COP3 Final Evaluation

The research for this essay question considered the important factors of hospital design for young children. Primary research was a vital tool in understanding the topic in more detail, applying what was learnt

The perspective of a young audience was limited as there was little information on such a niche topic. This observation was met with other perspectives being considered such as medical professionals

With more time efficiency I would like to be able to gather more research on the effectiveness of the final created outcome for the intended audience.

I was happy with the number of different perspectives I was able to gather a variety of information about the process of design within a medical space, the benefit of these considerations by medical professionals as well as. 

The main consideration of the essay was to understand what makes an effective design in a medical space this has been achieved through the variety of research considered with visual observations and the analysis of diverse outcomes in what makes them effective.

If I could do anything differently it would be within the design itself and the consideration of applying more natural imagery into the design, as well as considering colour in more depth. 

COP3 Research

Nature, wellbeing and medical environments


This research goes towards understanding what affects hospitals aesthetic choices and questioning the existing themes of many designs and why this is.


The use of nature in an environment has been proven to be beneficial towards our health specifically reducing feelings of anxiety as well as the perception of pain according to interior designer Oliver Heath.

Dr. Fisher of Western General Hospital claims that generally regarding patients within a medical environment there often should be a connection with nature in this instance.

“A view to the outdoors and of nature is very important to healing”

Examples of nature being represented in a medical space

StudioTordBoontje - uses nature and detail to be interactive indirectly but is also suitable for different audiences, it doesn't have an obvious audience which makes it inclusive.

COP3 Practical - Development

Sketches for practical outcome 

These images were drawn under the idea being friendly and approachable for children.

Using characters is a way for children to feel familiar with an environment by utilising this idea there is then a 

The round edges of the work has been considered in order to avoid sharp images, which could prove to be intimidating in their deminer 

Further development - more refined outcome 

Keeping with the theme of being friendly. 

Colour experimentation 

Using a previously successful colour choice to consider the validity of using a limited colour palette.

Although considering this palette is valid, the simplicity in the appearance of the work doesn't allow much 


NHS colours

Can these colours be implemented? However, using these colours could prove to be difficult in the fact that they are used within other elements such as wayfinding or this could be used to an advantage and having an animal associated with a certain location. 



The colours have been applied to the original animal design. 

The medium these designs will be applied in has affected the ways in which their colours can be used.

The colours for the animals aren't accurate which is an issue, the purpose of the work is also to be informative, there should be as much accuracy as possible, especially when the other mediums rely on colour in the printed outcome. 

Final colour choices

Considering vinyl colour choices and adapting to them, this was not always easy to apply to but it was affective 

COP 3 Practical - Final outcome & Feedback

Design applied in different areas to see the effect of them individually.

They were applied in a variety of areas to see if they were effective from a distance.

Decals applied as a collective

Theme placing the animals is subjective to what environment they are being placed in, allowing an individual space to decide on what they would want the placement to be and whether they would want the work to be in a reception area or maybe in a treatment room?  

Colouring booklet design 

The creation of both of these materials allows the viewer to be stimulated visually, being able to interact with the environment, although not directly is able to comprehend the colours and shapes presented and replicate them, setting almost an unspoken challenge.

The books were printed as cheaply as possible in the consideration for the distribution of them. The stock is thin but is effective when pen or paper is applied. The blank pages also act as a buffer as younger children like to doodle which also makes the work seem a lot more informal. 

With more time it would have been effective to possibly explore more activities within the book and also maybe explore more themes and correlate them with the structure of the building.

Final feedback

Do you think the work is effective in being interactive?

"Yes, however, I think the scale of the work maybe be an issue like it getting lost or maybe not being noticeable? depending on where it would be placed?"

"Yes, I think that children would really like this, I would maybe say that there should be more added to the work? such as more nature like flowers and trees? just so there is more to look at and maybe make the environment more pleasant"

"I think with more designs this could be a lot more effective, however, I think that it is nice that the work is simple and easy to understand"

Do you think the design of the work is effective overall such as in appearance and application into the environment? 

"Yes I think it is, it appeals to a range of children's ages which is really good to consider especially when something is in the public eye"

"I think there could have been more thought of the location of the work? such as considering an actual medical environment to give more context and realism to the final outcome."

"I think the use of colours is really good and stands out really well, its noticeable from a distance and the simplicity of the colours and shapes makes it appealing, I can imagine children liking this and wanting to look at it more"

"The colouring book is really unique! I like the idea and I think with even more animals and games it could be a great way for hospitals to create an engaging environment" 

If you could change anything about this project what would it be? 

