BørneRiget Hospital
Creating a social network for young patients in long-term hospital care
2021
With BørneRiget Hospital × Fjord
Role: Led experience design and strategy, running workshops with stakeholders and iterative testing with teens
The Challenge
Adolescence is already complex - now imagine experiencing it from a
hospital bed. BørneRiget Hospital noticed that teens in medical treatment
were struggling with isolation and disconnection during a crucial period of
identity development.
The Outcome
A mobile app that transforms hospital environments into vibrant
communities – that uses QR codes and motion tracking to create an always-on
festival atmosphere where adolescents can build community, stay active,
and maintain their sense of identity during treatment at the hospital.
From Medical to Social: Rethinking Care
We conducted research with patients across different treatment scenarios, revealing how critical social connections are during treatment. Rather than building another medical tool, we approached this as a social design challenge. The research also established parameters to inform any solution for this age group.
Design through feedback and collaboration
The design process centered on rapid prototyping and constant feedback. We developed a series of interaction prototypes, testing them with teens who had different mobility levels and treatment requirements. Each session helped us refine the experience, leading to features like adaptive motion games for bedridden patients and social spaces that work across physical limitations.
Features that bring agengy, engagement and movement
The platform now enables teens to discover events, connect with peers, and participate in activities regardless of their physical location in the hospital. QR codes transform ordinary spaces into game zones, while a careful balance of privacy controls and moderation makes social interaction safe and natural. Custom avatars and achievement systems give back a sense of agency that's often lost during medical treatment.
Where we landed
UngeUnivers is being implemented at BørneRiget's new facility, with early testing showing increased social interaction across mobility levels and higher engagement in physical activities. The platform has evolved into a framework that could transform how teens experience medical care, proving that digital tools can create more human healthcare spaces.
