MU Children's Hospital
An all-in partner for
experience design, tech, build and install
Designed with the patient experience in mind, this brand-new $232MM, 146-bed pediatric hospital goes beyond a traditional healthcare aura to create a warm and colorful environment suited for even the littlest of patients. DI joined the project as the comprehensive experience design and interactive technology expert, collaborating early on with hospital leadership as the seven-story facility broke ground.
Positive distractions were a key component of the experience design strategy for the hospital. Each floor has its own distinct color and animal associated with it, which are both a simple wayfinding mechanism and playful element of design. From otters and ducks to bears and deer, our team designed and 3D-modeled animal sculptures that were then carved and painted by TivoliToo. The sculptures illustrate a mother and her little one as an ode to the caring nature of the pediatric hospital.
The largest ‘wow’ moment within the space is the 18-foot-tall dimensional tree sculpture rooted in the hospital’s atrium, accompanied by floating clouds and hundreds of bluebirds soaring overhead. In addition to the sculptural elements, our team created and installed nature-themed wall graphics, murals, elevator panels, and giant slide puzzles throughout the space. Together these elements cultivate an engaging and healing environment for all patients.
TECH INTEGRATION FOR PATIENT EXPERIENCE
The DI scope went beyond physical design, creating various interactive tech elements throughout the space to be used as positive distractions for pediatric patients. NatureVerse is interactive patient engagement technology that invites patients to scan the QR code located on the first-floor lobby, create their own animal avatar, and explore a wondrous world seemingly far away from treatment.
After selecting and customizing their animal avatar, players can collect fireflies and release them as colorful fireworks based on the color combinations they’ve gathered. Returning patients can pick up where they left off as they venture through a captivating world of fantastical landscapes alongside fellow players.
CreatureVerse
This gamified digital adventure is our latest version of DI’s CreatureVerse, which was customized for this pediatric hospital’s theme and branding.
The animals and environment within NatureVerse are a direct replication of the animal sculptures and graphics inside the hospital. This physical and digital integration allows for brand consistency and a customized connection.
A digital coloring book wall located in the first-floor lobby invites patients and visitors to unlock their inner artist. Using gesture-tracking technology, this touchless, interactive tool allows users to “color” by moving their hands across customized scenes. The coloring book wall also doubles as a word search and I-spy moment.
ONE PARTNER, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
As the turnkey experience design, fabrication, installation, content development, and technology partner, DI was able to integrate branded physical and digital experiences that captivate young patients and tell a unique story.
Learn more about positive distractions, digital interactives and master facility planning.
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Brandon Kuzara
Corporate and Healthcare Account Director
Brandon has over seven years of Client Success, Account Management, and Business Development experience working within various industries alongside countless clients. With a unique background that spans multiple roles, Brandon tries to... more about Brandon Kuzara
JC Hendricks
VP + ECD Interactive Technology
As Vice President / Creative Director – Interactive & Technology, JC specializes in syncing ever-changing technology with great design to create engaging interactive experiences. He leads the Technology Studio, directing a... more about JC Hendricks