In recent years, it has become clear that many ex-patients and their families suffer from new or worse health problems after discharge from an intensive care unit. These problems, which are the result of a traumatic experience at the intensive care, are grouped under the diagnosis post intensive care syndrome (PICS). This research focuses on the mental health issues of this syndrome among pediatric patients and their parents. Evidence shows that the experience of children and their parents at the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) may impact their chances of developing mental problems afterwards. The research objective of this project is therefore defined as “how can design be used to improve the user experience of children and their parents at the pediatric intensive care unit in such a way that it reduces their chances of developing post-intensive care syndrome?”.
Analyzed is how experience at the PICU can influence the risk factors known for developing PICS. The defined important factors were for the parents a lack of involvement and lack of confidence, for the patients a lack of a secure feeling and an overall lack of the feeling of closeness. It is argued that by improving these factors, parts of the risk factors of mental problems are avoided and therefore the chances of developing mental health problems decreases.

It is analyzed how these factors can be improved by design. It was found that the feelings of closeness and security could be strengthened by providing a daily special ritual which children could do together with their parents. Furthermore, guiding the parents in what to do during such a ritual increases their feeling of being in control, which improves their confidence. Specifically, the bedtime moment was chosen as a focus because this often is the last moment of the day the children spend with their parents which means that it can evoke many negative feelings.

These aspects are incorporated in a design called “Sparkling Moments”. This design uses projection in the room to change the environment and create a special moment for parent and child together. By adding different triggers during the day, parents are able to prepare this moment for their child by bringing objects and asking questions, increasing their feeling of confidence. Moreover, these triggers are bringing an aura of positivity to the normal intensive care situation. Furthermore, by being visible through the netting of the curtain, caregivers are made aware the moment is happening. This can make them wait a moment, ensuring patient and parents are not disturbed and perceive the moment as safe; nothing bad will happen at that time.

The usage of the projector and its ability to create a moment for parent and child was evaluated by user tests and hospital evaluation. As expected, an imitate and cozy atmosphere was created with the projection, allowing parent and child to feel much closer to each other. Moreover, the free and open character of the design was perceived very well. Furthermore, caregivers saw many positive possibilities with the design.