In a recent captivating episode of “The Hustle Daily Show,” host Ben Berkley and guest speakers Juliet Bennett Rylah and Martina Bretous discussed two pivotal topics shaping our future: the revolutionary digital health technology involving IoT tracking pills and the dynamic evolution of AI in 2024.
The Future of Digital Health: IoT Tracking Pill by Solero Systems
Juliet Bennett Rylah, durin her conversation with Ben Berkley, brought to light an extraordinary innovation in healthcare – a digital pill developed by Celero Systems. This isn’t just any pill; it’s a technological marvel, about the size of a standard multivitamin, loaded with sensors, a radio antenna, a microprocessor, and a tiny battery.
Revolutionizing Diagnostics
Initially aimed at diagnosing sleep apnea, this pill represents a leap forward in medical diagnostics. Traveling through the digestive system, it monitors vital signs and transmits this crucial data for medical analysis. The ease and non-invasiveness of this method could potentially replace cumbersome traditional sleep studies.
Economic and Ethical Implications
However, Juliet expressed concerns about the pill’s cost-effectiveness, given its apparent single-use nature. There’s also the matter of ensuring data security and patient privacy, critical in our increasingly connected world. Addressing these challenges will be vital for the broader adoption of this technology.
Insights from Martina Bretous on AI in 2024 Martina Bretous provided an engaging overview of what 2024 holds for this dynamic field of AI.
Bridging Generational Gaps with AI
AI’s role in making technology accessible across generations is remarkable. Martina highlighted the widespread adoption of AI tools like ChatGPT, which have shown potential in various applications, from entertainment to business.
The Innovation vs. Caution Debate
A key theme in Martina’s insights was the need to balance the aggressive push for AI innovation with ethical and safety considerations. This balance is crucial for sustainable development in AI, avoiding pitfalls seen in other tech sectors.
AI’s Expanding Role
Looking forward, Martina anticipates AI’s role in enhancing accessibility for the disabled and improving the functionality of digital assistants. The integration of AI into everyday life, including at-home health monitoring, is a trend to watch in 2024.
A Concern we ought to address is: As AI advances, addressing ethical and privacy issues remains a top priority. Ensuring responsible use and managing the balance between innovation and safety will be key challenges in the coming year.
To enhance healthcare inclusion in Benin by examining the impact of digital health solutions on healthcare access, focusing on design and usability to improve adoption.
Analyze the current adoption of digital health in Benin, identify barriers to usage, propose design best practices, and create a prototype demonstrating these practices..
The method includes literature review, gap analysis, cultural context assessment, user behavior studies, interviews, surveys, analysis of existing solutions, prototype development, and user testing.
Increased understanding of digital health adoption barriers, design principles that encourage usage, and actionable insights for designing user-centric digital health solutions.
A clickable prototype exemplifying design best practices for digital health solutions in Benin and a comprehensive report detailing research findings, methodology, and recommendations for future implementations.
In my master thesis research on the issue of limited healthcare access in rural communities of Benin through eHealth and mHealth solutions, the journey into understanding how knowledge is created, its scope, and its limitations has been enlightening. The primary sources of knowledge for my study have been:
Empirical Data: This includes quantitative data such as population statistics from the World Bank, healthcare infrastructure details from WHO reports, and digital divide metrics from organizations like the International Telecommunication Union, and the Internet society. Additionally, data from studies conducted in similar contexts, like the mobile phone-based interactive voice response system study in rural Ghana, provides valuable empirical insights.
Theoretical Frameworks: Tese encompass academic theories and models related to eHealth, mHealth, digital inequality, and healthcare access. These frameworks provide a conceptual foundation for understanding the broader context and potential impact of your solutions.
Personal Experiences and Cultural Narratives: Insights from local communities in rural Benin, including personal experiences with healthcare access and technology usage, offer a subjective understanding of the loca context. These narratives help tailor solutions to be culturally and contextually relevant.
Comparative Studies: Research and case studies from similar cultural and geographical settings offer comparative perspectives that can inform your approach and strategy. Yet to be deepened.
I find myself oscillating between theoretical understandings based on concepts and empirical evidence grounded in observations and data. This reflects the complex nature of my research topic, where theories related to digital inequality, healthcare accessibility, and technology adoption in low-resource settings guide my understanding of the broader implications and potential strategies for implementing eHealth solutions effectively. Empirical data, on the other hand, grounds the research in real-world situations. Statistical data on healthcare infrastructure, digital access in rural areas, and case studies or research findings from similar contexts (like the study in rural Ghana) were relevant in the empirical approach. They provide me ith concrete examples of how eHealth and mHealth solutions have been implemented and their impact, allowing me to assess the feasibility and potential effectiveness of such solutions in the context of rural Benin.
