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Recent research has highlighted the importance of responding to trauma and promoting healing when working with participants in sensitive contexts. This article presents a new methodology for design research on health topics which combines principles from narrative medicine (health storytelling) with codesign. In this collaborative, dialogic approach, participatory action research cycles of storytelling are used to inform a process of digital codesign, positioning participants as peer researchers. The resulting prototypes (termed healing fabulations) are a new type of design artefact which captures each participant’s lived experience while also extending it into a speculative future. Discussion of the methodology shows how the approach protects participant well-being during research on their health experiences, addresses common criticisms of digital design research, and explores the importance of visual metaphor and aesthetic in design for health. The article concludes with a discussion of the methodology’s replicability and use in future research. < Return to resources Healing Fabulations: A dialogic methodology for digital codesign in health research Cummings, Marissa and Teal, Gemma Recent research has highlighted the importance of responding to trauma and promoting healing when working with participants in sensitive contexts. This article presents a new methodology for design research on health topics which combines principles from narrative medicine (health storytelling) with codesign. In this collaborative, dialogic approach, participatory action research cycles of storytelling are used to inform a process of digital codesign, positioning participants as peer researchers. The resulting prototypes (termed healing fabulations) are a new type of design artefact which captures each participant’s lived experience while also extending it into a speculative future. Discussion of the methodology shows how the approach protects participant well-being during research on their health experiences, addresses common criticisms of digital design research, and explores the importance of visual metaphor and aesthetic in design for health. The article concludes with a discussion of the methodology’s replicability and use in future research. View resource Previous item Next item

Poster presenting early summary findings from Language of Pain research project. < Return to resources Language of Pain: Merging multiple voices for improved chronic pain management Hepburn, Leigh Anne and Jaatun, Ellen Poster presenting early summary findings from Language of Pain research project. View resource Previous item Next item

Summary of Kings Fund report on digitalisation of the NHS. < Return to resources A Digital NHS: An Introduction to the Digital Agenda and Plans for Implementation Rooney, Laura Summary of Kings Fund report on digitalisation of the NHS. View resource Previous item Next item

In this position paper we propose that many forms of care can and should be implicit with greater effort to ‘normalise’ care by supporting and instilling care values of empathy, compassion, and dignity; what we term the ‘subtleties of care’. There is a key role for design in developing asset-based care (Garven et al., 2016) which supports and responds to the aspirations and capabilities of people to enable eudaimonic wellbeing and prevent the assumption of the ‘cared for’, dependent role. The creation of asset-based care experiences can also promote a sense of identity that enhances self-worth, personal growth and control, shifting care from a transactional model of providing and receiving, to a model which values the contribution of the person, self-care, wider circles of care (including families and professionals) and the role of the community. < Return to resources The subtleties of care: illuminating relational care through design French, Tara and Teal, Gemma and Broadley, Cara In this position paper we propose that many forms of care can and should be implicit with greater effort to ‘normalise’ care by supporting and instilling care values of empathy, compassion, and dignity; what we term the ‘subtleties of care’. There is a key role for design in developing asset-based care (Garven et al., 2016) which supports and responds to the aspirations and capabilities of people to enable eudaimonic wellbeing and prevent the assumption of the ‘cared for’, dependent role. The creation of asset-based care experiences can also promote a sense of identity that enhances self-worth, personal growth and control, shifting care from a transactional model of providing and receiving, to a model which values the contribution of the person, self-care, wider circles of care (including families and professionals) and the role of the community. View resource Previous item Next item

In times of rapid social, economic, environmental, and technological change designers can play a valuable role by applying their creativity to catalyse innovative solutions to address complex problems. As they do so, it becomes apparent they need to ask fundamental questions about what they make, how they make it, and who for. The mindsets and postures of designers often go unnoticed and unacknowledged, but they profoundly influence what is identified as a problem and how it is framed and addressed. This paper draws upon a research project titled ‘CO/DEsign’, which explores the application of agile co-design methods in an endeavour to understand and identify the most appropriate approach for rigorous analysis. The ‘CO/DEsign’ project argues that, while it is important to draw upon other disciplines and borrow methods such as thematic analysis, further methods should be developed that better represent and support designers and their approaches. < Return to resources Code Design: the role of boundary objects in research analysis Johnson, Michael and Ballie, Jen and Thorup, Tine and Brooks, Elizabeth In times of rapid social, economic, environmental, and technological change designers can play a valuable role by applying their creativity to catalyse innovative solutions to address complex problems. As they do so, it becomes apparent they need to ask fundamental questions about what they make, how they make it, and who for. The mindsets and postures of designers often go unnoticed and unacknowledged, but they profoundly influence what is identified as a problem and how it is framed and addressed. This paper draws upon a research project titled ‘CO/DEsign’, which explores the application of agile co-design methods in an endeavour to understand and identify the most appropriate approach for rigorous analysis. The ‘CO/DEsign’ project argues that, while it is important to draw upon other disciplines and borrow methods such as thematic analysis, further methods should be developed that better represent and support designers and their approaches. View resource Previous item Next item

