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Sjukt normalt! Challenges Perceptions of Health through Design

Last week, the doors opened to the design exhibition Sjukt normalt! An exhibition that challenges what is considered normal within healthcare. It might involve individual assumptions or societal norms. How about a gynecological chair for men, an anxiety machine, or a double stethoscope?

Within healthcare, you´ll find there are strong norms and ideas about what is natural or healthy. The exhibition Sjukt normalt! (=insanely normal) aims to challenge reflection on these norms and dominant perspectives through critical and speculative design. Britta Teleman is both project manager for the exhibition and one of the exhibitors. She does research on children's participation in healthcare and finds it exciting to showcase research through design.

"With this exhibition, we want to show how critical design has contributed to research on these topics. Many of the works are about social sustainability and inclusive communities. But design is also a powerful way to communicate research," says Britta.

Blonde woman looking into the camera and smiling. Image

Britta Teleman, project manager and exhibitor, would like to inspire all visitors to become more critical of norms and questioning in their own contexts.

A Contribution to Norm Criticism and Equal Healthcare

The exhibition aims to highlight how society is both governed by and governs norms and to make visitors understand that there is a possibility to challenge and change them. Sjukt normalt! is for anyone who wants to challenge themselves and their potential ingrained norms. It’s for those seeking an eye-opener, food for thought, or an ‘aha’ experience.

"After a visit to Sjukt normalt! the expectation is that visitors reconsiders their ideas about care and health. I hope visitors become more aware of how norms can affect us differently and that norms can be changed. The aim is to improve health for more people and make society more inclusive," she says.

Britta also points out that new interventions in healthcare and health innovation often benefit those who are already privileged. She explains:

"You need to start with efforts that benefit the most vulnerable to create more equitable healthcare. If we only focus on improving general health, we risk widening the gaps."

Open to All

The exhibition is open to the public from 9 October to 8 November and is located at Leap for Life's premises at Halmstad University. Britta encourages all visitors, even those who don't work within healthcare to be inspired to become more critical of norms and questioning in their own contexts.

"Everyone is welcome! I believe many can connect with this theme. Health care affect us all, and it's not often that we think about the norms that govern these areas," Britta concludes.

People browsing around a venue looking at a design exhibition. Image.

Sjukt normalt! is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 9 October and 8 November.

More Information and Opening Hours

Sjukt normalt! is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 9 October and 8 November.

Time: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Deviations may occur. Pls visit the website for more information.
Location: Leap for Life | Halmstad University (in the glass corridor opposite the Mangold restaurant)
Address: Kristian IV's väg 3, Halmstad
Free entry.

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