However, I am acutely aware of the limitations in my approach. Given that my background and perspective could potentially color my interpretation of the research. For instance, a tendency to focus heavily on technological solutions, possibly overlooking non-technological factors crucial for healthcare access in rural areas, my entrepreneurial experience may influence my approach towards innovative, market-driven solutions. and as a designer, there might be preconceived notions about user experience that don’t fully align with the realities of rural populations in Benin.
To mitigate these biases, I will incorporating diverse perspectives into my research, like for example engaging with local communities to understand their needs and preferences, and collaborating with professionals from various fields like healthcare, sociology, and anthropology.
In my exploration of the issue of limited healthcare access in rural communities of Benin through eHealth and mHealth solutions, I’ve delved deep into understanding the nature of reality as it pertains to this subject. This journey has led me to confront fundamental questions about the existence and essence of the phenomena I am researching.
One crucial question I’ve faced is whether the elements of my research exist as objective facts, independent of individual perceptions, or if they are subjective constructs, shaped by personal experiences and cultural influences. My assumption leans towards both a subjective and an objective standpoint, influenced by my understanding of the situation.
Objective Standpoint: There are concrete data and observable realities of healthcare access in rural Benin. This includes the quantifiable data on population demographics, healthcare infrastructure deficits, and digital divide metrics. my approach here relies on objective, measurable facts, such as the statistics from the World Bank or the WHO and the metrics that lead to the implementation of the ARCH program in Benin.
Subjective Standpoint: On the other hand, subjective aspect emerges when considering the cultural context, user experiences, and personal narratives. The interpretations of how rural communities perceive and interact with healthcare technology, influenced by cultural and social factors, bring in a subjective element. On the subjective viewpoint I recognized that these perceptions and experiences are shaped by individual and cultural lenses.
Incorporating both theoretical and empirical knowledge enhances my understanding of the topic. Theoretical frameworks provide a conceptual base to understand the broader issues of eHealth and mHealth, including their potential in addressing healthcare disparities. Empirical data, such as studies conducted in similar cultural contexts like the Ghanaian study, offer practical insights and validate the applicability of these solutions in real-world settings.
Potential biases and limitations in my approach might include cultural biases in interpreting data or the application of solutions that may not be fully adaptable to the unique context of rural Benin. Recognizing these biases is crucial for navigating into a culturally sensitive setting. Of course, my methodology should account for these limitations by including diverse perspectives and adapting solutions to fit the local context.
I foresee that, integrating both the objective and subjective elements, the research can provide a comprehensive understanding of how eHealth and mHealth solutions can be designed and implemented effectively in the unique context of rural Benin.
This ontological stance has significant implications for how I approach my research. It frames not only the kinds of questions I ask but also the methods I employ to seek answers.
Source of image: https://enterrasolutions.com/ontology-power-understanding/
Stakeholder mapping for the introduction of a digital healthcare solution in rural Benin is shown in the image above. Health ministries, local government representatives, founders, non-governmental organizations, foreign aid organizations, healthcare information providers, technology suppliers, the local community, local leaders, local companies, patients, educators, donors, investors, physicians, nurses, local hospitals, and the app design team, which I lead, are some of the important stakeholders. This map offers a thorough overview of all the people and things connected to and affected by the digital healthcare initiative. It also shows possible areas where cooperation and focused actions could have a major influence.
This is to help understand how the mHealth app helps create the healthiest possible environment while maintaining economic viability, which benefits everyone in society, but especially those who live in underserved areas. In that regards, What is if for? How did it get here/there? Who used it?What does it do? Where is it used? What is it made of? Who made it? Why does it exists?
Purpose: The mHealth app is designed to enhance healthcare access and management in rural areas, bridging the gap caused by limited physical healthcare infrastructure.
Origin: In addition to highlighting the differences in healthcare access between urban and rural populations as a result of geographic remoteness, reports from the WHO, other global health organizations, and academics have occasionally provided in-depth documentation of the severe shortages in healthcare infrastructure in rural areas. The idea emerged from the need to address healthcare disparities and leverage growing mobile technology penetration in Benin.
Users: Primarily used by rural patients, healthcare workers, and community health promoters.
Function: It facilitates remote consultation, health education, disease tracking, and data collection.
Usage Location: Primarily in rural communities with limited healthcare access.
