Celebrating Student Innovation: Tackling Loneliness Through Design
The HISES team were delighted to participate in the final presentations of our collaboration with third-year Product Design students at the Edinburgh College of Art, part of the University of Edinburgh. The creativity, innovation, and thoughtfulness displayed by these talented individuals was inspiring.
Throughout a series of workshops, students were challenged to develop solutions aimed at reducing loneliness and social isolation—key societal issues that also place growing pressure on NHS services. What stood out was the students’ mindsetto look beyond conventional app-based solutions. Instead, many focused on innovative, real-world approaches to fostering human connection and social engagement.
By tapping into local communities and encouraging face-to-face interactions, these ideas showed potential not only to support individuals experiencing loneliness but also to alleviate the burden on healthcare services. The projects demonstrated how leveraging community-led initiatives can play a role in preventing more complex mental and physical health issues.
Given their study background in product design, it was impressive to see students engage so deeply with the emotional and human aspects of loneliness. Their concepts addressed a range of affected groups, including:
- Trainee doctors and nurses facing isolation during placements
- Elderly individuals hesitant to visit their GP
- International students experiencing loneliness while away from home
Each concept reflected a genuine effort to understand how loneliness affects different people, and how design might help.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this collaboration! Collaborations like this show the value of bringing different groups, mindsets and experiences together. We’re excited to see where these ideas go next and how they might help shape a more connected, supportive future for all.
