Integrating Human-Centered Design to Advance Global Health: Lessons From 3 Programs

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Human-Centered Design
• Public Health Practice

Background:

• Human-centered design (HCD) is increasingly adopted in global health.
• It complements traditional methods by offering novel solutions and integrating stakeholder viewpoints.
• HCD brings a crucial human lens to complex global health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To distill practical lessons from programs integrating HCD in global health.
• To guide public health and design practitioners in leveraging HCD effectively.
• To advance global health programming through shared experiences.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of three distinct global health programs utilizing HCD.
• Case studies include HIV prevention (the "V" program), adolescent contraception access (Adolescents 360), and technical assistance models (Reimagining TA).
• Distillation of lessons learned into actionable categories for program implementation.

Main Results:

• Lessons are categorized into planning (problem definition, scoping), engaging (stakeholder interaction, buy-in), and applying (implementation strategies, sustainability).
• Examples demonstrate HCD's role in reframing health products, creating user-centered services, and evolving support models.
• Successful integration requires flexibility, productive engagement, and adaptive implementation.

Conclusions:

• The lessons learned provide a roadmap for global health programs considering HCD.
• HCD contributes significantly to improving health program effectiveness.
• These insights are vital for addressing current and future global health demands, especially post-pandemic.