User-Centered Design of a Face Shield for Healthcare Workers

Abstract

A face shield is personal protective equipment that protects all or part of the face. It is worn to prevent injury or reduce the spread of infectious diseases. The purpose of this study was to explore what problems healthcare workers experience while wearing a face shield, and to develop a new face shield design with improved usability. For user needs-based design, three-stage interviews were conducted with three healthcare workers with experience wearing face shields and product design major graduate students. Reported problems with face shields were related to human factors such as low degree of seal confidence, low work efficiency, skin irritation, pressure, glare, heat, and humidity. Based on the needs of healthcare workers and product design perspectives, a low-fidelity concept was developed and reviewed, including basic improvement directions and redesign ideas. Iterative design evaluation and user interviews were performed throughout the design process for modifications of the design. A final face shield design that enhances protection and usability was developed and described.