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Culturally Competent Design

Meaning

Culturally Competent Design is a development philosophy in health and wellness technology that mandates the creation of applications, interfaces, and services that are sensitive, respectful, and effectively tailored to the cultural, linguistic, and health literacy needs of diverse populations. This design approach acknowledges that health behaviors, beliefs about illness, and technology engagement are deeply influenced by cultural background, requiring more than a simple translation of content. The aim is to dismantle systemic barriers and biases embedded in digital health tools to ensure equitable access and utility across all user groups. This is particularly crucial in hormonal health, where cultural norms significantly impact discussions around fertility, menopause, and sex hormone balance.