Page 66 - Eve McCabe

THESIS

LITERERACY REVIEW PROPOSAL

The purpose for this Literacy Review Proposal is to define an appropriate topic, relating to design. My working title is
“How Medical Devices’ Aesthetics and Semantics Affect the Quality of the Users Healthcare Experience.” From here I

researched supporting literature, a minimum of 10 credible sources, authors and theories to support my understanding.

My methodology to support my title is to review the literature chosen to evaluate, define and describe my topic area.
I use literature that used a mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods to support their work. I identify and

define key terms and theories to support the analysis. I reviewed and compare each source to expand my understanding
of the topic. This supported me with a solid understanding of each sub-topic to transfer into my Literacy Review.

“How Medical Devices’ Aesthetics and Semantics Affect the Quality of the Users Healthcare Experience” is the working title

for this proposal. This topic surrounds the area of healthcare and the user’s mental well-being while using a medical device,
from the point of view of a patient.

I chose this topic as universal design has been integrated into the course at IT Carlow. Ensuring all designs are designed with

and for users; encouraging engagement, inclusion and accessibility. I feel like these topics are also at the core of medical
devices, so I wanted to challenge myself to go researching into this diverse field. I wanted to see what other topic areas,
other than universal design, goes into creating a good product that may be essential to someone’s life. It will help guide
me in many other projects I take on.

Medical products and devices have a very set clinical, white look when you first think about them. For users who continue
using devices post-hospital visit, such as stoma bags, hearing aids and insulin pumps, this would be a very alienating
experience as most devices to help them stand out. In recent years however, the culture around being inclusive about

visible disabilities is becoming prominent. In the media, models are arising with visible disabilities such as visible prosthetics
that look friendly and personalised with colour and designs. Having devices fit into fashion, look less clinical and friendly can
create conversations for the user rather than something to hide or for others to avoid eye contact with. Or, if the device
was to blend in, whichever helped the users confidence in their experience.

Semantics and aesthetics of a medical device have a huge influence on how the product is viewed and used. It is important
that they are comfortable and aesthetically pleasing along with upholding their function, to create a positive, continued
experience with healthcare. They are created to assist the user, so benefiting their well-being and self-image is also highly

important.