Visual Aids in Rural Health Clinics: A Design Ethnography Case Study From Indigenous Dayak Communities

Aim This case study examines the challenges associated with visual aids in rural health clinics serving remote communities, addressing the gap at the intersection of healthcare environment design and rural health communication. Background While urban health clinics typically provide a comprehensive range of easily accessible visual aids, rural clinics remain limited in both availability and accessibility. Focusing on rural health clinics within Indigenous Dayak communities, this study investigates the challenges surrounding visual aids through an Indigenous standpoint. Methods This study uses an exploratory qualitative case study, incorporating observations, design ethnography, and interviews with key participants (N = 6). Observations were conducted through regular visits to local health clinics, including photographic documentation of the clinic environment. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with health workers and community members to explore experiences and perspectives on visual aids. Qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic approach. Results Findings reveal several key themes related to challenges in visual aids within rural health clinics, including infrastructural limitations affecting access, issues of representation and navigation of local voices, and institutional constraints influencing design and policy directions. Conclusion Identifying these challenges provides critical insights into the conditions of visual aids in rural health clinics in Indonesia. The study offers implications for health workers, policymakers, and designers, and proposes recommendations to inform future design interventions. These interventions aim to enhance visual aids in rural and remote settings through participatory approaches and collaboration with local communities.