The state of the art of design theory and practice in health : an expert-led review of the extent of the art and design theory and practice in health and social care

This report describes an investigation funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) to establish greater understanding of the extent of Design theory and practice within the context of health. Led by researchers from Lab4Living, based within the Art & Design Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University, researchers from Coventry University, Glasgow School of Art and the Helen Hamlyn Centre at Royal College of Art, formed an expert network that bring together a critical mass of excellence in Design research for healthcare. An expert advisory group was appointed to provide an additional reference point for the network. The report presents background and rationale for the research, outlines the activities undertaken by the expert network partners then describes the research methods adopted. The findings from the research are described and presented visually and exemplar case studies from each of the network partners articulate the valuable contribution of design in healthcare. The report draws some conclusions on the potential implications from the findings.