Dedicated design support for projects
The HSE Spark Innovation Programme is launching the Innovation Through Design Initiative. It is open to healthcare teams working in the HSE or in Section 38 organisations.
The aim is to promote innovation using human‑centred design and to support the Design Principles for Government in Ireland.
This initiative has several stages. The first stage focuses on exploring and defining a healthcare problem.
Teams can apply for design support to help them explore and define a healthcare challenge. Designers will work with teams to speak with stakeholders, gather insights, and prepare for later development. These projects will help build knowledge about how human‑centred design improves healthcare.
What’s offered
Support will be tailored to each project’s needs.
Successful teams will receive:
- access to designers who will work with the team to explore the challenge
- an allocated member of the HSE Spark Innovation team who will support the project throughout
How the initiative works
Submit an online proposal
Teams submit their project idea through the Innovation Through Design Proposal Submission Form.
Before applying, teams should read Innovation through Design Guidance Document (PDF, 400 KB, 4 pages).
Shortlisting and interview
A panel reviews proposals using the criteria in the Innovation through Design Guidance Document (PDF, 400 KB, 4 pages).
Projects that score well are shortlisted for an online interview. The interview helps the panel understand the design project requirements.
Invitation to proceed
Projects with the highest scores in stages 1 and 2 move to the next stage.
Scoping meeting
Successful teams attend a scoping meeting to agree on the project scope and key deliverables. This forms the basis of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by both parties.
Who can apply
- Teams must include a healthcare professional working in the HSE or a Section 38 organisation.
- Teams must have identified a real problem, opportunity, or need in their service that they want to explore using a design approach.
Team requirements
Teams should include key stakeholders and decision‑makers. They should also consider the skills needed for the project.
Each team must have a:
- clinical project lead to provide clinical leadership
- project coordinator to work closely with the design team and manage activities (this can be the same person as the clinical lead if appropriate)
Teams must commit time for workshops, interviews, and co‑design activities.
Key dates 2026
- Proposal portal opens: 16 February
- Information webinar registration: 24 February
- Proposal portal closes: 16 March
- Online interviews: 25–26 March
- Invitations to proceed: 16 April
Contact
Email: spark@hse.ie