“P-Heroes”: designing a superhero family for pediatric urinary incontinence care
Bladt, Lola (1,2); Nieuwhof-Leppink, Anka (3); Blomme, Rose-Farah (1,2); Vermeulen, Jiri (2); Vermandel, Alexandra (4,5); De Win, Gunter (5,6); Van Campenhout, Lukas (1)
Type:
Year:
2026
Editor:
Štorga, M.; Škec, S.; Martinec, T.; Marjanović, D.; Pavković, N.
Author:
Bladt, Lola (1,2);
Nieuwhof-Leppink, Anka (3);
Blomme, Rose-Farah (1,2);
Vermeulen, Jiri (2);
Vermandel, Alexandra (4,5);
De Win, Gunter (5,6);
Van Campenhout, Lukas (1)
Series:
DESIGN
Institution:
1: Department of Product Development, Faculty of Design Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium; 2: Department of Research and Development, Minze Health NV, Belgium; 3: Department of Urotherapy, Psychology and Urology, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands; 4: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium; 5: Department of Urology, University Hospital Antwerp, Belgium; 6: Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre (ASTARC), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium
Page(s):
3205-3214
DOI number:
ISSN:
2732-527X (Online)
Abstract:
This study presents the “P-Heroes”, a superhero family designed through a Research through Design process to support children with urinary incontinence. Inspired by children’s own superhero drawings, expert input, and validation sessions with children, the design evolved through iterative prototyping. Each hero embodies traits such as persistence, comfort, emotional regulation, resilience and structure. Together, the "P-Heroes" reflect the diversity of children’s journeys toward continence and serve as a playful conversation starter to help them express their needs and experiences more openly.
Keywords:
