Written Communication May 2026

Leveraging Human-Centered Design and Artificial Intelligence to Improve Rural Healthcare: Wicked Problems, Design Thinking, and Mutable Methodologies

Richard Johnson-Sheehan ; Thomas Rickert ; Paul Thompson Hunter ; Adrianna Deptula

Abstract

This study explores how a human-centered design (HCD) approach encourages written communication researchers to rethink methodologies when studying wicked problems, particularly in healthcare communication contexts. We argue for “methodological mutability” as a strategy to address complex and evolving challenges in rural healthcare communication. Using design thinking principles, we investigated how generative AI (GenAI) and machine learning can enhance medical communication, streamline documentation, and improve telemedicine usability. Our research revealed that rural healthcare providers view effective patient-provider communication as their primary challenge. This finding led us to pivot toward exploring how AI applications can structure and enhance patient narratives. We advocate for researchers to adopt a designer mindset, integrating methodological flexibility to move beyond problem analysis and instead develop solutions. By embedding HCD, design thinking, and methodological mutability into research design, researchers can prioritize practical interventions when working in spaces beset by wicked problems.

Journal
Written Communication
Published
2026-05-15
DOI
10.1177/07410883261440256
CompPile
Search in CompPile ↗
Topics
technical communication artificial intelligence
Export
BibTeX RIS

Citation Context

Citation data not yet available for this article.

Related Articles

  1. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Apr 2026
    How to Write With GenAI: A Framework for Using Generative AI to Automate Writing Tasks in Technical Communication ↗
    Guiseppe Getto; Susan Kelley; Bremen Vance
    technical communication artificial intelligence
  2. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Mar 2026
    Canon to Code: Rhetorical Rulemaking for Generative AI Content Audits and Governance ↗
    Miriam F. Williams
    classical rhetoric modern rhetorical theory rhetorical criticism assessment technical communication artificial intelligence
  3. Journal of Business and Technical Communication Jan 2026
    Increasing Literacy on the Scams Targeting Latines: Generative Artificial Intelligence, Digital Technologies, and the Latine Community ↗
    Gabriel Lorenzo Aguilar
    rhetorical criticism technical communication artificial intelligence literacy studies
  4. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly Dec 2025
    Is Your Résumé/Textbook Up-To-Date? An Audit of AI ATS Résumé Instruction ↗
    Kathryn Lookadoo; Sarah Moore
    teacher development technical communication professional writing artificial intelligence
  5. Journal of Business and Technical Communication Oct 2025
    Extractive Artificial Intelligence and Its Challenge to Technical Communication ↗
    Collin Bjork
    technical communication artificial intelligence