THE PATIENT AS SKILLED PRACTITIONER.

Abstract

We challenge the limiting view imposed on interaction design by the concept of usability because we hope to bring more awareness of and sensitivity toward skilled practitioners to the forefront of the design process. This article draws upon empirical research examples of patients who ‘do’ home hemodialysis and asks what happens when patients are considered skilled practitioners rather than as victims? In this article we argue for a change of perspective, from users to skilled practitioners in the design of technological devices. We advocate to design tools for enskilment, allowing for a sense of empowerment.