Applying the principles of human-centered design to real-world health care challenges from
drug packaging to early detection of breast cancer. This book makes a case for applying the
principles of design thinking to real-world health care challenges. As health care systems
around the globe struggle to expand access improve outcomes and control costs Health Design
Thinking offers a human-centered approach for designing health care products and services with
examples and case studies that range from drug packaging and exam rooms to internet-connected
devices for early detection of breast cancer. Written by leaders in the field—Bon Ku a
physician and founder of the innovative Health Design Lab at Sidney Kimmel Medical College and
Ellen Lupton an award-winning graphic designer and curator at Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design
Museum—the book outlines the fundamentals of design thinking and highlights important products
prototypes and research in health design. Health design thinking uses play and experimentation
rather than a rigid methodology. It draws on interviews observations diagrams storytelling
physical models and role playing design teams focus not on technology but on problems faced
by patients and clinicians. The book's diverse case studies show health design thinking in
action. These include the development of PillPack which frames prescription drug delivery in
terms of user experience design a credit card-size device that allows patients to generate
their own electrocardiograms and improved emergency room signage. Drawings photographs
storyboards and other visualizations accompany the case studies. Copublished with Cooper
Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum
