Dr Bin Yu, associate lecturer in the Digital Life research group, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, is collaborating with Eindhoven University of Technology, Design Academy Eindhoven, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven and five creative industry partners on a new vision for participatory healthcare.

The project proposal has been approved by CLICKNL for the next phase, during which CLICKNL will work with the project team to develop a detailed project plan for approval and funding.

A necessary transition

The subject of this project MEDAL is: from medical records to real-time health data: encouraging meaningful daily data collection through design, AI and social engagement. Essentially, the research explores how design, AI and social engagement can motivate people to collect and actively use daily health data. This is crucial for alleviating the pressure on the healthcare system and enabling personalised care.

In recent years, a new approach to participatory healthcare has emerged, in which individuals actively manage their health alongside clinicians, supported by technology and data. In addition to medical records, personal lifestyle data – including experiences, behaviours and lifestyles – are important for this transition, as they enable self-monitoring and improvements in health.

New approaches to participatory healthcare

However, individuals’ motivation to collect data and use it in a meaningful way remains low. Many of the current approaches are technologically advanced but do not fit naturally into people’s daily routines and do not enable them to interpret their data and act on it.

This project demonstrates the power of design and transitions by combining practice-based design research with interventions that accelerate the transition to participatory healthcare.