Possibilities for user-centric and participatory design in modular health care facilities

ABSTRACT

Many of today’s health care facilities are outdated and no longer efficiently support processes. The various development trends in changing health care services seem to support more frequent use of modular facilities. Modular facilities and their development, however, face the challenge of combining a customized, user-centric design for special customer needs with the rapid delivery of prefabricated facilities. The aim of this case study was to discuss the possibilities for and development needs of user-centric and participatory design in modular health care facilities. The results showed that due to time pressure, end-user involvement in design was rather low and applied participatory tools were limited. The prefabricated solutions set restrictions for planning, and compromises concerning the usability of the work environment had to be made. However, the end-users found the premises quite satisfactory. The study highlights the need to develop agile participatory design methods that are suitable for tight-scheduled modular construction. Since user participation in the workspace design of modular facilities encounters several challenges, the producers should also utilize user-centric knowledge from other sources. Systematic post-occupational follow up and evaluation of user experience, as well as utilization of evidence-based knowledge are important for the continuous improvement of the quality of modular buildings.

KEYWORDS:

• Modularity
• participatory design
• work environment
• usability
• health care
• well-being

Acknowledgement

The authors are grateful to The Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation and pilot organizations for funding this research. This study is part of the “Healing and Modular Healthcare Faclities” (HeMoHes) research project in collaboration with the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Aalto University and University of Helsinki. The project was audited and approved by the Ethics Committee of The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Marjaana Lahtinen (PhD) is chief specialist and work and organisational psychologist whose research interests are focused on participative design, workplace change management and psychosocial perspective to indoor environment.

Pia Sirola, (MA, Educ.) has expertise in adult education as well as in management and work psychology. Her recent projects have focused on good practices of workplace change, usability and well-being in office- and hospital working environments.

Antti Peltokorpi (D. Sc.) is an assistant professor at Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering. His research interests include modularity, supply chains and production planning and control in construction.

Leena Aalto M.Sc. (Archit.) is an architect whose expertise is in usability research and architectural design.

Riikka Kyrö (D. Sc.) is a post-doctoral researcher whose research interests are focused on usability, adaptability and sustainability in real estate business.

Heidi Salonen (PhD) is an assistant Professor at Aalto University, Department of Civil Engineering. Her research interests are focused on indoor environment quality in different indoor environments.

Virpi Ruohomäki (PhD) is senior researcher and work and organizational psychologist. Her research is focused on new ways of working, participatory design and workspaces promoting wellbeing.

Kari Reijula (MD, PhD) is professor of occupational medicine. His research has mainly focused on work-related diseases, quality of indoor air and environment, and workspaces promoting wellbeing.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by The Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation [grant number 4025/31/2015].