"I would add more animals or some trees, it is a nice design but it would be nice for it to be more immersive"

"I would have made the front cover of the book a bit more interesting to catch children's attention such as bubble writing they could colour in? or something they could fill in for it to be more personal and individual for each reader? such as a space to put their name maybe?"

COP3 Research practical - Medium research

 Researching into mediums and which would be the most cost-effective but still consider aesthetic and create a positive impact without compromising the stylization of the work. 

Paint 

Although paint is an effective way into using detail for mural work there are limitations within what it can do and how it is applied.

Paint allows detail however in this instance the work will be simple in its style so this won't be needed.
If the considered design is meant to be used widely across hospitals there would be a difficulty in achieving the same colours without specified requirements or already existing simple colours.

Leeds Art Museum using paint on the walls to make a colourful space which it previously wasn't 

Stencil (Spraypainting) 

The issue with this is that there is a limit to what can be created.


Vinyl 

This medium is very low in cost which is important to consider in the amount that would need to be printed, it's easy to apply and remove, the designs can adapt to an environment as they are able to be moved, unlike paint or spray paint. 

It can also be quickly applied which might be necessary when in a busy environment like a hospital. 

Leeds Children's Hospital

Leeds Arts University vinyl

Vinyl can also be printed in size, there is a limit in the size in how the work can be applied which could be an issue as paint can be unlimited in its scale as well as spray paint, however, vinyl is much more efficient.

Vinyl seems to be the most valid way of applying the chosen designs within meeting the created criteria for this brief.

COP3 Development - Book idea

Idea 1 - Following feedback 

Exploring the idea of using a book as a valid way of incorporating sensory stimulation, bright colours, activity etc.

Page 1 
Encouraging a child to interact with their environment and also learn about colour.

Page 2

Encourage the reader to be active in the environment and be visually stimulated and interested.

Page 3 
Positive affirmation for the reader

The benefit of this idea 

It encourages activity simplicity of the shapes allows there to be easy use if it was to be used across various medical environments, there wouldn't need to be much consideration of the placement allowing for it to be easier to put into place.

The disadvantages of this idea

Having friendly characters and positive emotions are vital to the creation of work for children, also the lack of connection to nature is something that has previously been considered and seen the positive effects of, to not include it would be detrimental to the outcome in trying to be as effective as possible. Also could possibly be an issue for children that are differently able and cannot walk or move this is a valid concern when considering a medical environment making it not very inclusive.

Feedback from this idea 

Consider the cost - printed in colour, is there a way that interactivity can be achieved in an even more cost-effective way? 

• Look at how the production can be resolved and be cheaper 
• Make more inclusive for ages and abilities also the issue of space and moving around a space could be difficult in the variety of space that could be an issue.

COP3 - Colour considerations

Valid information in regards to colour: 

The validity of the colour white...

Before exploring bright colours there should be a consideration of environment and the purpose it serves in a medical space, therefor it can be considered alongside other colours.

The contrast of white is important in a medical context both to serve as a way of noticing any infection or injury for a patient, as well as considering the most important consideration of colour medically speaking is consistency within a space, using variation of a shade can be be confusing therefore sticking to bold and distinguishable colours if the most appropriate way to bring clarity to a space.

Colours approved and used by the NHS 

NHS Guidelines (Colour and light)

NHS colour and light guidelines go  by these three areas

These areas should be considered when approaching colour

• Circulation
• Care
• General areas

Medical perspective

• Avoid dull colours 
• Using a soft color palette and materials to increase peacefulness”.

• Consider the colours and how they can be applied in a space
• What are the restrictions within using these colours within a style
• Also consider aethetic and the appropriatness of the colours being considered and the meaning 

behind them. 













Although these colours have been approved by the NHS there is evidence to suggest that other colour palettes are valid within exploring such as: 

“Chelsea Children’s Hospital is the latest London hospital to act on the findings of research into the positive effects of art in healthcare environments and the clinical effects of colour.





The main goal of the project’s outcome was to create a much more welcoming, friendly, and colourful space

Using a limited colour allows for more creativity as no one two characters can be the same.

Thomas Matthews states that the concept for the work was born out of research into patient experience in each of the wards.

The most important thing for the project was avoiding kiddy type clichés and give the children something they could relate to without partonising them.

It's worth to note the colour choices of the project as the basis for the positive emotions was able to be created in the work and the choices of colour palettes.


The environment varies the colour palettes but keeps to using 5 colours, making it consistent but also interesting to each section of the environment.

Edmund D. Edelman Children’s Court



A conside and use of colour

“colour coded with a pleasing pastel or a primary hue”

In order to be appropriate for a child friendly audience the icons within the environment used a a star, a snowflake, a cloud the outcome was rendered in a loose childlike manner in order for it to be appropriate”

Most if not all the colour choices observed use primary colours or at least shades of tone of such, using bright colours is stimulating as well as visually appealing but also stands out in such an environment that is so plain but also confusing.

