Short answer

Prioritize establishing a shared vocabulary and transparent documentation practices from the outset of any interdisciplinary global health design project.

Field: User-Centred Design
Source: PLoS ONE (2017)
Method: Scoping Review
Evidence: Moderate effect

Explicitly addressing and documenting differences in terminology between design and public health fields is crucial for successful human-centered design (HCD) implementation in global health initiatives. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in PLoS ONE. Using Scoping review, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize establishing a shared vocabulary and transparent documentation practices from the outset of any interdisciplinary global health design project.

Study

User-Centred DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Human-Centered Design Enhances Global Health Outcomes by Bridging Disciplinary Terminology Gaps

PLoS ONE · 2017

Key Findings

01Human-Centered Design (HCD) has been applied in various global health contexts.
02Differences in conceptual models and terminology between design thinking and global health can create tensions.
03Clear communication and documentation are essential for overcoming these tensions in collaborative projects.

Application

Design takeaway

Prioritize establishing a shared vocabulary and transparent documentation practices from the outset of any interdisciplinary global health design project.

How to apply

When initiating a global health design project, dedicate time to a terminology workshop involving all team members from different disciplines. Create a project glossary that is readily accessible to everyone.

Project actions

01When starting a design project involving different fields, create a glossary of terms.
02Make sure all project documentation clearly explains the methods and goals.

Method & Evidence

AimTo understand why and how Human-Centered Design (HCD) can be valuable in the contexts of health-related research and to identify applications and contexts of HCD in global health.

MethodScoping Review

ProcedureA scoping review was conducted to identify and synthesize existing research on the application of Human-Centered Design (HCD) for health outcomes. The review aimed to understand the contexts in which HCD has been used and to identify gaps in the literature regarding its design, implementation, and evaluation in public health research.

ContextGlobal Health Initiatives

Variables

IVApplication of Human-Centered Design (HCD) in global health contexts

DVValue and effectiveness of HCD in health-related research, design, implementation, and evaluation

CV["Disciplinary terminology and conceptual models","Communication and documentation practices"]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides a broad overview of HCD applications in global health.
+Identifies key challenges and offers actionable recommendations for future projects.

Limitations

The findings are based on a review of existing literature, which may have its own biases or gaps. The specific contexts and applications of HCD in global health can be highly varied.

Reliability & validity

The reliability of the review depends on the comprehensiveness of the search strategy and the consistency of the data extraction process. Validity is enhanced by the scoping review methodology, which aims to map the existing literature.

Think critically

How might the inherent tensions between design thinking and public health methodologies be proactively addressed during the initial phases of a global health project to foster more effective collaboration?

Design Principles

"Interdisciplinary collaboration thrives on clear communication and shared understanding of terminology."

Global health challenges are complex and benefit from interdisciplinary approaches. HCD offers a powerful framework for understanding user needs and developing effective solutions. However, without clear communication and a shared understanding of terms, collaborative projects risk misinterpretation and reduced impact.

What This Means for Your Design

When designers and health experts work together on global health projects, they need to make sure they understand each other's words and ideas. Writing things down clearly helps everyone stay on the same page.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of clear communication and stakeholder alignment in your design project, particularly if it involves interdisciplinary collaboration or addresses complex societal issues.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This scoping review highlights the critical need for clear communication and documentation in interdisciplinary global health design projects. The authors found that differences in terminology and conceptual models between design and public health can create significant tensions, underscoring the importance of establishing a shared vocabulary and transparent documentation practices to ensure effective collaboration and successful outcomes.

Source

PLoS ONE

Human-centred design in global health: A scoping review of applications and contexts

journal · 2017

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about human-centered design enhances global health outcomes by bridging disciplinary terminology gaps?: Prioritize establishing a shared vocabulary and transparent documentation practices from the outset of any interdisciplinary global health design project. Evidence: PLoS ONE (2017).
Why does "Human-Centered Design Enhances Global Health Outcomes by Bridging Disciplinary Terminology Gaps" matter for design?: Global health challenges are complex and benefit from interdisciplinary approaches. HCD offers a powerful framework for understanding user needs and developing effective solutions. However, without clear communication and a shared understanding of terms, collaborative projects risk misinterpretation and reduced impact.
How can designers apply this research?: Prioritize establishing a shared vocabulary and transparent documentation practices from the outset of any interdisciplinary global health design project.
What were the main findings?: Human-Centered Design (HCD) has been applied in various global health contexts.. Differences in conceptual models and terminology between design thinking and global health can create tensions.. Clear communication and documentation are essential for overcoming these tensions in collaborative projects.
What research method was used?: Scoping Review.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2017 journal from PLoS ONE.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When initiating a global health design project, dedicate time to a terminology workshop involving all team members from different disciplines. Create a project glossary that is readily accessible to everyone.
What are the limitations?: The review may not have captured all relevant literature, and the synthesis of findings is based on the available published research.