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  • Co-visualise the impact of Sickle Cell: How can we use design thinking to investigate and visualise the impact of Sickle Cell?

Adeturinmo, Mary, Hall, Ashley ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4142-6879, Wojdecka, Anna ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4702-7473, Kandya, Krishan, Makani, Julie, van Keimpema, Linda, Ennis-Cole, Jacqueline and Hart, Andrew, 2023, Conference or Workshop, Co-visualise the impact of Sickle Cell: How can we use design thinking to investigate and visualise the impact of Sickle Cell? at ASCAT 2023, London, 25-28 October 2023.

Abstract or Description:

Background: This study leverages the principles of design thinking and system thinking to investigate and visualise the impact of Sickle Cell. Sickle cell is a genetic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide and disproportionately affects people of African and Caribbean descent. Patients with this condition face a range of physical, emotional, and social challenges due to the unpredictable nature of the disease. The fundamental principle explored in this study is designing for empathy. Design for Sickle Cell (D4SC) initiative was developed to bridge the gap between art, design and science within the Sickle Cell landscape. Aim: This design research project aims to investigate and visualise the condition's impact from a multi-stakeholder perspective by developing art and design prototypes that can inform an innovative Sickle Cell exhibition. Methods: Techniques from social constructionism, phenomenological qualitative research and user-experience research were utilised to create a novel methodology for this small-scale study. The methodology involved a multi-step process combining the double diamond, system thinking, and action research frameworks to gather insights that guided the development of this design research practice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Sickle Cell experts consisting of patients, a healthcare practitioner and support staff. Common themes were generated from their experience of the condition's impact. D4SC collaborated with Imperial's Invisible Warrior Project, RCABlack, a PhD Archivist Researcher and Photographer at the Slade School of Fine Art, to develop visual prototypes for the exhibition. Results: The findings from these interviews informed the development of a range of workshops and prototypes. The prototypes were tested by Sickle Cell experts and healthcare designers, who provided feedback on the concept. The results showed that the design outputs and exhibition were well-received and had the potential to improve education and awareness of the condition and promote empathy. Design research in healthcare has the potential to create innovative solutions. With the use of a multidisciplinary approach, it can yield a positive impact. Conclusions: The project highlights the importance of design thinking, system thinking and collaboration in developing innovative healthcare solutions for this complex health condition. The study demonstrates the value of a multi-stakeholder approach to designing for empathy. It shows the potential of visualising the impact of Sickle Cell to promote understanding and awareness of the condition. To facilitate the further advancement of the concepts developed in this study, securing funding and

Subjects: Creative Arts and Design > W200 Design studies > W240 Industrial/Product Design
School or Centre: School of Design
Date Deposited: 10 Jan 2024 13:35
Last Modified: 10 Jan 2024 13:35
URI: https://researchonline.rca.ac.uk/id/eprint/5639
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