Enhancing the digital adoption in healthcare built environments: a framework for a therapeutic user-based wayfinding system

The efficacy of wayfinding systems in healthcare settings holds significant implications for many users, including patients, visitors, and healthcare professionals. Traditional systems, anchor examples in spatial design principles, frequently overlook the variegated needs of individuals, especially those with physical and mental disabilities. This narrow focus culminates in a one-size-fits-all approach that fails to address the intricate diversity of user requirements, thereby compromising sensory spatial information that aids a user's real-time neurophysiological needs. To rectify this, the narrative review paper reviews the potential contribution of the ecology of wayfinding for understanding healthier wayfinding solutions. It proposes a paradigm shift towards a user-centric wayfinding model in healthcare facilities. Building on a nuanced understanding of the diverse needs and neurological factors affecting healthcare users, this paper describes and synthesises elements that adapt to the triangulation from the Human Activity Accessible Technology, (HAAT) to understand hospital users' wayfinding needs at a temporal to spatial level. Lastly, anticipating the novel conceptual framework to be considered a curb-cut effect for a therapeutic, user-based wayfinding system, beyond the assistive technology phenomenon. Adopting a humanistic lens, the framework aims to elevate the well-being and comfort of users by incorporating inclusion criteria into digital wayfinding systems. The paper concludes by identifying areas for future research to integrate user-based real-time capabilities into healthcare wayfinding technology, thereby aligning therapeutic objectives with an inclusive and supportive healthcare environment.