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Human-Centred Approach for Health

This website will guide you through why and how to use human-centred design as an approach to addressing challenges related to community demand for basic health services such as immunization.

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Illustration of caregiver, carrying the child, surrounded by tools she uses daily

Human-centred design is a problem-solving process that begins with understanding the human factors and context surrounding a challenge.

The diagram below demonstrates a system’s view of an ecosystem affecting people’s behaviour.
The diagram below demonstrates a system’s view of an ecosystem affecting people’s behaviour. It shows the empathy gap between the caregiver and the person delivering the service. It helps us better understand both of their beliefs and behaviors and the gap in between.
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Designing for real people and their everyday realities helps identify the right problems and solve them efficiently using local capacities and minimal resources.

What is it for?

Addressing situations where health services are available but a subset of the intended population of clients are not actively seeking them. 
It helps us understand the underlying drivers and barriers for desired healthseeking behaviours and what we might do to improve uptake of services. The approach provides a structured process for working directly with users (i.e. caregivers) to address demand-related challenges associated with the acceptability, responsiveness and quality of services.
Illustration of a team having an exchange: sharing findings and brainstorming

Who is it for?

Health professionals who are looking to investigate, understand and respond to opportunities and challenges (drivers and barriers) related to health-seeking behaviours. 
We invite and encourage anyone who is observant, curious and inquisitive to follow this process. You are qualified to practice human-centred design if: you can see the world with a beginner’s mind, you are looking for new and tailored solutions, you are willing to embrace constraints, and you want to end with more than a research report.

Why is HCD the best approach for you?

Learn more about the ways a human-centred approach can support your work.

Benefits of HCD
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