Designing Mental Health-Friendly Spaces: An Empathy-Based Service Design Approach to Optimising the Built Environment for Mental Health

Mental health (MH) is crucial to overall well-being. The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System recommendation presents significant opportunities for cross-disciplinary research. This study explores the transformative potential of merging speculative design (SD) and service design (SvcD) within the context of MH service development. Through a qualitative analysis of interviews and co-design workshops, we unearthed essential insights into the design elements that enhance MH and well-being, emphasising an empathy-based SvcD approach and community engagement. Our findings suggest a cultural approach to MH services provide a pathway to generating a shared vision for their future. We propose guidelines for future research, positioning interdisciplinary collaboration as essential for advancing MH-friendly spaces. The fusion of SD and SvcD provides a robust framework for addressing complex challenges, transcending geographical boundaries, and fostering inclusivity in mental healthcare. These results have significant implications for policymakers, designers, and service providers, inviting them to rethink MH service delivery and envision more holistic, inclusive, and empathetic approaches.