Participatory Design for Well-being

Abstract

Participatory design can meet the needs of the individuals’ well-being in hospitals; however constraints occur in such a complex context. A case study of exploratory participatory design processes with health professionals were done at a geriatric department in mental health care. An analysis was done to disclose the structures to an analytical tool: Levels of Participation. It visualizes strategies for activation of participants to health promoting environments in hospitals, thus supporting strategies of corporate social responsibility. Design methodology was used to enhance internal consistence. Solutions and consequences were evaluated in relation to external consistence. Four levels of participation were identified and described: Formal recommendations, institutional strategies, professional practices and influence between patients and their personal space. The Levels of Participation-tool can support multiple and alternative processes of participation with health professionals and patients in the aim for products of well-being