Materials: The application is digital and consists of software that runs on mobile devices. An interactive voice response system is an additional component.
Creators: This will be a collaborative team of app designers, healthcare professionals, and local stakeholders, possibly with input from international health organizations.
Existence Reason: Its purpose is to improve community wellbeing and health results by offering a creative and long-lasting solution to the problems associated with delivering healthcare in underprivileged rural communities.
The master’s thesis under review is called “Digital Inclusion: Examining the Impacts of Digital Health Technologies on Inequality,” and it focuses on meeting the particular demands of Ghana’s vulnerable populations. In order to be eligible for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Digital Communication Leadership (DCLead), Richard Mawutor Dzikunu wrote it. Completed on July 30, 2021, the thesis was turned in to the Department of Communication Studies, with Professors Van Audenhove and Josef Trappel serving as primary and secondary supervisors, respectively.
Based on the facts in the thesis and our current understanding of the topic, we have examined the thesis “Digital Inclusion: Examining the Impacts of Digital Health Technologies on Inequality.” It is crucial to remember that this assessment is open to interpretation and might not cover every facet of the argument. Based on their individual skills and interpretations of the text, different readers or experts may have different viewpoints or insights. As such, this assessment ought to be seen as one of several possible readings of the piece.
The evaluation of the thesis is based on the following provided criteria: Level of design, Degree of innovation, Independence, Outline and structure, Degree of communication, Scope of the work, Orthography and accuracy and the Literature.
Literature
An extensive review of the literature is included in the thesis, reflecting a deep engagement with existing research. This extensive literature foundation indicates a solid academic grounding and understanding of the field. Cf. P8-35
Level of Design
Even though we might request a better layout and formatting, we agree that the thesis is well-structured and professionally designed, as indicated by its clear segmentation into different chapters and sections, each addressing specific aspects of the research topic. Cf.P7
Scope of the Work
The thesis covers a broad scope, examining various facets of digital health technologies and their implications on social inequalities in Ghana. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the depth and breadth of the research conducted. Cf. P5-7
Independence
The author’s independence is evident in the formulation of the research questions, the selection of the theoretical framework, and the detailed methodology. The work reflects a significant degree of independent research and critical thinking.
Outline and Structure
The thesis has a coherent outline and structure, systematically covering literature review, theoretical framework, methodology, results, and conclusions. This structure facilitates a logical flow and comprehensive understanding of the research. Cf. P2-3
Degree of Communication
The thesis successfully communicates its findings and analyses and make meaningful recommandations (cf. P45-66). It makes the complicated subject approachable and intelligible for the reader by using simple language and an organized structure.
Orthography and Accuracy
While specific details on orthography and accuracy are not directly observed from the provided research word, the overall presentation and structure suggest careful attention to detail and a commitment to academic standards.
Degree of Innovation
The thesis addresses a novel and significant issue – the impact of digital health technologies on inequality in Ghana. From our perspective, this topic is highly relevant and innovative, especially in the context of digital inclusion and the specific needs of vulnerable groups.
In the digital age, creating products that cater to a diverse range of users has become paramount. World Usability Day serves as an ideal platform for delving into the nuances of accessibility and inclusive design. Recently, UX Graz organized a hybrid event that featured a talk by Steffi Susser, a freelance UX consultant, who shared invaluable insights on this essential topic. Her presentation emphasized the significance of enabling users with various abilities and disabilities to navigate and interact with products, and she was just one of the experts contributing to this enlightening event. In this blog post, we will explore the key takeaways from Steffi Susser’s talk and the broader discussions that took place during this celebration of World Usability Day.
A Glimpse into World Usability Day The event, organized by UX Graz, celebrated World Usability Day, providing a platform for professionals and enthusiasts to come together and discuss the critical facets of design that revolve around usability, accessibility, and inclusion. The online format broader participation, ensuring a wide-reaching and inclusive conversation.
The Power of Inclusive Design: Insights from Steffi Susser’s Talk and More
Steffi Susser’s Talk Steffi Susser’s talk was a highlight of the event. She passionately articulated the importance of inclusive design, emphasizing that it goes beyond merely complying with guidelines. Inclusion, she asserted, is about fostering an environment where all individuals, regardless of their unique differences, feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. Her insights on the topic shed light on how designers and creators can go the extra mile to ensure their products resonate with users on a deeper level.
