Designing for the Hidden Majority: Interior Solutions for Hyperthyroid Patients in Hot Climates. (From Theory to Practice—Real-World Testing via a Scenario-Based Visual Preference Survey)

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Lecturer at interior design department - Faculty of arts and design -October university for modern science and arts (MSA).

Abstract

Hyperthyroid patients often suffer from heightened sensitivity to heat and stress, especially in hot climates where poor interior design can worsen symptoms and contribute to overall discomfort. Despite the number of people having this immune disease increasing by the day and continuing to rise globally, interior design rarely addresses their specific and unique needs in daily environments. This study builds on the author’s previous research, which proposed interior design guidelines intended to support hyperthyroid patients effectively. These carefully developed guidelines were translated into real-world interior solutions, particularly designed for office spaces, and thoughtfully aligned with mood boards created and curated by the author. The designs were later evaluated by hyperthyroid individuals and others experiencing similar symptoms, in order to identify preferred options, collect insights, and gather essential feedback. A comprehensive mixed-method research approach was done, utilizing a Scenario-Based Visual Preference Survey to collect both quantitative ratings and qualitative responses. The findings revealed unexpected patterns and offered valuable insights into user-centered design tailored specifically to this often overlooked group.

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