolkit specifically designed for digital health designers to facilitate shared design goals among diverse stakeholders. The toolkit addresses key challenges identified through case studies of 14 existing toolkits, as well as structured interviews with healthcare designers.

The research began by classifying current design toolkits, revealing that many focus primarily on ideation while offering limited support for earlier stages such as stakeholder alignment and goal definition. Existing toolkits often take a card-based format, though there is a growing trend towards digital tools, particularly in response to the shift towards remote collaboration.

Structured interviews with both novice and experienced digital health designers highlighted critical challenges in stakeholder engagement. These included difficulties in creating a common understanding, managing conflicting values, and setting realistic goals. The need for toolkits to facilitate clear communication, organize complex insights, and align expectations was emphasized. Participants also expressed preferences for toolkits that are easy to use, adaptable, and reusable, with many advocating for a digital version.

In response, this thesis developed a toolkit that addresses the complexities of coordinating multiple stakeholders in digital health design projects. The toolkit features a Honeycomb diagram structured around seven key dimensions, guiding designers through the process of defining clear, achievable design goals. It aids in co-creation and brainstorming sessions, organizes thoughts, and serves as a visual communication tool for tracking project progress and reviewing stakeholder alignment.

The toolkit was evaluated by six design students with digital health experience, who tested its usability and usefulness. Feedback indicated that the toolkit effectively facilitated collaboration, structured the design process, and improved confidence in managing stakeholder relationships. However, participants also suggested areas for improvement, including the development of a digital version and clearer instructions. In response, a final digital version of the toolkit was created, offering greater flexibility and enhanced support for remote collaboration. This toolkit aims to empower digital health designers in achieving cohesive, stakeholder-aligned design goals.