Accessibility vs. Inclusive Design Steffi Susser’s talk also drew a clear distinction between accessibility and inclusive design. While accessibility focuses on making a design usable by everyone, inclusive design takes it a step further. Inclusive design aims not only to be usable but to be so appealing that everyone desires to use it. It’s a journey that transcends the realm of objective measurements and delves into the subjective and emotional aspects of design, making it a complex and fascinating field.
The Complexity of Inclusive Design Steffi’s presentation highlighted the intertwined nature of inclusive design. She pointed to real-world examples, such as web forms, which are commonly used online but can present exclusionary challenges. These forms can deter users by requesting unnecessary data or enforcing mandatory fields. Inclusive design, in such cases, means providing a spectrum of choices and considering the multifaceted dimensions of diversity, including culture, language, ethnicity, sexual orientation, family status, religion, and spiritual beliefs.
Diversity in Design Diversity, Steffi emphasized, encompasses various facets of being human, and designers play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity. Factors such as contrast ratios, color blindness testing, resizable fonts, and support for screen readers were discussed as ways to ensure a design is inclusive. Avoiding autoplay, scrutinizing the necessity of animations, allowing sufficient time for user interactions, employing gender-fair language, collecting only essential data, and avoiding stereotypes all contribute to the overall inclusiveness of a design.
Inclusive Design: A Piece of a Larger Puzzle Steffi Susser views accessibility as “just a piece of the broader puzzle” that is inclusive design. While fundamental, accessibility does not stand alone; it is part of a holistic approach that addresses the complex and multifaceted needs of users.
Steffi Susser’s talk on inclusive design holds particular relevance for me as an interaction designer but more importanly for my research working on the master’s thesis focused on eHealthcare app solutions. Her insights shed light on the importance of creating designs that resonate with diverse user groups, a vital consideration in the healthcare sector. By delving into the complexities of inclusive design and understanding the emotional aspects that drive user engagement, we can equip ourselves with valuable knowledge to enhance the usability and appeal of our eHealthcare app solution. This understanding will not only contribute to the success of my master’s thesis but also empower me to design a solution that is genuinely tailored to the needs and preferences of a wide range of healthcare app users.
A Glimpse into Research by Lukas Wohofsky The event also featured research by Lukas Wohofsky, co-lead of the research unit ENABLE for health and inclusion care at FH Carinthia. His work, in collaboration with Daniela Kraine and Sascha Fink, showcased the application of human-centered design in research on their initiative for “inclusion through cooperation: potentials of participatory research in the field of autism”. They underscored the ethical principles and best practices for involving users, emphasizing the importance of valuing data, employing gender-sensitive research design, and building trust with research participants.
Panel Discussion on Accessibility and Inclusion The event concluded with an engaging panel discussion on accessibility and inclusion. This panel brought together experts from various backgrounds, including Steffi Susser, Lukas Wohofsky, Thomas Grill, and Christiane Moser. The discussion, moderated by Johannes Lehner, provided a rich exchange of ideas and insights, offering a comprehensive perspective on the ever-evolving field of accessibility and inclusive design.
Game Day 2023 was an event filled with excitement, learning, and inspiration. Game developers and enthusiasts from all around the world gathered to share their experiences, insights, and knowledge. Among the many remarkable talks, three speakers left a lasting impression on me, sharing their journeys, sustainability strategies, and the importance of well-structured processes in game development.
The Struggles Behind MosaMina One of the most captivating talks of the day was by Joshua Hollendonner, who shared his journey and the hardships he faced in creating the famous game, MosaMina. He provided a firsthand account of the challenges he encountered while striving to make his dream a reality. Hollendonner’s story of perseverance and determination resonated with many of us in the audience. It was a reminder that success in the gaming industry often requires relentless dedication and the courage to push through adversity. Hollendonner’s insights shed light on the importance of balancing the pursuit of one’s passion with the demands of earning a living. He highlighted the commitment it takes to continue working on a game’s vision and updates, even in the face of financial instability. As game developers or designer, we can draw inspiration from his journey and remember that great games are born out of passion and unwavering persistence.
GGWP – Green Game vs World Problems Jan Steinhauser’s talk on “GGWP: Green Game vs World Problems” presented a fresh perspective on game development and sustainability. He emphasized the responsibility of game developers in contributing to a more sustainable world. Steinhauser’s insights challenged the traditional mindset of game creation and encouraged us to consider the environmental impact of our projects. The key takeaway from Steinhauser’s talk was the potential for integrating gamification into applications for underserved rural communities, particularly in the healthcare sector. By adopting eco-friendly practices and considering the long-term consequences of game development, we can create games that not only entertain but also make a positive impact on our planet. This shift in perspective could pave the way for more ethical and sustainable game development practices in the future.
