Script_Our First App

As the number of projects the Lab takes on continues to grow, we’ve recently made our first steps into the world of digital design for healthcare. Working with a team of pharmacists and researchers from Auckland DHB and the University of Auckland, the DHW Lab has helped create Script - an educational app for medical students and junior doctors to learn correct antibiotics treatment guidelines.

Previously only available in a desktop-formatted browser, medical students and junior doctors can now access antibiotic treatment guidelines through a mobile-optimised app on their smartphones. Designed to support their own understanding of antibiotics, Script will help students and clinicians gain a stronger knowledge of prescription drugs and minimise incorrect prescriptions.

The app is available for both iPhone and Android, and is currently undergoing a clinical beta trial with a select group of participants.

Ward signage fitout

The Lab has been working with an internal hospital project team to improve ward signage. Our goal is to make simple, bold signage elements that form a coherent wayfinding system.

In adjacent wards, there are no cues to show you have moved into a new ward. Two distinct shades of blue are used in the wayfinding system to help indicate this zoning. A third, darker shade of navy blue is used for directional signage and amenities.

The system is currently on trial in ward 62. An older prototype is also visible on level 8 of Auckland City Hospital. See images of ward 62 here:

Storytelling

Within the Auckland DHB new initiatives and projects are constantly being developed to provide better healthcare experiences for people. At the DHW lab, storytelling is an integral part of what we do and we are able to create engaging, playful animations to celebrate both our own projects and those of others. This project was run by Maungakiekie Health Working Group who approached the DHW lab to tell their story.

This clip tells the story of the 'Hidden Hospital' at Auckland DHB. The DHW lab worked with a Performance Improvement Specialist to describe how a project team has been tackling the hidden wait times in the hospital experience.

Isometrics

The DHW lab is often involved with small spatial design projects, working together with staff and families to find ways of improving their environments.

User engagement in the design process has become a popular trend recent years. At the hospital, we are always seeking ways in which we can efficiently capture insight from people and embed these in the design solutions being proposed.

Taking floor plans and creating isometric images of suggested changes to a space are much quicker and easier for people to engage with than schematic drawings. Although they are high level representations,  we have found that stripping a drawing down to this degree of simplicity is more likely to prompt insightful feedback from people.

Transition Lounge Installation

Recently, we posted about installing a new set of signage designs for the Transition Lounge ward in the Level 5 public space. The job has been completed along side a  awareness campaign for the services offered by the Transition Lounge. A similar exercise is currently underway with ED waiting room to communicate key information and visual cues through simple, bold colour blocking. These hi-fi prototypes are ideal for testing in the hospital and contribute to a more informed approach to way finding hospital wide.

Spatial Design Presentations

As part of the work to help establish a clear front door for the hospital, the lab extended an opportunity for 3rd year spatial design students from AUT University to propose their views on a hospital 'welcome.'Under the guidance of designer and lecturer Andrew Douglas, the group worked on concepts ranging from infrastructural changes to Park road and hospital facilities, to way finding installations and services. Earlier this week, the students presented their final work to a panel in the Lab space with some great results.

Well done to all the students for wrestling with such a complex design challenge and pushing the boundaries of what a strong 'front door' should represent.

Stay tuned for more images of their work to come.

Above renders: Taewoo, Katie and Katherine