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On the limitations of user- and human-centered design for eHealth and how to move beyond them
Lex van Velsen;
Geke Ludden;
Christiane Grünloh
ABSTRACT
Human-Centered Design is widely regarded as the best design approach for creating digital health (eHealth) innovations that align with end-users’ needs, wishes and context, and can have an impact on healthcare. However, critical reflections on applying human-centered design within the context of eHealth are lacking. Applying a critical eye to the use of human-centered design approaches within eHealth, we present and discuss nine limitations ranging from limited reach and bias to narrow contextual and temporal focus. We conclude that more critical reflection on applying human-centered design methods in the eHealth context is necessary. Design teams should carefully consider IF, HOW and WHEN they should involve end users and how they can combine their insights with existing knowledge and design skills. Finally, we discuss three approaches and opportunities to bring the field forward: Value sensitive design, citizen science and more than human-centered design.
Citation
Please cite as:
van Velsen L, Ludden G, Grünloh C
The Limitations of User-and Human-Centered Design in an eHealth Context and How to Move Beyond Them