This project is my senior thesis project. Using a research-based approach I am attempting to make a product that improves the experience of being in a hospital for children.
Research findings
Long story short, making kids happy when they are sick can be a legitimate and cost-effective way of helping them. Also, they will feel less fear if they can remain absolutely in control.
Current research has centered largely on studies of different methods to improve the patient experience for kids in different ways. One of the most important articles was done on the Make-a-Wish Foundation's effects on children when it grants wishes to kids. Children who received the MAW treatment were 2x less likely to need emergency healthcare than comparable critically ill kids. Doing this also saved the hospital about 10000 dollars and improved the children's stress levels. It's thought that it's so effective because the kids have something to look forward to each day. It's also been shown that giving pediatric patients VR headsets, Portable gaming devices, and Fun-oriented chatbots can significantly decrease stress and anxiety, which can help to alleviate some of the white coat effects. Lastly, it is important to point out that children largely are afraid of the pain and loss of control even simple operations can bring like injections. Links can be found at the bottom of the page to prove all of these claims.
So With this in mind, I began to Ideate and sketch for the last 2 weeks. These sketches are seen below. My primary goal is to make Toyified versions of medical devices to make them less scary and more fun for kids to be around. This way, they will be more likely to agree to treatment with them and be happier for it.
