Why is design important?
Traditional hand hygiene systems are often inconspicuous, ugly, complicated or even aggressive and paternalistic. Toilets and hygiene equipment can often be the least cared for and least valued part of the hospital environment.
Yet, our hands are the main way that cross-infection happens, and hand hygiene is the single most important factor in the control of infection.
Design can help us recognise the problems by framing the issue from a human as well as technical perspective and methods of participation and empathy can draw together ideas in a non-hierarchical environment that allows everyone to have their say.
Designers also have an eye for detail and a deep understanding of the material world, which can ensure that solutions are not only empathetic but also effective and efficient too/