Designers affect the quality of life and well-being of individuals and entire populations through the designs they create. Today, some of the most exciting design work is being carried out in the broad and diverse field of health. OCAD University’s Master of Design (MDes) in Design for Health offers the student a unique opportunity to develop competency in the area of health design.

Nearly every aspect of health care needs design expertise, including systems, service, program, and product design. As more inclusive healthcare policies and practices are developed, health challenges considered in the program include:

  • The emergence of new infections including epidemics and pandemics
  • Chronic diseases including mental health and addictions
  • An aging population
  • Health inequities including disparities in access for care for structurally marginalized individuals and groups
  • Creating inclusive and healthy built environments
  • Global health initiatives including HIV-AIDS and access to medicines
  • Patient and caregiver oriented care planning and delivery
  • A shift to multi-setting and multi-disciplinary healthcare delivery including digital health and telehealth.