The healthcare sector is under pressure due to the aging population and a growing number of chronic musculoskeletal disorders, which are driving up healthcare demand. One of the key challenges within this system is the transition between hospital care to rehabilitation. This stage can be characterized by a lack of transparency, guidance and long waiting periods. Because of this, many people define it as a “black hole” in their care pathway. This project aims to improve this “black hole” period, with an emphasis on patients with joint complaints.

The goal of this graduation project is to improve the healthcare experience for patients with joint complaints from the initial hospital appointment to the the start of rehabilitation. Focusing on the context of Basalt rehabilitation and Reinier de Graaf Hospital.

Using a user-centered design approach supported by the Double Diamond model, the project involved extensive literature research, context mapping, interviews, and observational studies with both patients and healthcare professionals.

The patient interviews showed that patients gain valuable knowledge and skills, such as energy management and understanding of the pain system, during rehabilitation. While this information and tools could have helped many patients much earlier. Delayed access to such insights can lead to a lower quality of life.

These insights shaped the final design, the Pacewise app. This app is an useful tool meant to give patients a timely and easily way to better manage their energy levels before they require rehabilitation.

In this report you will read about the design of the Codex Bonaire, an engine room experience design of the Bonaire. The Bonaire is a steam powered sailing ship being renovated in Den Helder to be a museum. This project is focused on creating an experience in the engine room that visualises the engine room without building it physically. The design is meant for school groups of 12-14 years old, 14 students each. The Codex Bonaire comprises mostly of four interactive installations that tackle the different pieces of information that are essential for the Bonaire’s heritage. The different installations also cater to different visitor’s interests: Physical activity, competition, creation and visual beauty among others. The installations have a coherent embodiment styling, as well as a coherent digital interface and similar interaction throughout.
The rest of the room also contains other elements that increase the immersiveness of the whole experience, like stickers that simulate looking outside the ship, and an authentic telegraph that visitors can try getting orders from.