COP3 Research - Multi-sensory environments

In order to be more informed of how children are visually engaged within an environment, multi-sensory environments are relevant to acknowledge within their approach in creating a visually stimulating environment, and also acknowledge the reasoning and benefits behind these environments they have been proven to improve wellbeing. 


Sensory environments include a variety of different things to interact with such as coloured lights and visuals. Sensory environments are a positive space which can create a positive impact on individuals with disabilities.

A Multi-Sensory Environment is a dedicated environment or single room which is where sensory stimulation can be controlled to either be enhanced or reduced. 

Playing a fun, safe and friendly environment for a dynamic community with learning disabilities, sensory impairments and mental illnesses "By providing immersive experiences"  

What does a multi-sensory environment involve? 

Source of info found http://www.cdhaf.org/

• Lighting effects - these can be created with projections, mirror balls, spotlights, fairy lights 
• Tactility - through touch such as different texture
• Soft play such as mats and surfaces, bedding and pillows 
• Audio sensory such as music and nature or animal sound effects
• Music that varies in its tones such as its pitch or rhythm, can have the ability to be relaxing
• Taste which can be through tasting different foods and drinks 

These variety of experiences are about control, the audiences within these spaces have the ability to experience a variety of different things in a safe space whether they want to experience different intensities of these elements. 

The bright colours suggest that bright imagery is effective in being stimulating for children within improving their cognitive skills such as processing different things. 

COP3 - Primary research - Interview - Seattle Children's Hospital

Proof of how an environment can be changed and be effective through design. 

Zaraa known as (Kitten Chops) is Illustrator and Graphic designer.
one of her most noteworthy works is the impact she was able to make within her work for Seattle Children's hospital. Contact was made with Zaraa on facebook.

She provided imagery from the interview from the before and after of her input, this really illustrates the importance of good design in a medical environment and gives context to what she says in her interview.

This design especially is a consideration of its surroundings, the darkness that the room could be a downfall for this environment and be intimidating and scary for a child to experience, however, the way the work has been applied (glow in the dark)

Without considering the environment before applying this design this would not be effective therefor pushing the point further that an environment needs to be considered in this environment.

Q: What was the brief for this work?

The main brief; primary objective was to provide a relaxing, safe, fun environment for patients and staff. Work needs to align with the overall branding of the hospital, localize the hospital to the city it is in/to the native natural environment it is in. This provides a familiarity and feeling of comfort right away. Kids are ages 0-21, a huge age range. Art needs to work well with the architectural elements and designs.

Q: What was the Inspiration for the work?

A: Local natural environment, native flora fauna.

Q: How were the colours chosen for the work?

The 4 main colours were already part of the hospital branding and the already existing colour coded wayfinding system. (you might see this better on the images)

Q: What were the restrictions on the work?

A: The work must be appropriate for ALL kids ages 0-21, art needs to be sophisticated, calming etc…  as in the brief above. obviously be on time and budget, these are a given.

Q: Were there any designs that you presented that were rejected?

A: no designs were rejected, once the concept presentation is accepted I work based on that. The client knows what to expect, there are no surprises, it is a given that the art delivers for all points of the brief

Q: Did you receive any responses to the work you created from children or parents?

I got several very positive responses from parents who told me what a difference the art made for their visit. I have heard that kids at the surgery wait area were seen licking the strawberry photo collage parts and staff have thanked me for a lovely work environment, kids don’t write emails and I don’t hang out there either to meet them.

Tutorial 2 - Research for introduction/case studies

Crit - 

Decide on case studies: 

These various individuals will be beneficial towards helping me understand. 

• Sensory Leeds
• Interview disabilities nurse - children visuals - how do visuals create effective com munition for disabled children/adults? 
• Dani Rubio
• Nick Deakin - Questions about work 

Interactivity - Practical research

How can interactivity within different environments design be implimented and conisdered with a medical space? 

A Journey of Chinese Characters

By Studio 2x4 Inc

Interactive exhibition organised by the different colours in each section of the museam in order to be easily assosiatable. The information is interactable making it more memorable and engaging for children to experience.

Taking this element of interactivity is interesting to take note of and consider the effects of. Children learn more effectively when there are strong, hence why educational material is bright and bold in its appearance.

Putting educational environment 

Polka Dots

An immserive exhibition which explores adding something small in a collection in order to add to a space by an individual, there is no exclusion of ability or age, the simplicity of this idea seems basic however when put into place has a large effect. 

This type of work invites the audience to interact therefor making it inclusiive which fits within using it in a public space and accessible.