Mind the Gap: Design Thinking and Human Centered Design for eHealth Applications - Insights from Vulnerable Populations in a Scoping Review.

Abstract

This publication reports on findings of a broader scoping review that examines the scope, definitions, key concepts, motivations and trends in peer-reviewed studies applying stakeholder engagement methods, such as Human-Centered Design (HCD) or Design Thinking (DT), for the development eHealth applications. Emphasis for this paper is placed on insights of applications that have been designed using these methods for vulnerable populations - groups that disproportionately experience barriers to wellness such as children, the elderly and individuals with physical, mental or cognitive impairment. The search, initiated in July 2024 and resulted in 131 articles meeting the eligibility criteria. Our findings reveal a lack of diversity in eHealth application development, with most tools over the past decade focusing on adults. This highlights an urgent need to address the unmet needs of vulnerable populations to ensure that no one is left behind.