Integration of Nudging-Based Kansei Engineering and Human-Centered Design: A Conceptual Framework in Healthcare Service

This study presents a conceptual framework for the modification of Kansei Engineering (KE), incorporating nudging-enabled features with human-centered design (represented by Design Thinking (DT) methodology) applied in healthcare. Prior studies have integrated KE with other methods (such as Kano model, Theory of Inventive Problem Solving/TRIZ, and Quality Function Deployment/QFD) but have not combined KE with Nudge Theory (NT) yet. This research framework addresses this gap by explicitly targeting patient behavioral outcomes in non-critical care. KE focuses on translating customer emotional needs (Kansei) into design parameters, whereas NT stresses changing customer behavior through positive reinforcements. Once Kansei is obtained, it is hoped that positive behavior will follow. Hence, a novel integrated framework combining KE, NT, and DT will develop emotionally and behaviorally supportive strategies for non-critical patient care. In addition, it may enhance patient recovery through emotional support, build loyalty through engagement, and contribute to sustainable healthcare practices by promoting more user-centered service design.