New drone technology has great potential to address major global health challenges, from disaster response to the speedy delivery of goods to the world’s hardest-to-reach places. With support and funding from the Wasserman Foundation, IDEO.org explored this question by talking to experts, identifying the most valuable potential use cases, and convening a community to join the conversation. Read more about what they’ve designed at flyinghelpers.com.

In considering the potential of drones towards global health challenges, IDEO.org addressed two major questions. 

How might we make drones more human-centered? Making drones more affordable and effective is only a small part of how we might drive large-scale adoption and use. The need for an intuitive user experience can’t be overlooked.

How do we bring together the right system components? For drones to play a role in improving health in a developing world context, we need a system that involves multiple stakeholders: health organizations, local staff such as community health workers, drone technology partners, and government, alike.

On Feb. 26, IDEO.org hosted the first Drones for Health Summit in San Francisco. We convened 40 global-health implementers, drone-technology representatives, funders/investors, and designers. We shared our “Postcards from the Future” video to imagine how UAV technology can benefit global health. Participants worked together to develop potential solutions and uncover opportunity areas. 

Our “Postcards from the Future”:

1. Capture the missing picture

Real-time aerial imaging can play a transformative role in emergency response and last-mile health.

2. Connect the Dots

Drones can play a key role in extending and strengthening infrastructure. Rather than disrupting or trying to leapfrog over existing health delivery mechanisms, drone technologies can help to extend their reach and accelerate service.

3. Improve Everyday Life

In the hands of local entrepreneurs, drones can be tailored to address local needs, create entirely new businesses, and flourish in local economies.

Find out more and join the conversation at flyinghelpers.com.