UNE Student Innovators Explore Design Innovation to Improve Maternal Care in Maine
When a group of nursing students at the University of New England decided to bring together architects, public health experts, and clinicians for a conversation about birth, they did more than organize an event—they sparked a conversation about how design thinking can reshape maternal care in a state where access and outcomes remain pressing concerns. The student‑led initiative, titled “Reimagining Birth Through Design,” highlighted the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and offered a glimpse into how the next generation of health professionals can lead change in maternal health care.
Why Maternal Care Design Matters in Today’s Health Care Landscape
Maternal health in the United States continues to face challenges that extend beyond clinical variables. Factors such as the physical environment of birthing spaces, the workflow of care teams, and the cultural relevance of services all influence patient experiences and outcomes. Research shows that thoughtfully designed environments can reduce stress, improve communication between providers and families, and even lower rates of intervention. In Maine, where rural hospitals often struggle with limited resources, rethinking the design of maternity wards, waiting areas, and community health centers offers a tangible way to address inequities.
The UNE event brought this conversation to life by showcasing real‑world examples from practitioners who have already begun to integrate design principles into maternal health. Presenters demonstrated how simple changes—such as adjustable lighting, private family zones, and clear signage—can create a more supportive atmosphere for laboring patients. By framing these improvements as part of a broader design innovation strategy, the speakers illustrated that maternal care redesign is not a luxury but a necessary component of modern health care news.
How Student‑Led Initiatives Are Driving Change
At the heart of the evening was Shaw Innovation Fellow Emily Battye, a soon‑to‑be graduate of UNE’s Accelerated Nursing program. Battye’s background in psychology, combined with hands‑on experience in hospice and critical care, gave her a unique perspective on the gaps she observed in pregnancy and birth systems. Rather than waiting to earn her nursing license to act, she leveraged the Shaw Innovation Fellowship to convene experts, facilitate dialogue, and translate academic learning into community impact.
Student‑led projects like this one exemplify how universities can serve as incubators for health care innovation. When learners are given resources, mentorship, and the freedom to explore interdisciplinary questions, they become capable of identifying problems that seasoned professionals might overlook. The event highlighted three key ways student initiatives advance maternal care design:
- Fresh perspectives: Students often approach challenges without entrenched assumptions, allowing them to ask “what if” questions that open new design possibilities.
- Bridge‑building: By inviting professionals from architecture, public health, and Indigenous knowledge systems, student organizers create networks that can sustain long‑term collaboration.
- Action‑oriented learning: Converting classroom concepts into live events, prototypes, or policy recommendations reinforces experiential learning and prepares students to lead change after graduation.
Key Takeaways from the UNE Design and Birth Event
The evening’s program was structured to move from inspiration to practical application. Attendees first explored an educational expo that featured posters, prototypes, and interactive displays illustrating how design interventions have been tested in other regions. This was followed by presentations from two leaders in the field:
- Kim Holden, AIA, and Deb Polzin‑Rosenberg, RN, AIA—founders of Doula x Design and Better Birth Design—shared case studies where redesigning labor and delivery rooms led to higher patient satisfaction scores and reduced cesarean rates.
- Lisa Sockabasin, M.S., RN, co‑CEO of Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness, discussed how integrating Indigenous birthing traditions with Western medical practices can restore dignity and improve community trust.
A moderated panel then examined Maine‑specific maternal health challenges, such as transportation barriers in rural areas and the need for culturally responsive care for the state’s growing immigrant populations. Panelists emphasized that solutions must be co‑created with the people they serve, a principle central to human‑centered design.
Practical Steps for Integrating Design Thinking into Maternal Health Programs
For health care administrators, educators, and policymakers interested in applying the lessons from the UNE event, the following steps offer a roadmap:
- Conduct a design audit: Walk through existing maternity spaces with a multidisciplinary team, noting elements that affect privacy, noise, lighting, and wayfinding. Capture feedback from patients and staff through short surveys or focus groups.
- Prototype low‑cost interventions: Test ideas such as movable privacy curtains, adjustable bedside tables, or color‑coded signage before committing to major renovations. Use rapid feedback loops to refine concepts.
- Engage community voices: Partner with local doulas, midwives, and cultural organizations to ensure design solutions reflect lived experiences and cultural preferences.
- Measure impact: Define clear metrics—such as patient satisfaction scores, breastfeeding initiation rates, or staff turnover—to evaluate whether design changes are achieving desired outcomes.
- Scale and share: Document successful pilots and disseminate findings through conferences, journals, or institutional newsletters to inspire broader adoption.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Maternal Care Innovation in the USA
The momentum generated by student‑led events like the one at UNE points to a promising trajectory for maternal care innovation across the United States. As more health professions programs embed design thinking into their curricula, we can expect a new wave of clinicians who view the built environment as a vital component of patient safety and quality. Moreover, funding mechanisms that support fellowships, grants, and interdisciplinary centers—such as the Shaw Innovation Fellowship at UNE—will continue to empower learners to tackle complex health challenges.
For stakeholders invested in improving maternal health outcomes, the message is clear: investing in design innovation is not an optional add‑on; it is a strategic imperative. By fostering collaborations between nurses, architects, public health experts, and the communities they serve, the nation can move toward a maternity care system that is safer, more equitable, and deeply respectful of the diverse needs of birthing families.
If you are inspired by the possibilities of design‑driven maternal health and want to explore how you can get involved—whether through academic programs, professional partnerships, or community initiatives—consider taking the next step today.
Submit your application today to learn more about UNE’s nursing and innovation programs.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss how design thinking can be integrated into your organization’s maternal health services.
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Explore our related articles for further reading on health care innovation, student‑led projects, and maternal health trends in the USA.
