Improving 
Healthcare 
Through Design

 

 

At SimTigrate, we use evidence-based design in collaboration with partners to provide guidelines for best practices surrounding a variety of healthcare design problems. Our approach involves evaluating existing research, conducting our own research, testing proposed solutions in simulated medical environments, and translating the solutions for broad applications. We develop tools, data sets, and evidence that influence building design, health information technology, and healthcare products.

Working with architects, engineers, medical personnel, and others, we help find ideas for spaces and environments that are efficient, safe, healthy, and collaborative. Our current research is focused on design for mild cognitive impairment, infection prevention and safety, lighting in healthcare spaces, and teamwork in primary care.

 

We Make Healthcare Spaces...

Person in full protective gear stands inside a room, while a woman outside holds a paper. They are separated by a glass door, conveying a serious tone.

Safer Through Infection-Resilient Design

Hospital room with a single adjustable bed, white walls, and a bright ceiling light. The atmosphere is clean and clinical, conveying a sense of sterility.

Healthier with Optimized Indoor Environments

Spacious, modern lobby with light wood floors, beige and blue seating, large windows, a wooden ceiling, and a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

More Inclusive for Aging Populations

Diagram comparing centralized and decentralized nurse station layouts with a floor plan. Features include central stations, sub-stations, and pods.

More Collaborative for Better Care Coordination

Map showing food insecurity percentages in Johnson County, Kansas, using shades of blue. Green dots mark grocery stores. Gardner and Spring Hill areas are highlighted.

More Connected to Community Well-Being

Out Methods

 

We use spatial analysis, field research, and simulation—both digital and full scale—to study and improve healthcare environments. Through cross disciplinary collaboration, we explore how design can positively impact patient outcomes.

Two people point at a digital floor plan on a tablet, discussing its details. The setting is a modern, well-lit room, suggesting a collaborative atmosphere.

Spatial Analysis


We use spatial analysis tools like Depthmap to study how layout, visibility, and movement impact care. This helps us evaluate environments and support projects on cognitive impairment, primary care teamwork, and infection prevention.
A PPE training session with medical staff in blue and white gowns. A table displays protective gear. Observers in casual clothing watch attentively.

Simulations


Our 5,000 sq. ft. lab builds full-scale, flexible mockups. Using low-cost materials and real equipment, we test how design impacts behavior. This method supports projects on infection prevention, lighting, and primary care teamwork.
A busy office space with three people working; one using a laptop, another at a bulletin board, and one in red walking. The room is organized and bustling.

Field Research


We conduct field research in healthcare using tours, interviews, focus groups, mapping, and shadowing. These insights reveal care challenges and guide design. This approach supports work on primary care teamwork and infection prevention.
A group of people in a kitchen gather around a counter with a laptop and scanning equipment, attentively observing a scanning demonstration.

Functional Scenarios


Healthcare spaces support different needs: patients value comfort, providers need safety and efficiency. We use functional scenarios to assess how well designs meet these needs, supporting work in lighting, teamwork, and inpatient room layout.

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