Designing DATG 2.0 Through Inclusive and Co-Design Approaches: A Human-Centered Research Project for Non-Invasive Health Technologies

Abstract

DATG 2.0 (Dynamic AngioThermoGraphy 2.0) is a PNRR-funded research project developed at the University of Ferrara that explores the redesign of a non-invasive thermovascular imaging system through an inclusive and human-centered design approach. Rather than prioritizing technological optimization alone, the project frames medical imaging devices as socio-technical systems shaped by users, clinical practices, and experimental contexts. The research adopts a mixed methodology combining co-design, structured interviews with multi-specialist clinicians, and research-through-design prototyping.Early-stage qualitative activities involved gynecologists, physiotherapists, breast specialists, dermatologists, and endocrinologists, enabling the identification of usability constraints, workflow requirements, interpretability challenges, and future telemedicine scenarios. These insights informed the redesign of the DATG device architecture, emphasizing conformability, portability, interaction simplicity, and visual clarity.A central contribution of the project is the development of a tissue-equivalent thermal phantom conceived as a design-driven experimental artifact. Through an iterative strategy addressing geometry, volume, material selection, internal channel fabrication, and thermal management, the phantom simulates sub-millimeter vascular patterns under controlled conditions. Beyond its validation role, the phantom functions as a boundary object supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and shared understanding among designers, engineers, and clinicians.By integrating human-centered methodologies with material experimentation and systemic validation, DATG 2.0 demonstrates how advanced biomedical technologies can be shaped through participatory and design-oriented processes. The project contributes to inclusive design research by illustrating a framework for aligning technological innovation with clinical adoption, user agency, and scalable digital health ecosystems.

Keywords: Inclusive Design, Design For Healthcare, Dynamic Angiothermography, DATG 2.0

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1008024