Digitalization is rapidly transforming healthcare, but many patients – especially those arriving acutely in Emergency Departments – struggle to use the digital tools now required to access information, communicate with staff, or navigate their care. Older and more vulnerable citizens are disproportionately affected, and research shows that nearly half of acutely admitted ED patients have difficulty using smartphones or understanding digital information. As hospitals introduce more digital workflows, remote consultations, and bedside technologies, the risk grows that these patients will be excluded. This widening digital divide threatens equity, dignity, and the sustainability of future healthcare delivery, making it crucial to develop digital solutions that accommodate the full range of patients’ abilities and needs.
Universal Design
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Challenge 3
Rethinking Digital Solutions in Healthcare
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Challenge 4
Climate Resilient and Socially Inclusive Neighbourhoods
Catapult Projects is a design studio that applies a democratic design approach focused on diversity, inclusion and creative co-creation with citizens to strengthen local neighbourshoods. Catapult has partnered with Technology Leaving No One Behind – an initiative focused on making inclusion and accessibility a natural part of engineering at DTU.
A long-neglected neighbourhood faces the dual pressures of deep-rooted social issues and increasing climate-related flooding. A multi-year initiative has been set up to explore how inclusive, democratic design methods can drive both environmental resilience and meaningful social transformation.
