Abstract
Globally, road traffic accidents result in 1.19 million deaths each year and are now the leading cause of death for children and young adults between the ages of 5 and 29. 92% of these fatalities occur in low and middle-income countries [1]. This paper details how an interdisciplinary team of designers and healthcare professionals utilised human-centred design and design thinking [2] to develop and implement an intuitive, low-cost, quality-assured, first-responder pack and training program for use by the Namibian and Windhoek City Police Forces. Working in partnership with these forces, 60 packs were distributed, and 213 police officers were trained in first responder care. 6 of which completed further training to become trainers. A key focus of this paper is on the design and delivery of a new approach to first responder training. Including a memorable sequence of delivery, intuitive layout and contextually appropriate training manual, with illustrations. Observations identified key challenges surrounding the comprehension and engagement with the globally standard C-ABC [9] approach to trauma care. Therefore, an entirely novel approach, intended to be as intuitive as possible, was developed. This was named the FiRST. It was developed through an iterative process of design development, working with police officers in Namibia to ensure effective implementation. The paper concludes with a discussion of the adopted methodology, benefits, challenges and lessons learnt. Providing key insights into an interdisciplinary approach that draws on design thinking and human-centred design. Lessons that hold the potential to impact further public health interventions and social innovation.
Presenters
Clara WatkinsSenior Lecturer, Design and Innovation, Cardiff Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Human Centered Design, Design Thinking, Innovation, Product Design
