#empathic design

For the purpose of my second interview, I made a deliberate effort to broaden my insights and gain a deeper understanding of the perspective of another vulnerable group - specifically, parents of young children. To achieve this, I sought out and recruited a breastfeeding mother with a newborn baby as my interviewee.

Design for Everyone, Disabled or Not

A service design approach looks at fostering relationships between equals. It does not look to come down off its high-horse as a savior bearing gifts. Instead, it aims to work in service with those it seeks to help. 

An issue that became more pronounced during the pandemic was food insecurity. Not only did it mean that people who were able to engage in panic buying, but also many lost their jobs.

Relying on the goodness and generosity of food banks, churches, or other organizations, those who needed help with food were able to receive basic needs. There were long lines of people anxious to receive food supplies for their families. One highlight evidenced during this time was the presence and power of community.

However, after the height of the pandemic, food insecurity continues to be an issue connected to unemployment and financial means. 

Food banks continue to function, rescue mission organizations continue to provide services to those in need, churches continue to stock their food pantries. 

The relationship between healthcare access in developing/developed nations and financial means is a complex problem. Economics plays a big factor in receiving healthcare.

In the U.S., care is available and for the most part, accessible. It is much different in developing countries where poverty is an issue. 

I volunteer for an organization that conducts medical outreaches in different areas of the Philippines. I've participated twice in the 10 outreaches that have taken place.

Such outreaches cater to people who, due to financial constraints, do not receive regular health care. Therefore, they have not been diagnosed with a condition that may be controlled, like high blood pressure, nor can they afford the maintenance  medication to help them live with the condition.

After months of preparation and research, as to the flow of the outreach (registration, vitals, medical or dental consultation, counseling, treatment, pharmacy), patients are treated and given what is needed. Sometimes, simple surgeries are necessary.

I also know of different organizations in the Philippines that have volunteer doctors who participate in medical outreaches throughout the year.

Although organizations, like the one for which I volunteer, provide medical screening and medication, the solution is temporary. The issue might be taken care of in the present, but what happens in the future?

Will people with financial limitations never have the same access as people who can afford health care interventions? How can heathcare be more readily available, accessible, and affordable?

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/08/travel/air-travel-wheelchair.html

Traveling with a wheelchair on an airplane presents a wicked design problem because it's a complex challenge with no simple solution. Most airplanes are not designed to accommodate passengers who need to remain in their wheelchairs, forcing the individual to transfer to a narrow aisle chair and store their mobility devices in cargo, where they risk damage. This creates safety, dignity, and independence issues for travelers with disabilities.

Visual Diary #2: Wicked Design Problem #1

At first glance adding bike lanes seems like a simple move towards safer, more sustainable cities. But, it can also be a wicked design problem. Road space is limited, and reallocating it from cars to bikes can spark some resistance from drivers. People also view biking differently: for some it’s a form of recreation, while for others it's a vital means of commuting; if you’re just riding for fun, the bike lane seems useless when there’s a sidewalk directly next to it. Safety needs can conflict here too. For example, a parent may push for more physical barriers within the lane, while emergency services need wide, clear access.