A Peace of Mind: Design Research for Pervasive Healthcare

Although User Interface and User Experience (UIUX) design has generally been taught as part of visual communication design education, its principles including human-centered approach and systems thinking can also complement the other design disciplines' curricula such as industrial design (ID). The Department of Design at the University of Kansas has recognized an unexpected tendency; an increasing number of the department's ID graduates becomes UIUX designers. In support of this non-traditional ID career path, the department initiated to integrate UIUX design into one of its required ID courses.

As a pilot project of this initiative, a group of ID students participated in a UIUX design project, Peace of Mind, which aims to provide pervasive healthcare products for people with disabilities. Pervasive healthcare refers to the remote healthcare monitoring system that removes locational and time restraints. The students had to understand their users' lifestyles as well as the existing technologies to deliver the healthcare service successfully. This multifaceted project focused on design research methods, including A/B test and daily journey map, to gain a deeper understanding of the stakeholders' needs.

Through the project, the students designed various pervasive healthcare products such as a smart ring for a diabetic lifestyle in conjunction with a continuous glucose monitoring system. They presented the project outcomes to the administrators of Community Engagement and Telemedicine programs at the university's medical center. By sharing the process and outcomes of Peace of Mind project, the presentation will address the critical attributes for successful UIUX design introduction to ID students.