Abstract
Healthcare is a prominent sector where design intervention can make tremendous impact in the way people live and receive treatment.Type-2 diabetes is a huge system condition that involves lifestyle, insulin therapy, oral medication, dietary restrictions and exercise regimen. The underlying socio-economic environment plays a major role in the way patients behave. The research explores the experience and process of treating diabetes in India for the bottom of the pyramid population. This paper presents the approach and the implications of the approach for identifying patient needs and issues and the key elements relating to design. Emphasis has been laid on a strong research methodology to generate key findings through action research which in turn drive the design conceptualization and development phase. Multiple field visits involving contextual inquiries, shadow-in, volunteering and observation were conducted for this purpose. Pilot user testing for the initial concepts developed has been done. Through a reiterative process, the challenge is to create holistic solutions that span service, communication and product design.
Keywords
action research, emerging markets, healthcare, bottom of pyramid, diabetes
Citation
Venkatraman, V., and Mehta, P. (2012) Exploring Holistic Solutions for Type-2 Diabetes for Bottom of Pyramid Population in India, in Israsena, P., Tangsantikul, J. and Durling, D. (eds.), Research: Uncertainty Contradiction Value - DRS International Conference 2012, 1-4 July, Bangkok, Thailand. https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/drs-conference-papers/drs2012/researchpapers/144
Exploring Holistic Solutions for Type-2 Diabetes for Bottom of Pyramid Population in India
Healthcare is a prominent sector where design intervention can make tremendous impact in the way people live and receive treatment.Type-2 diabetes is a huge system condition that involves lifestyle, insulin therapy, oral medication, dietary restrictions and exercise regimen. The underlying socio-economic environment plays a major role in the way patients behave. The research explores the experience and process of treating diabetes in India for the bottom of the pyramid population. This paper presents the approach and the implications of the approach for identifying patient needs and issues and the key elements relating to design. Emphasis has been laid on a strong research methodology to generate key findings through action research which in turn drive the design conceptualization and development phase. Multiple field visits involving contextual inquiries, shadow-in, volunteering and observation were conducted for this purpose. Pilot user testing for the initial concepts developed has been done. Through a reiterative process, the challenge is to create holistic solutions that span service, communication and product design.