Bridging Innovation and Design: Collaborative Workshops on Reducing Loneliness and Social Isolation

At the South East Innovation Hub (HISES), we are always looking for ways to foster innovation that aligns with real-world challenges. That’s why our recent collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art is an exciting opportunity. Through a series of interactive workshops, we have been supporting students as they explore how design can contribute to reducing loneliness, mitigating social isolation, and ultimately preventing the need for formal healthcare interventions.

A Workshop Rooted in Reality

The first workshop set the stage for an insightful learning experience. Students had the chance to engage with members of HISES to understand the complexities of introducing new products and services into healthcare systems. By working closely with the HISES team who navigate these challenges daily, students gained a realistic perspective on what it takes to create viable, impactful solutions.

We focused on helping students grasp the intricacies of value creation, stakeholder mapping, and the broader systemic factors that influence service innovation. This grounding ensured that their ideas would be both creative and practical, with a strong foundation in real-world constraints.

Generating Ideas for Meaningful Change

As we moved into the second workshop, the emphasis shifted toward ideation. Based on their research, students began to develop solutions aimed at reducing loneliness and fostering social connections. The goal was not only to create innovative ideas but also to critically evaluate their value proposition and feasibility within NHS structures and community services.

Working in small groups, students collaborated with experts from NHS Lothian (and/or HISES) and beyond to stretch their ideas, refine their concepts, and ensure their solutions are both impactful and implementable. By the end of the session, they had a solid starting point to further develop and prepare for their final presentations.

Future Impact

Loneliness and social isolation are growing public health concerns and addressing them proactively can lead to significant improvements in mental well-being. By bringing together students, design thinking, and healthcare expertise, we are helping to shape future innovations that could make a real difference in people’s lives.

We are excited to see the ideas that emerge from this collaboration and look forward to continuing to support the next generation of designers and innovators in tackling some of society’s most pressing challenges.