This assessment support pack has been developed to support the FUTUREquipped microlearning library “Understanding SMART Homes from a Construction, Information and Communication Technology, and Health and Care perspective”. The materials are at SCQF Level 6. The support pack is primarily for the purpose of the summative assessment of learners against the requirements of the related unit and assessment standards. It must not be used for formative assessment. < Return to resources FUTUREquipped Assessment Support Pack for 'Understanding SMART Homes from a Construction, Information and Communication Technology, and Health and Care Perspective': SCQF Level 6 Gale, Lewis This assessment support pack has been developed to support the FUTUREquipped microlearning library “Understanding SMART Homes from a Construction, Information and Communication Technology, and Health and Care perspective”. The materials are at SCQF Level 6. The support pack is primarily for the purpose of the summative assessment of learners against the requirements of the related unit and assessment standards. It must not be used for formative assessment. View resource Previous item Next item

Strathclyde Inspire's award-winning suite of programmes supports students, staff and alumni to learn valuable skills, develop business ideas and commercialise research. Its unique offering combines advice and funding with a thriving community and enables it to offer comprehensive support at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey. Flagship programmes include the Strathclyde Inspire Accelerator, the Strathclyde Inspire Entrepreneurs Fund, and the Exploring Entrepreneurship Challenge. Visit Partner's website Previous Item Next Item

The Digital Innovation in Social Care – Industry Engagement Workshop (June 2025) brought together 51 participants from industry, academia, health, and social care sectors to explore priorities and opportunities for digital transformation in Scotland’s social care system. The workshop identified systemic barriers to scaling innovation, including fragmented leadership, limited data integration, and lack of clear investment guidance. Participants emphasised the importance of creating readiness for change, fostering knowledge exchange, and aligning digital strategy with frontline practice. Key themes included building a digital innovation pipeline, promoting interoperability, supporting workforce capability, and embedding inclusive, ethical digital practices. Insights from the workshop will inform the development of a national Digital Care Innovation Hub to drive collaboration and sustainable transformation. < Return to resources Digital Innovation in Social Care - Industry Engagement Workshop Raman, Sneha and French, Tara and Whyte, Anna and Whoriskey, Margaret and Lyons, Abigail The Digital Innovation in Social Care – Industry Engagement Workshop (June 2025) brought together 51 participants from industry, academia, health, and social care sectors to explore priorities and opportunities for digital transformation in Scotland’s social care system. The workshop identified systemic barriers to scaling innovation, including fragmented leadership, limited data integration, and lack of clear investment guidance. Participants emphasised the importance of creating readiness for change, fostering knowledge exchange, and aligning digital strategy with frontline practice. Key themes included building a digital innovation pipeline, promoting interoperability, supporting workforce capability, and embedding inclusive, ethical digital practices. Insights from the workshop will inform the development of a national Digital Care Innovation Hub to drive collaboration and sustainable transformation. View resource Previous item Next item

Kiera MilneGraduate Innovation Intern < Return to team Kiera Milne Graduate Innovation Intern Kiera is our Graduate Innovation Intern providing support in communications and marketing for Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre based in Moray. Her background includes a BA (Hons) in History and Politics from University of the Highland and Islands, MLitt in Digital Journalism from the University of Strathclyde and experience in news reporting and content creation. Kiera brings a strong foundation in digital storytelling, audience engagement and strategic communications. She is passionate about using creative digital storytelling to amplify the impact of digital health and care initiatives and help connect individuals in the Moray region. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

For healthcare innovations to be successful, the voices of those receiving or delivering such innovations need to be heard much earlier in the design process. This is not easy as there are likely to be multiple stakeholders involved, and their different backgrounds make it difficult to challenge or evaluate potential innovation in the early stage of development. This paper positions the Experience Lab as a means of co-creating sustainable, innovative solutions to healthcare challenges. The Experience Lab offers participants, both receiving and delivering healthcare, the opportunity to engage in the design process, share insights, experience new concepts, and imagine new ways of responding to challenges. The material artefacts and bespoke tools provide the conditions through which to create new meanings and shared experiences. This paper presents the Experience Lab approach, artefacts, and tools, providing examples of these in context. < Return to resources Experience Labs: Co-creating Health and Care Innovations using Design Tools and Artefacts French, Tara and Teal, Gemma and Raman, Sneha For healthcare innovations to be successful, the voices of those receiving or delivering such innovations need to be heard much earlier in the design process. This is not easy as there are likely to be multiple stakeholders involved, and their different backgrounds make it difficult to challenge or evaluate potential innovation in the early stage of development. This paper positions the Experience Lab as a means of co-creating sustainable, innovative solutions to healthcare challenges. The Experience Lab offers participants, both receiving and delivering healthcare, the opportunity to engage in the design process, share insights, experience new concepts, and imagine new ways of responding to challenges. The material artefacts and bespoke tools provide the conditions through which to create new meanings and shared experiences. This paper presents the Experience Lab approach, artefacts, and tools, providing examples of these in context. View resource Previous item Next item

