The Potential of Digital Technology to Engage Children with Hospital Experience and Design

Abstract: This study examines how virtual reality (VR) supported co-design methods can help recover children’s perspectives in shaping hospital environments. Building on NHS priorities for child-centred healthcare design, the project developed immersive digital replicas of key hospital spaces through 360° video, 3D models, and VR simulations. These were tested with children from local schools to explore their perceptions, reduce hospital related anxiety, and gather design preferences. Findings show that VR supported children engagement, familiarity with clinical spaces, and insights into sound, colour, layout, and wayfinding. The study shows the potential of VR as a participatory tool for inclusive paediatric healthcare design.