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Publication
COMBINING DESIGN AND AUTOETHNOGRAPHY TO IMPROVE VISUALLY IMPAIRED PATIENTS´ EXPERIENCE IN HOSPITAL ENVIRONMENT: A CASE STUDY FOR AWARENESS THROUGH A PATIENT INNOVATOR PERSPECTIVE
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Abstract(s)
A 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.
Description
DISCLAIMER
This dissertation represents an original scholarly work, developed to fulfill the
requirements to complete my master's degree, with all sources duly acknowledged.
Some of the content is derived and expanded from the following publication:
VII International Conference for Inclusion & I Conference on Assistive Technology and
Accessibility
Marques, R., Jacinto, M. J., Pernencar, C., & Santiago, E. (2023). From a Patient
Innovation Perspective: Design as a Tool to Improve Blind and Visual Impaired People
Experience in Hospital Facilities. In S. Joana, V. Luís, & M. Nuno Fragata (Eds.), Livro de
Atas da VII Conferência Internacional para a Inclusão & I Conferência de Tecnologias de
Apoio e Acessibilidade (pp. 151–158). Politécnico de Leiria | Escola Superior de Educação
e Ciências Sociai. https://doi.org/10.25766/6241-9n98
Keywords
Visual Impairment Indoor Wayfinding Patient Innovation Healthcare Design Autoethnography