Jenna Hagan,
Human-centred
Visual & Service Designer




Using Visual Cues to Improve Our Ward Doors 



Making sensor doors make sense at Te Toka Tumai Auckland

Many wards at Te Toka Tumai Auckland are equipped with automated doors. These doors support infection prevention by eliminating the need to touch surfaces, enhance security by requiring staff ID access, and improve mobility by allowing beds and equipment to move freely. However, because the doors are triggered by motion sensors, they can open unexpectedly—leading to confusion and occasional collisions.

In response to this, the Security for Safety Team approached Ara Manawa for help designing a safer, non-disruptive solution.

My Role

I led the design concept, testing, and implementation of the intervention. My work included analysing environmental constraints, designing visual cues, prototyping solutions, and ensuring the final intervention could scale across multiple wards. I collaborated closely with security and clinical teams to ensure the solution aligned with infection control requirements and spatial limitations.

The Opportunity

The challenge was to reduce door-related incidents and improve spatial awareness without altering sensors, reconfiguring doorways, or adding more signage to already busy environments. The solution needed to be low-cost, quick to implement, and easy for staff and visitors to understand at a glance.

Sketch image of visual noise on the ward doors before visual cues were added (left), photograph of ward doors before visual cues were added (right)

Key Challenges

  • Environmental constraints: No structural or sensor changes allowed
  • Visual clutter: Existing signage competed for attention in high-stress spaces
  • Usability: The intervention had to be intuitive without additional instructions
  • Safety-critical: Changes needed to avoid introducing new hazards or workflow barriers

The Approach

I proposed using visual design to influence behaviour and spatial awareness. By applying vinyl decals directly to the floor and doors, we created clear, intuitive visual cues to guide users.

Key activities included:
  • Environmental Analysis: Reviewed spatial layouts and observed how doors were used in real-world conditions
  • Design Development: Created vinyl decal concepts highlighting ID keypads, safe standing zones, and door swing paths
  • Implementation: Scaled the solution across multiple wards at Te Toka Tumai Auckland

These interventions required no structural changes or sensor adjustments—just thoughtful, context-aware design.

Concept 1
Concept 2
Concept 3

Key Outcomes

  • Improved safety: Fewer accidental collisions through better spatial awareness
  • Increased clarity: Visual cues made it easier to identify where to stand and how to activate the door
  • Low-impact implementation: A scalable, non-invasive solution that avoided additional signage clutter
  • Positive staff feedback: Clinical and security teams supported the rollout across more wards

What We Learned

Small, thoughtful design interventions can have a big impact on clinical safety. By working closely with the Security for Safety Team and observing real-world use, we were able to develop a scalable, low-cost solution that aligned with environmental constraints and user behaviour.

Conclusion

The vinyl decal intervention shows how thoughtful visual design can improve safety and user experience in healthcare environments without requiring major infrastructure changes. This project demonstrates the power of human-centred design in solving everyday challenges at scale.

Vinyl decals applied to ward doors