Live and Let Live: Integrating Lived Experience in Participatory Healthcare Design

Abstract

Despite growing interest in participatory approaches to healthcare design, the integration of people’s lived experience — direct, first-hand understanding of a certain condition, situation, or identity — remains a key challenge to meaningful participation. This research seeks to investigate the multifaceted elements involved in leveraging lived experiences and to describe strategies to support their integration in participatory healthcare design initiatives. Through an interview study, the authors identify underlying tensions associated with leveraging lived experiences in healthcare design and assemble strategies for integrating different degrees of lived experience. In doing so, this research offers insights for designers regarding possible ways to support the integration of people’s lived experience amid complex healthcare contexts.