In her TED Talk, Liz Spangenberg, Ph.D., explores how human-centered design can transform healthcare environments into spaces that not only serve patients but also create better workplaces for healthcare professionals.
Spangenberg’s work centers on improving the patient and staff experience through thoughtful, empathetic design, a concept that is revolutionizing how we think about medical spaces.
What is Human-Centered Design?
Human-centered design is a problem-solving approach that prioritizes the human experience. 
In healthcare, this means designing systems and environments that address both the emotional and physical needs of patients and healthcare workers.
Spangenberg emphasizes that when we design spaces that feel comfortable, safe, and intuitive, we improve outcomes for both patients and staff.
For example, instead of focusing solely on functionality, human-centered design considers questions like: How can the waiting room reduce patient anxiety?
How can the workspace help doctors and nurses feel less overwhelmed?
These are the questions Spangenberg addresses in her work, showing that small changes can lead to big improvements in both patient care and job satisfaction.
A Real-World Example: Radiology Redesign in South Africa
Spangenberg’s research includes a groundbreaking study conducted in a South African public hospital.
Her team redesigned a radiology department, which is typically viewed as a cold, sterile, and often intimidating environment.
By focusing on empathetic design, they transformed the space into one that feels warmer and more welcoming for patients while improving the workflow for staff.
The results were remarkable: patient satisfaction increased, and healthcare professionals reported feeling less stressed and more efficient.
Spangenberg’s study is a perfect example of how human-centered design can positively impact both patients and those who care for them.
Why This Matters for Healthcare Workers
Doctor’s offices and hospitals can be incredibly stressful environments for both patients and healthcare professionals.
Long hours, high-stress situations, and a lack of control over one’s workspace can lead to burnout among healthcare workers.
Spangenberg’s research shows that redesigning healthcare spaces with the needs of workers in mind can reduce stress and make the workplace more enjoyable.
For instance, better lighting, comfortable seating, and improved room layouts can make a world of difference.
By creating spaces that are not only functional but also comforting, human-centered design helps reduce burnout, allowing healthcare workers to perform at their best.
Moving Toward a More Empathetic Healthcare Future
Spangenberg’s work shows that prioritizing the human element in healthcare design isn’t just a “nice-to-have”; it’s a necessity for creating healthier environments for both patients and staff.
As healthcare evolves, the lessons from her research will likely become even more important in shaping the future of medical spaces.
Her work encourages designers and healthcare providers to move beyond efficiency and consider how the spaces we create affect the people who use them.
Whether it’s a doctor’s office, a hospital, or any other healthcare environment, the impact of human-centered design can be transformative.
