Nested
Project Description
Nested redesigns the traditional look of a hospital labour room through an empathetic lens. It aims to empower mothers throughout the birthing process by creating a space prioritizing comfort and autonomy while understanding the medical needs within the space.
Research
Notes from interview with medical professional on the labouring process.
Guiding journey map showing the different stages of labour.
My initial researched helped me understand the regulations of the space I would work with. I identified the four key design parameters that guide the distribution of space and its elements:
Privacy & Space Distribution: adaptability for emergency medical interventions while providing privacy
Lighting & Soundscape: personalization for patients individual experiences
Communication & Power Dynamics: informing patients of unfamiliar processes and creating a safe space for decision making
Visual Language & Aesthetics: careful element placement to create familiarity and provide distractions
Developing layout and movement mappings were key steps to identify essential components of the room in relation to how people navigate the space.
In these maps, I tracked the movements of the partner/companion (red), the person in labour (green), and the medical staff (blue), all considering the individuality of each process and the standard interventions that must happen.
I redesigned the elements with simplicity in mind. Hospital rooms often prioritize function, leading to a cold, mechanical look. Through a minimalist lens, I focused on key elements and explored new arrangements for a more welcoming aesthetic.
