Browsing by Author "Marques, Raquel Alexandra Guerreiro"
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- COMBINING DESIGN AND AUTOETHNOGRAPHY TO IMPROVE VISUALLY IMPAIRED PATIENTS´ EXPERIENCE IN HOSPITAL ENVIRONMENT: A CASE STUDY FOR AWARENESS THROUGH A PATIENT INNOVATOR PERSPECTIVEPublication . Marques, Raquel Alexandra Guerreiro; Pernencar, Cláudia Alexandra da Cunha; Jacinto, Maria João CardosoA world where almost every sign is given by visual inputs amplifies the profoundly challenging experience endured by visually impaired people. The absence of vision significantly impacts a person's life, as simple daily tasks can become difficult or even impossible to accomplish. Blind and low-vision individuals face numerous barriers, and one of the most challenging obstacles is physical orientation within public spaces, such as schools and hospitals, in an autonomous way. Hospital facilities represent a critical touchpoint when considering wayfinding systems, even for sighted individuals. Supported by the Patient Innovation concept, autoethnography methodologies, and design practices, the author, who is simultaneously a designer, researcher, and patient with low vision, explores how personal experiences can assist other visually impaired patients while educating about disability and promoting inclusion in healthcare and design. This case study for awareness is based on a first-person perspective and aims to address the existing wayfinding elements for visually disabled patients within hospital facilities through an "auto-shadowing" journey – from a hospital's main entrance to the ophthalmology service in Porto (Portugal) – evaluating the ability to reach the ophthalmologist's appointment autonomously. The research findings reveal the absence of an effective navigation system capable of providing accessible tools to blind and low-vision patients. Considering the issues identified, the author proposes discussions and reflections on how design practices should be oriented to prioritize and facilitate societal change. Improving the experience of visually disabled patients is critical to providing better healthcare services and promoting a more equal and accessible world where they can have a more active voice in society. Regardless of their disability, healthcare should be accessible to all citizens.