The Power of Structured Processes In a world where game development is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, Marcus Walhütter’s talk on the importance of implementing structured processes for releasing and updating games was a revelation. Walhütter stressed the significance of organized workflows, from initial concept to final release. He emphasized that efficient processes can prevent chaos and ensure that a game is delivered to its audience as planned. This insight reminds us that the success of a game doesn’t solely rely on creativity; it also hinges on discipline and structure. Game development teams can benefit greatly from well-defined procedures that streamline the development and launch of their games, reducing the risk of delays or unexpected obstacles. Game Day 2023 was a treasure trove of wisdom for game developers. The talks by Joshua Hollendonner, Jan Steinhauser, and Marcus Walhütter not only provided valuable insights but also inspired us to think differently about game development. Hollendonner’s story of resilience, Steinhauser’s call for sustainable game design, and Walhütter’s focus on structured processes all contribute to our evolving understanding of what it takes to succeed in this exciting and competitive industry.
As desginer, we can draw from these experiences and perspectives to create not only entertaining games but also eco-conscious and efficient processes. Game Day 2023 was a reminder that our community is continuously evolving and that with each new insight, we have the opportunity to elevate our craft and contribute positively to the world of gaming.
I had the privilege of attending the 2023 World Usability Congress, where I immersed myself in a series of captivating talks delivered by renowned speakers. One particular keynote that left a lasting impression on me was “Beyoung UX: The Truth About Digital Product Success,” presented by Russ Wilson from Google Cloud. Wilson’s presentation was a thought-provoking exploration of the factors that underpin the success of digital products.
At the heart of his keynote was a unique approach, a sort of guided quest through a series of thought-provoking questions. For instance, he delved into what truly makes people fall in love with a product and what ultimately defines a product’s success. To illustrate his points, he shared an anecdote about his boss sending him an article about a well-funded startup that meticulously followed every established best practice in user research, prototyping, experimentation, iteration, and design to create a beautiful product. Despite their thorough efforts, this startup met with failure. This prompted Wilson to ask, “What went wrong?”
In his pursuit of understanding digital product success, Wilson conducted interviews with 300 individuals (can’t remember the exact number) over the years, posing a fundamental question: “What is the single most important factor that leads to a digital product’s success?” While acknowledging the significance of aspects like personalization and adaptability, he made a crucial distinction. He argued that these aspects, although important, are secondary. His compelling conclusion was that success primarily hinges on differentiation – the ability to offer something unique or perform better than any other product in the market.
He urged us to consider products that excel in a way no other option can match. These products, initially, had strong differentiators that set them apart, whether it was offering something no one else did or excelling in a particular aspect. As competition inevitably emerges, they continue to seek fresh ways to differentiate, whether through superior performance, reliability, branding, pricing, or exceptional service.
Digital products face unique challenges that set them apart. Their ever-changing nature means that traditional rules of architecture and industrial design often don’t apply. Moreover, technology evolves at an unprecedented pace in the digital realm, faster than any other medium. This rapid evolution presents a distinct challenge, as anyone can leap into the scene and introduce something entirely new.
So, what is the strategy for success in the digital world? Wilson emphasized that perfection is an unattainable goal. Customers and the market have been conditioned to expect rapid results and little patience. Hence, achieving perfection is not a viable strategy.
Wilson proposed a pragmatic approach to success, one that challenged conventional notions of good UX. He argued that, from a business perspective, it’s not about making a product aesthetically pleasing, but rather about how it differentiates itself. In the competitive digital landscape, standing out through a unique and meaningful user experience, not just visual appeal, is the key to success.
Additionally, I had the opportunity to attend several other enlightening talks during the World Usability Congress.
Impulse #3:
Andraea Picchi from Kroo Bank delivered a talk titled “The Contextual Nature of Design Leadership.” One key takeaway was the idea that our perception of reality is inherently limited by perceptual constraints. Picchi emphasized the concept of “reflective assumptions,” where what we consider a groundbreaking product may differ from what is genuinely valuable from a user’s perspective. He delved into leadership concepts in the context of design, emphasizing that a great leader may have strengths and weaknesses, with the latter requiring a targeted developmental approach. Picchi also highlighted that different experiences lead to varying levels of information, and increental leadership development can result in nonlinear improvements in performance.
