Gaertner, Wanda2023-08-242023-08-242023https://dl.gi.de/handle/20.500.12116/42088This paper delves into the role of emotions in healthcare design through a participatory design study conducted in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Premature births present unique challenges, and this research examines how involving stakeholders in the design process can address emotional aspects. Based on an extensive observation in a NICU, the study engages healthcare professionals, parents, and former patients through conversations, interviews, and workshops to uncover the emotional complexities of the NICU environment. The paper highlights the benefits of participation, including increased expertise, trust, empathy, and appreciation. By focusing on emotions, the paper emphasizes their impact on physical well-being and how they shape responses. The paper concludes that a collaborative design approach fosters understanding and identifies key design points such as addressing uncertainty, promoting intimacy, mitigating helplessness, rectifying structural issues, and enhancing affection. Ultimately, it advocates for designing healthcare spaces that positively influence emotions for patients, families, and healthcare providers.Text/Workshop Paper10.18420/muc2023-mci-ws06-396