What can Singapore teach us about Design? No matter how beautifully-designed a city is, the approval will come from the people who use it - its citizens. And from this point of view, Singapore is impressively functional. A core value at the heart of its design next to harmony and consideration.

1. Design lessons
from Singapore
Volume 3
Volume 3
@rreydebarros
01/10
2024
Healthcare Edition
Healthcare Edition

2. No matter how beautifully-designed a city is, the approval
will come from the people who use it - its citizens.
And from this point of view, Singapore is impressively
functional. A core value at the heart of its design next to
harmony and consideration.
This time, let’s take a closer look at the healthcare system
since I’ve recently been frequenting hospitals regularly for
physiotherapy sessions.
What can Singapore
teach us about Design?
02/11
Design lessons from Singapore | Volume 3 (2024)

3. Free eMagazines
The National University Hospital (NUH) has
recently collaborated with the National Library
Board (NLB). Patients can now scan QR codes
to access a free digital copy of a magazine
while waiting for their appointment. What a
thoughtful idea!
CONVENIENCE
03/11
Design lessons from Singapore | Volume 3 (2024)

4. Children medical institute
The pediatric center at NUH resembles a playful
theme park, featuring colorful designs and
animal-themed areas. It creates an stress-free
environment for children. No wonder the
institute won global design awards for its
interior design.
DELIGHTFUL
04/11
Design lessons from Singapore | Volume 3 (2024)

5. OneNUHS App
I really like this mobile app for its practicality. It
allows patients to manage their appointments, pay
bills, track test results, and medication. Additionally,
it enables us to register before arriving, greatly
improving our waiting time and overall experience.
Plus, it significantly reduces paper consumption.
CONVENIENCE SUSTAINABILITY
ANTICIPATE
05/11
Design lessons from Singapore | Volume 3 (2024)

6. Customer feedback
These QR codes are ubiquitous at NUH.
This one was found on a bench,
enabling anyone to provide feedback.
This allows the hospital to continually
enhance its services for the
community it serves.
CONVENIENCE SUSTAINABILITY
ANTICIPATE
06/11
Design lessons from Singapore | Volume 3 (2024)

7. COOL
AIRFLOW
YISHUN POND
Public walkway
Hospitals like Tan Tock Seng or NTFGH serve as
walkways for pedestrians heading to malls or the
subway. Along these routes, you’ll find food courts,
shops, and even art performances, creating a
vibrant atmosphere. This is particularly valuable for
long-term residents who may experience loneliness.
INCLUSIVITY
07/11
Design lessons from Singapore | Volume 3 (2024)

8. COOL
AIRFLOW
YISHUN POND
Natural ventilation
The V-shape design of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
(KTPH) funnels cool breezes from the neighbouring
pond, bringing cold air into the building without
using air conditioning. The building features trees
and plants on the rooftop and facade, offering
shade and minimizing heat absorption.
SUSTAINABILITY
08/11
Design lessons from Singapore | Volume 3 (2024)

9. Biophilic design
By integrating plants throughout its architecture,
the same hospital (KTPH) creates a healing
atmosphere by engaging the senses with lush
greenery, water features, and natural sounds. The
hospital’s abundant green spaces, four times
larger than its land area, resemble a rainforest
and attract various wildlife.
DELIGHTFUL SUSTAINABILITY
09/11
Design lessons from Singapore | Volume 3 (2024)

10. Minimal medicine waste
When collecting prescribed medicines in
Singapore, they come in a zip bag with the
exact number of pills needed and printed
instructions. This helps minimize waste and
ensures a clear understanding of the dosage
schedule.
DELIGHTFUL SUSTAINABILITY
10/11
Design lessons from Singapore | Volume 3 (2024)

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useful in any way
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11/11
Design lessons from Singapore | Volume 3 (2024)