Designing for Black Health Futures: Exploring Black-Centered Design from a Human Factors Lens in Pursuits of Equitable Black Health Futures

My research investigates the use of Afrofuturism, guided by human factors principles, to design digital health tools that address Black health equity. Rooted in Black-centered design (BCD), my work centers on incorporating the voices, values, and lived experiences of Black individuals in the design process. By integrating patient ergonomics, I aim to create a systematic approach to BCD, focusing on improving health equity for Black maternal mental health. My initial literature review examines design approaches used in Black digital health technologies, while my first field study identifies barriers, pain points, and resilience in accessing mental health resources for Black birthing individuals. Future research will include insights from designers and healthcare providers, leading to a co-design session leveraging Afrofuturism to develop digital tools that meet the mental health needs of Black birthing people. This work aims to establish a structured, human factors-based approach to BCD for health equity.