Design Thinking for Social Innovation in Health Care

Design has a potential to envision alternative futures for health care through new forms of innovation. In this paper, we propose a strategic framework for fostering a culture of design thinking for social innovation in health care. Drawing upon the theory of design (and its thinking), in conjunction with global and national health care strategies and policies, we critically reflect on pedagogical approaches for enhancing the curriculum in design as a means of discussing the need for new thinking in health. Findings to date suggest that new mechanisms of knowledge acquisition, application, and exploration are needed to address the complex challenges facing social and health care. Referring to the national health care strategies, connections are made with design thinking, social innovation, health and social care to facilitate a transition from applying design as a process to applying design as a strategy for cultural transformation.