The UK's digital economy has seen significant growth, with a 53% increase in new companies formed since 2010. The sector contributes 6% to the total UK economy. As technology advances, there's a rising demand for digital skills across various industries. Additionally, the shift towards online government services emphasizes the need for citizens to possess digital skills. It's crucial not only to enhance the skills of users but also to focus on improving the digital capabilities of innovators. < Return to resources Digital Skills for the UK Economy Morrison, Ciarán and Rooney, Laura The UK's digital economy has seen significant growth, with a 53% increase in new companies formed since 2010. The sector contributes 6% to the total UK economy. As technology advances, there's a rising demand for digital skills across various industries. Additionally, the shift towards online government services emphasizes the need for citizens to possess digital skills. It's crucial not only to enhance the skills of users but also to focus on improving the digital capabilities of innovators. View resource Previous item Next item

Robert FenderLegal & Commercial Manager < Return to team Robert Fender Legal & Commercial Manager Dr Robert Fender (Bobby) provides legal and contractual support for the DHI. He has experience in the university research environment and has worked for 25 years in the areas of intellectual property, technology transfer and contracts. Prior to the DHI, he worked in the technology transfer offices at the Universities of Cambridge, Leicester & Nottingham dealing with a wide range of physical science and engineering technologies. Bobby’s role with the DHI includes drafting & issuing grant award letters and drafting & negotiating collaboration agreements for digital health-related projects. The role also involves the preparation & negotiation of CDAs, MOUs and collaboration agreements with strategic partners. He also deals with matters such as data protection and Subsidy Control for the DHI. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

Dr Abigail LyonsSenior Business Innovation Manager < Return to team Dr Abigail Lyons Senior Business Innovation Manager Dr Abigail Lyons leads on Industry engagement. She helps companies advance the market readiness of their digital health products & services, connecting them with the right support for their stage of development. She also leads a women’s health theme, with a focus on cardiovascular health data. Abby qualified in Immunology and Molecular Biology and her subsequent career has woven through the triple helix of industry, academia and the public sector in Scotland and the US. She worked as a postdoc researcher at the Mayo Clinic and a product development scientist in the Cardiac Surgery division of Medtronic in Minnesota. More recently, she was a programme manager at Scottish Enterprise where she managed complex multi-partner initiatives across a range of sectors and led collaborative teams to commercialise customer-centric technologies and spin-out investor-ready companies. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

The Digital Dashboard Experience Lab project, initiated by the University of the Highlands and Islands and NHS Highland, aimed to enhance virtual consultations for diabetes management. The project addressed challenges in discussing diabetes data during virtual consultations by proposing a Digital Dashboard. Through pre- and general labs, three overarching themes emerged: Empowerment and Readiness, Equity and Collaboration, and Timeliness of Information and Insight. These insights informed recommendations for designing digital tools to support person-centered consultations, culminating in a concept for the ideal Digital Dashboard and the next steps for its development. < Return to resources Digital Diabetes Dashboard Teal, Gemma and Thorup, Tine and Baillie, Jen and Johnson, Michael The Digital Dashboard Experience Lab project, initiated by the University of the Highlands and Islands and NHS Highland, aimed to enhance virtual consultations for diabetes management. The project addressed challenges in discussing diabetes data during virtual consultations by proposing a Digital Dashboard. Through pre- and general labs, three overarching themes emerged: Empowerment and Readiness, Equity and Collaboration, and Timeliness of Information and Insight. These insights informed recommendations for designing digital tools to support person-centered consultations, culminating in a concept for the ideal Digital Dashboard and the next steps for its development. View resource Previous item Next item

