The fields of design, architecture and communication are all playing an evermore important role in the healthcare sector. If we are to attain a comprehensive understanding of “health”, we need processes, tools, and infrastructures to enable us to utilise these fields actively and to cater for the special needs of people in the healthcare sector.

Evidence-based design takes psychological, social and physical aspects into account when designing healthcare facilities. This reduces patient stress, promotes well-being and supports the healing process. In addition, relatives and employees of healthcare facilities also benefit from such an environment.

In this plenary, participants will gain an insight into evidence-based design in the healthcare sector. In the first part, members of the interdisciplinary working group Health Care Communication Design (HCCD) of the Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH and the newly founded Swiss Center for Design and Helath, will provide participants with some theoretical background. In the second part of their presentation, they use concrete examples to show what effects design measures can have in the context of healthcare. This will be followed by an open discussion.