How might Providence redesign its hospital wayfinding systems to make navigation easier for patients and visitors?

Introduction

Providence's hospital wayfinding systems need a redesign to improve navigation for patients and visitors. This challenge touches on user experience, accessibility, and potentially leveraging technology to enhance the physical environment. I'll approach this by understanding user needs, analyzing pain points, and proposing innovative solutions that align with Providence's mission of compassionate care.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (5 mins)

• Looking at the context, I'm thinking about the scale and diversity of Providence's facilities. Could you help me understand the scope of this redesign? Are we focusing on a single hospital, a regional network, or the entire Providence system?

Why it matters: Determines the scale of the solution and potential for standardization Expected answer: Focusing on a pilot program for three diverse hospitals before system-wide rollout Impact on approach: Would design a modular solution adaptable to different hospital layouts and sizes

• Considering the diverse patient population, I'm curious about accessibility needs. What percentage of Providence's patients require special accommodations for mobility, vision, or cognitive impairments?

Why it matters: Ensures the solution is inclusive and compliant with ADA standards Expected answer: Approximately 30% of patients have some form of impairment requiring accommodation Impact on approach: Would prioritize universal design principles and multi-modal navigation aids

• Given the rapid advancements in technology, I'm wondering about Providence's current digital infrastructure. What kind of technology is already in place that could be leveraged for wayfinding (e.g., mobile app, digital signage, Bluetooth beacons)?

Why it matters: Helps determine if we're building from scratch or integrating with existing systems Expected answer: Basic mobile app exists, some digital signage in place, but no comprehensive wayfinding system Impact on approach: Would focus on enhancing and integrating existing tech rather than a complete overhaul

• Considering the healthcare context, I'm thinking about privacy and data security. Are there any specific HIPAA considerations or patient data restrictions we need to be aware of when designing a wayfinding solution?

Why it matters: Ensures compliance and protects patient privacy Expected answer: Any personalized wayfinding must not reveal patient's reason for visit or medical condition Impact on approach: Would design a system that provides personalized guidance without storing sensitive information