Design for Healthcare

During my placement with RSPB Scotland, I had the opportunity to work on the Wild Dundee initiative, a project dedicated to connecting people with nature and enhancing well-being while championing conservation efforts in urban settings. As an interaction designer, I collaborated with mental health hospitals, addiction recovery programs, and local artists to create a comprehensive guide and interactive resource for incorporating nature into recovery services. One significant aspect was the development of a Nature Recovery Garden at the Friary, a venue hosting various recovery services. Designed as a flagship model and educational hub, this garden aims to inspire Dundee's Recovery Networks to integrate nature into their services. I also worked closely with a local artist to create a visual aid facilitating nature conversations between service users and facilitators, promoting well-being and environmental stewardship.

Throughout the placement, I conducted extensive research on the benefits of nature for health and well-being, reviewed scientific literature and case studies on nature-based interventions, and visited community garden sites in Dundee to gather insights and inspiration. The visual aid developed was interactive and user-friendly, featuring elements like plants, water features, and wildlife. I drafted and finalized the Nature Recovery resource, incorporating feedback from stakeholders and recovery network facilitators. By the end of the placement, I successfully created the interactive component of the Nature Recovery resource, which includes practical tips, activities, and visual elements designed to inspire and educate users on the therapeutic benefits of nature.

This experience provided me with hands-on practice in applying nature-based interventions for health and well-being, developing skills in interactive design and user-centred resource creation. I made a meaningful contribution to a project with tangible benefits for both nature and community well-being, enhancing my understanding of the role of nature in recovery and holistic healthcare approaches. This placement has been instrumental in shaping my career as an interaction designer focused on creating impactful, user-centred solutions.