Towards Empathic Design in the Irish Medical Device Industry

Abstract

The goal of this study is twofold (a) to identify whether empathic design methods are used in the medical device industry in Ireland and (b) to identify the challenges faced by designers when implementing empathic design tools and techniques in this space. The research aims to inform designers, engineers and those contemplating using empathic design techniques about the experiences of those who have navigated the process. This paper provides a brief discussion of the concept of empathic design including the fundamental issues involved and the critical stages in the process. We also introduce a discussion of the limitations with the technique. Our primary research focuses on an exploratory analysis of the application of empathic design in the medical device industry in Ireland. We present a brief synthesis of the problems and requirements that arise in this domain. The remainder of the paper presents findings from an exploratory study that captures and synthesises the critical challenges faced by designers when implementing empathic design in the medical device industry in Ireland.