Healthcare’s Hierarchy of Needs
In 1943, Abraham Maslow introduced the world to what is prominently known as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. These needs often are shown according to their level of importance within the shape of a pyramid, with the most fundamental levels of needs at the bottom.
Inspired by this idea, researchers from Herman Miller Healthcare developed the Caregiver Goal Prioritization Pyramid.
In fact, Doug Bazuin, a senior researcher with Herman Miller Healthcare and frequent contributor to Discover, recently had an article published by Hospitals & Health Networks about the Caregiver Goal Prioritization Pyramid. The article, called “The Pyramid of Caregiver Needs,” highlights the team’s research findings from nine hospital observations and 150 interviews.
Says Bazuin, “The pyramid reminds us to think through the multiple implications of any change or decision in a care giving process or environment. When we use the pyramid as an input into the design of a space or product, it can help to ensure we have considered all the variables and results in a better outcome for both the caregiver and the patient.”
It would be interesting to put together a hierarchy of worker needs as it relates to office furniture. I think I’ll have to make a pyramid and post a blog about it. I’m thinking ergonomics and functionality would form the base with aspects like appearance at the tip of the pyramid. Exploring the intersection between the aesthetics of a design and how functional it tends to be will be fun.
Daisy McCarty
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