HCDExpo 2024: Healthcare Design Trends

The 2024 Healthcare Design Conference + Expo in Indianapolis featured an exhibition hall full of vendors with innovative and exciting products. There was also a full schedule of keynote speakers and valuable presentations. We took in as much as possible (while also exhibiting) to see what was trending in healthcare design. Many of the trends discussed were specifically related to healthcare practices. However, in the area of design, we saw significant themes emerge.

Healthcare Design Trends

Caring for the caregivers.

One presenter described caregiver burnout as “the second pandemic.” The COVID-19 pandemic spotlighted the pressures on doctors, nurses, and clinicians and the negative ramifications of burnout among these groups. Burnout leads to many problems that impact patient care, such as staff shortages. While many reasons for burnout are beyond anything good design can fix, design can help create a positive environment for employees.

Some of the solutions discussed were designing lounges and staff rooms to help staff recharge however they need. Using elements such as natural light and access to nature helps create a positive space. Other suggestions include incorporating areas such as respite spaces, fitness rooms, and on-site childcare facilities.

Designing with empathy.

As people have become more aware of the different ways people experience the world, designing for neurodiversity has gotten more attention. This is particularly true in healthcare facilities. For example, neurodivergent people may be overstimulated and need a quiet space. Conversely, they may need more stimulation to avoid becoming agitated.

One solution presented for designing to address these needs is creating flexible spaces for individuals to self-regulate. For some patients, this might mean adjusting the lighting in their hospital room. For another, it might mean taking a break outdoors or in a pet therapy room. The key is for the patient to feel control.

Improving outcomes with good design.

Many furniture and material companies went beyond thinking of healthcare design as purely functional and clinical. They also focused on the positive impact of well-designed spaces and products to contribute to positive patient outcomes by inspiring a sense of calm and reducing stressors.

For example, we saw furniture designed to feel more homey and cozy, less sleek and sterile. Another example designing facilities to accommodate the reality that a patient’s family might need places to sleep, work, or eat while staying close to their loved one. They may also want spaces to connect with community to help feel supported. This particularly true for pediatric facilities where children are often in a hospital for long periods of time.

Technology that’s smart.

Technology can be beneficial or a nuisance. Integrating technology into a room so that it is helpful and not overwhelming is more critical than quickly adopting the next new thing simply because it’s available. For example, robots delivering drugs to patients might feel cold and unhelpful. Yet, voice-activated window shades or lighting could give patients more control over their space.

Inspired by nature.

Many presentations discussed the positive outcome nature can have on patients, their families, and their caregivers. Many architects are incorporating biophilic design concepts and trying to incorporate natural light and access to the outdoors in many projects. In addition, they bring the outdoors in by using materials made from natural sources such as wood.

The healthcare furniture continues to feel soft and organic, with smooth corners. Colors were often warm neutrals, mixing with colors such as terracotta and shades of green.  

Design Pool patterns fit in closely with so many of these trends. In our licensable library, you will find landscape patterns suitable for products such as privacy curtains and KwickScreens, geometric patterns with a hidden message of healing such as pattern Dance, and everything in between.