In the fast-paced world of healthcare, physicians are often expected to work long hours under intense pressure, making decisions that directly impact the lives of their patients. With such demands, it’s no surprise that physician burnout has become a significant issue in the medical field. According to…

In a world that often celebrates the rational, the strategic, and the logical, sensitivity is sometimes seen as a vulnerability. But when it comes to design, sensitivity isn't a weakness—it's a superpower. Designers, whether working in healthcare, technology, architecture, or any other field, are tasked with solving problems for real people. Understanding emotions, needs, and unspoken pain points allows designers to…

In healthcare, the importance of high-quality treatment, skilled practitioners, and cutting-edge technology is well understood. But what if I told you that one of the most significant challenges in public health today doesn’t come from the medical field itself, but from design—or more accurately, poor design? From crowded waiting rooms to confusing health apps, to medical devices that frustrate rather than help, poor design can have a serious impact on health outcomes. And it’s not just…

Even though the design process has distinct steps, it can be vague and challenging to navigate. Here are five hard truths about the design process that I have learned along the way…

When we think about designing for wellbeing, many ideas can come to mind. The important thing to remember is that wellbeing design should not be approached as “one-size-fits all.” Solutions can look differently depending on…

In some corporate cultures today, “human-centered design” (also referred to as “HCD”) has become a buzz-word synonymous with brainstorming activities, interviews, surveys, and half-baked solutions that aren’t really evidence-based. When you compare this approach to…

Blue Zones are regions of the world where people enjoy longer, healthier lives, marked by high rates of chronic disease prevention, mental well-being, and a strong sense of community. These regions—Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece), and Loma Linda (California)—provide powerful insights into the lifestyle factors that contribute to longevity. Integrating these principles into healthcare, particularly through design thinking and human-centered design (HCD), offers a pathway to…

In a world where innovation and adaptability are crucial, designers are stepping into leadership roles like never before. But what makes designers such natural leaders? Problem-solving is at the heart of design. Designers are trained to look at complex issues from multiple perspectives, balancing functionality, aesthetics, and user needs. This ability to think critically and creatively makes them uniquely equipped to lead teams, shape vision, and inspire change. Here’s why designers are natural-born leaders…

Biophilic design is one of the gateways to wellness and healing. Why? Because our surroundings impact us more than we realize, from our physical health to our mood to our productivity to our creativity. Therefore, when we think about creating environments for optimal health…

Deciding to pursue my interest in design is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Along the way, I have gleaned some insights worth sharing about the journey…

People always ask the question, ‘What do you mean by “design”?’ The short answer is: it’s everything. But, in an effort to be more descriptive, I have put together a list of key concepts that describe design beyond graphics and aesthetics…

While it may not be obvious, physicians and designers have quite a bit in common. Their environments may be different, but their approaches to problem-solving are similar. Here is a list of transferrable skills from practicing medicine that make me a better designer today…

We have all been there — waiting in long security lines, run-walking to the gate to make it on time, worrying about whether a delayed flight will prevent us from making a connection. Traveling through airports can be one of the most stressful, anxiety-provoking experiences. But, what if design could change that? During a recent trip with Delta Air Lines…

Dignity means “the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.” So, when we talk about designing for dignity, shouldn’t we be talking about creating products, services, experiences, and solutions that spark joy and social impact…

In a world where technology, products, and services are deeply embedded in nearly every aspect of our lives, design holds an immense power to shape how we experience the world—and ultimately, how we live. From the apps we use on our smartphones to the physical environments we work in, design influences not just functionality, but also our emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing. But in this age of rapid innovation and convenience, one fundamental question arises…

If we are truly taking mental health seriously, then we should be committed to identifying and addressing all root causes of mental health issues⎯including the impact of poorly designed environments. Poor environments may worsen mental health by…

Wellbeing design transforms, heals, and connects us. Here are five reasons why we should be using it more in the home and beyond…