Impulse #4:
Julien Vaniere from Sage shared insights in his talk, “Designing Systems at Large Scale.” He stressed the balance between full alignment and creative freedom when building a design system, highlighting that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Julien underlined the importance of assessing resources, team composition, and priorities, as building trust within and for your company is a limited opportunity. Challenges in creating a design system for a large group include team composition, prioritization, and sustainability. He recommended establishing strong foundations, beginning with user needs, defining real principles, managing expectations, and applying Pareto’s law. The combination of these elements yields the value of a design system, considering OKRs (Objective Key Results) as well.
Impulse #5:
Peter Horvath from Whitespace delivered a talk on “The Principles of Systemic Design.” He introduced the concept of systemic design as an interdisciplinary and integrated approach to thinking and design. Mr. Horvath shared principles from the four orders of design, shedding light on what is that the core of the approach he is proposing on systemic design journey. He introduced us his twelves principles for systemic design. check the summary of those in the picture below.
Impulse #6:
Sabine NB from Human Factors Research & Design presented her insights on “Delivering Design at Scale.” She showcased examples of failed companies that started with promising products, with the main takeaway being the importance of consistency. In her view, the lack of consistency is a significant reason behind the failure of many digital products. She emphasized that if standardization of human interface guidelines by tech is done right, product design can become more scalable. She proposed a model for delivering at scale and concluded by offering five metrics for successful scalability: consistency in design, disciplined execution, repeatable inventory, measurable outcomes, and limited changes.
Impulse #7:
I also had the privilege of attending a talk by Riya Thosar from SAP, who explored the topic of “Leveraging Design Innovation for Business Success.” Her insights shed light on the potential of design innovation in driving business success.
Lastly, Jaime Levy from Jaime Levy Consulting delivered a captivating keynote on “The Best and Worst Practices of the Discovery Phase.” Levy shared techniques for conducting effective interviews, workshops, prototyping, and critical thinking to enhance the discovery phase in the design process. Her presentation provided valuable insights into optimizing the early stages of product development.
These talks and keynotes have not only broadened my perspective on design and research but also provided valuable insights for my ongoing work in developing a healthcare app for underserved rural communities. The emphasis on differentiation, systemic thinking, scalability, and the nuanced aspects of design leadership have offered great impulses and fresh approaches to tackle the unique challenges of this project. I’m excited to integrate these learnings into my work, ensuring that the app is not only user-centric but also stands out in a crowded digital landscape, making a real impact on healthcare accessibility for underserved communities.
Nick Freitas, a Green Beret combat veteran who has established himself as a leading proponent of conservative policies and thought throughout the USA, hosts a podcast show called Making the Argument, or MTA. In this podcast, Nick deconstructs the left’s arguments and makes the case for the conservative values and principles that form the foundation of the conservative movement by examining contemporary events, legislation, and political philosophies. His 26ep podcast tackled the issue of Equality, Affordability, and Accessibility in healthcare.
The podcast is a valuable impulse for my research in designing a healthcare app for underserved communities. Let’s break down the key takeaways and how they connect to my research work:
Healthcare’s Significance: Nick emphasized the importance of healthcare, which is a universal need. This message is crucial for my project, as it underscores the significance of the healthcare app I am planning to designing for underserved populations.
Government vs. Free Market: Nick discussed the debate about government control in healthcare. While this may not directly relate to my research in providing digital solution to underserved communities, it highlights the significance of understanding the healthcare system’s structure, which can influence the app’s design and functionality.
Quality and Accessibility: Nick stressed the need for quality and affordable healthcare. This aligns with my project’s goal to improve healthcare accessibility for underserved populations. It highlights that the primary focus should be on delivering quality care efficiently.
Wait Times: Nick discussed the issue of long wait times in countries with government-controlled healthcare systems. This is seemingly the case in most west African countries. This insight informs on an important feature the app could incorporate by emphasizing timely access to healthcare services, which is crucial for underserved communities.
Government Regulations: Nick pointed out the impact of government regulations on healthcare in the U.S. This is a reminder that, in my app design, you should consider how to streamline processes and reduce bureaucracy, making healthcare more efficient and accessible.
Policy Analysis: Nick’s analysis of healthcare policies is valuable. It suggests that while I am designing a healthcare app, I better also explore how government policies may affect the target populations and consider policy-related solutions to improve healthcare access.
In summary, Nick’s podcast reinforces the importance of quality, accessibility, and affordability in healthcare. It emphasizes the need to understand the existing healthcare landscape and policies. This information served as an impulse for my research and design work, prompting me to consider the real-world implications of healthcare policies on the app’s functionality and how it can address the unique challenges faced by underserved communities.
