“In Hong Kong where the “service economy” makes up over 90% of GDP, the search for professional and systematic approaches to ensure continuous improvement and innovation of services is imperative.” (Hong Kong Design Centre, 2008).
The Hong Kong Government are currently focused on “Four Pillars of Economic Improvement”: Design and Creativity, Innovation, Logistics and Tourism. Earlier last month, due to the creative and innovative nature of their improvement plans, the Hong Kong Government invited thinkpublic Founder and Director Deborah Szebeko to participate in the “ReD 2008″ Service Design Conference at the Hong Kong Design Centre in Kowloon Tong.
Speaking to an audience of over 300 people (70% public servants) and alongside presentations by HKSAR Government representatives Teresa Chu and Jennifer Chung, Deborah and Elaine Hide (Service Improvement Lead, Luton and Dunstable Hospital), presented a practical case study about their Experience Based Co-design work at the Head and Neck Cancer Clinic at Luton and Dunstable Hospital.
Whilst in Hong Kong, Deborah was also given the opportunity to visit Tuen Mun Hospital, in the New Territories west cluster (pictured), offering thinkpublic a real insight of their current health services.
The Experience Based Co-design project and methodology received extremely positive feedback and swiftly led to conversations surrounding a potential 2008 pilot project, where thinkpublic could work with Hong Kong public sector departments, exploring service experience improvements.