The Limitations of User-and Human-Centered Design in an eHealth Context and How to Move Beyond Them

Publication Year: 2022
Contributing Organisation: University of Twente
Authors: Lex van Velsen, Geke Ludden, and Christiane Grünloh
Learning Themes: Digital Health

Human-centered design (HCD) is widely regarded as the best design approach for creating eHealth innovations that align with end users’ needs, wishes, and context and has the potential to impact health care. However, critical reflections on applying HCD within the context of eHealth are lacking. Applying a critical eye to the use of HCD approaches within eHealth, we present and discuss 9 limitations that the current practices of HCD in eHealth innovation often carry. The limitations identified range from limited reach and bias to narrow contextual and temporal focus. Design teams should carefully consider if, how, and when they should involve end users and other stakeholders in the design process and how they can combine their insights with existing knowledge and design skills.

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