# Applying Design Thinking for Co-Designed Health Solutions: A Case Study on Chronic Kidney Disease in Regional Australia

## TL;DR

This paper explores using design thinking in health research to co-create solutions for chronic kidney disease in regional Australia, emphasizing user-centered approaches.

## Contribution

The study introduces a design-led co-design methodology that centers end users in health research from start to finish.

## Key findings

- Including the four Design Voices minimized researcher bias and ensured user perspectives were central.
- Applying the five core design thinking elements led to meaningful health solutions aligned with real user needs.
- Empathizing through direct user interaction was crucial for understanding health challenges.

## Abstract

(1) Background: This paper outlines key issues to consider when implementing Design Thinking methodology in health-based qualitative research to achieve a meaningful outcome. The purpose is to share our learnings with others. (2) Methods: Using the case study of an Australian region with high rates of chronic kidney disease, we describe a design-led methodological approach (co-design) that ensures end users remain central to research for the lifespan of the project; from conception of the research question and protocol design, through to solution generation and change implementation. (3) Results: Representation of the four Design Voices—people with lived experience, expertise, intent, and design knowledge—was imperative to minimise bias towards researchers as the main drivers of the project. A commitment to the five core elements of design thinking (empathising, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing) was maintained throughout the research. Empathising through direct interaction with users was crucial to creating a meaningful understanding of their problems and challenges. Ideation ensured user-centred solution generation, with solutions aligned with addressing the ‘real’ problem and creating an improved future state. (4) Conclusions: Incorporation of Design Thinking principles in health research is a valuable adjunct to traditional qualitative methodologies, with the potential to facilitate meaningful outcomes for people in our community experiencing a wicked health problem.