Colloquia

Summary

Digital twin technology is gaining significant attention and advancing rapidly in several industries like aerospace, manufacturing, automotive, urban planning, and healthcare. With breakthroughs expected every day, its applications are expanding and becoming increasingly complex. Grieves' fundamental concept of the digital twin includes three key components: a physical entity in the real world, a digital counterpart in a virtual space, and a two-way connection facilitating data and information exchange. Digital twins are employed in various sectors for management, predictive maintenance, planning, and real-time simulation based on data from numerous sensors and devices.

However, in the healthcare and well-being sector, the application of digital twins is still in its early stages. In healthcare, digital twins currently assist with equipment maintenance and hospital management, but their potential extends further. The ultimate vision is a digital twin of a person, their organs and systems, which could revolutionise healthcare by aiding faster recovery from injuries, optimising treatments, and predicting diseases.

This master's thesis explores how potential end-users perceive and expect a personalised digital twin for their healthcare and well-being needs in a future scenario based on their healthcare journey. The project follows the double diamond design methodology, which supports qualitative research through participatory design methods like generative brainstorming and interviews. These were used to engage potential users and guide the project's direction. The initial generative brainstorming sessions identified key focus areas, such as the users' healthcare journey and prognoses. This led to semi-structured interviews with seven participants of different age groups, including open-ended follow-up questions.

The interview transcripts were analysed using the Reflexive Thematic Analysis method, following its six phases to identify several themes and overarching themes. Based on these themes and personal recommendations, various concepts and conceptual use cases of a digital twin were developed. An implementation guide and feature inclusions were also proposed to aid future development.

The findings suggest that while the use cases can be adapted for most age groups, different age groups have distinct desires and expectations. Therefore, a digital twin would be more effective if it changes according to changing needs. Engaging with users in the development of a healthcare digital twin can uncover valuable insights that large organisations might otherwise overlook.