The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) collaborated with the Scottish Government to assist the Adult Mental Health Collaborative in organizing workshops to address mental health service complexities. Specifically, they led a workshop at the Mental Health Strategy National Forum focusing on the support provided to citizens in distress. Through stakeholder engagement, they developed tools to identify challenges and explore new opportunities for individuals in distress, with the findings intended for submission to the Scottish Government for potential integration into the adult mental health collaborative. < Return to resources Creation of a Universal Health & Wellbeing Service: What is the Offer to Citizens in Distress? Design Workshop Report Digital Health & Care Institute (DHI) & Crooks, G. (ed.) The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) collaborated with the Scottish Government to assist the Adult Mental Health Collaborative in organizing workshops to address mental health service complexities. Specifically, they led a workshop at the Mental Health Strategy National Forum focusing on the support provided to citizens in distress. Through stakeholder engagement, they developed tools to identify challenges and explore new opportunities for individuals in distress, with the findings intended for submission to the Scottish Government for potential integration into the adult mental health collaborative. View resource Previous item Next item

NHS Education for Scotland (NES) is the national health board with statutory functions for providing, co-ordinating, developing, funding and advising on education, training and workforce development for the NHS and in partnership with SSSC for social care staff. It is a national organisation with a significant regional presence in Scotland. NES is a leader in educational design, delivery and quality assurance. Utilising the very best in technology enabled learning, organisational and leadership development, workforce and learning analytics and digital development, across the entire health and social care workforce and in every community in Scotland, NES will help to facilitate staff to be supported, skilled, capable, digitally enabled and motivated to deliver improved outcomes. Visit Partner's website Previous Item Next Item

In January 2024, DHI was commissioned by the Scottish Government to develop a Care and Wellbeing Innovation Portfolio, focusing, in particular, on social care innovation. Through engagement with over 20 national organizations, DHI identified key priorities for scaling digital innovation in social care and to lever research and innovation opportunities. The findings emphasise the need for a supportive infrastructure, an innovation pathway, a framework for evaluating impacts, and alignment of ongoing projects. The report outlines steps to advance digital social care innovation across Scotland and shares insight on creating the conditions to foster social care innovation and collaboration across sectors. < Return to resources Digital Innovation in Social Care : Priorities and Opportunities for Scotland Whoriskey, Margaret and Raman, Sneha and Kunte, Aarya and McIntyre, Don In January 2024, DHI was commissioned by the Scottish Government to develop a Care and Wellbeing Innovation Portfolio, focusing, in particular, on social care innovation. Through engagement with over 20 national organizations, DHI identified key priorities for scaling digital innovation in social care and to lever research and innovation opportunities. The findings emphasise the need for a supportive infrastructure, an innovation pathway, a framework for evaluating impacts, and alignment of ongoing projects. The report outlines steps to advance digital social care innovation across Scotland and shares insight on creating the conditions to foster social care innovation and collaboration across sectors. View resource Previous item Next item

The Next Generation Asthma Care position paper sets out a collaborative research project led by the DHI with input from Asthma UK. < Return to resources Next Generation Asthma Care Chute, Chaloner and Hepburn, Leigh Anne and Rooney, Laura The Next Generation Asthma Care position paper sets out a collaborative research project led by the DHI with input from Asthma UK. View resource Previous item Next item

Marlene HarkisEngagement Lead, Rural Centre of Excellence < Return to team Marlene Harkis Engagement Lead, Rural Centre of Excellence Marlene is a contracted programme manager working across a range of workstreams within DHI with a focus on transforming social care support through citizen engagement and co design. At present this includes working in the Moray Region to research with older people and unpaid carers a digital approach to finding services more easily and a Personal Data Store empowering choice and control when sharing your personal information. She originally trained as an occupational therapist moving on to Social Care, Senior manager roles in Glasgow and Ayrshire, Marlene has significant experience of collaborating with citizens using services and frontline staff to explore new ways of working through digital transformation, designing new models of care. Marlene is also passionate about continuous professional development and in addition to her original clinical background she has returned to study at different stages in her career and gained a MBA and MSc in digital health and care. Marlene is a strong advocate of choice and empowerment for vulnerable citizens and is currently the chairperson of East Renfrewshire’s Self-directed support Forum. Email LinkedIn Related Projects Next team member Previous team page Team page

This document contains microlearning units to explore meta skills required to cope with future working life. These microlearning materials were collectively produced by lecturers participating in the FUTUREquipped project, and are now made available to any learner under the Creative Commons licence. Units available include: Unit 1: Adaptability Unit 2: Curiosity Unit 3: Creativity (Innovation) Unit 4: Communication (Social Intelligence) Unit 5: Collaboration (Social Skills) < Return to resources Metaskills: Learning Materials - FUTUREquipped Project This document contains microlearning units to explore meta skills required to cope with future working life. These microlearning materials were collectively produced by lecturers participating in the FUTUREquipped project, and are now made available to any learner under the Creative Commons licence. Units available include: Unit 1: Adaptability Unit 2: Curiosity Unit 3: Creativity (Innovation) Unit 4: Communication (Social Intelligence) Unit 5: Collaboration (Social Skills) View resource Previous item Next item