*Dr. Paul Barach will be presenting content that was created with Sean Hägen, FIDSA.

Industrial designers have played a pivotal role in shaping the way we experience healthcare and wellness products and environments. In recent years, it has found a promising niche in the healthcare sector, where innovation and human-centered design are critical. Industrial design in healthcare must not just be about creating aesthetically pleasing medical devices or furniture; it must be about human factors centered design and patient safety.

Changing the way industrial designers are trained and socialized is key in creating truly patient-centric healthcare environments, offering comfort and reducing anxiety for patients AND staff. These designs need to incorporate evidence-driven elements like soothing colors, ergonomic furniture, and innovative lighting solutions to create optimal workflow and healing conditions that promote timely recovery and well-being.

Attendees will leave with a greater awareness of …

1. Exploring new and innovative methods for industrial designers using more effective co-produced collaboration.

2. The importance of collaboration of industrial designers, healthcare professionals, patients and carers, engineers and other stakeholders.

3. Designing smarter implementation in hospitals and community health settings that better integrate human factors and sound technology to ensure patient safety.

4. Engaging and supporting hospital staff workflow and joy while being affordable and supportive of population health.