#human-centered-design

#human-centered-design

When my father died a few years ago, it changed me. We had a complicated relationship, but as adults, we did our best to mend the past and spend time forming a better relationship. After he passed, I held onto the good memories, but I also regretted the things we never got the chance to do while he was alive. That's how grief works - it strips life down. The noise fades, and what remains is a clearer sense of what actually matters.

In the public sector, the stakes are high: If an agency's technology fails, real people don't get the health services they need, disaster recovery efforts get delayed, and communities lose access to services they rely on. But we also know the right technology can empower public servants to have a bigger impact. Fast forward three years, and AI is everywhere. Chatbots abound and AI widgets appear in new applications daily.

Designers need to lead with their human strengths. AI tools can generate design renderings, but it's the designers who make the final decisions, refinements, and bring them to life in the real world. There's this widespread misconception that AI will replace people in most creative work. That simply isn't true. Humans still need to be kept in the loop. No technology will ever replace a well-trained designer who empathises with how people want to live and move within a space

As young people report feeling lonelier and less connected than ever, the dating app Hinge is driving its users into real human experiences. CEO Justin McLeod shares how the platform is combating digital fatigue amongst users, as well as navigating the risks and opportunities of AI in online dating. McLeod also explores Hinge's recent collaboration with renowned psychologist Esther Perel, and offers insider tips to find that special someone in the chaos of modern romance.

"We need to think beyond ADA requirements. It's not a particular look - it's making sure you're designing so that everyone feels comfortable, and everyone can feel like their needs are supported and that they have a sense of belonging in that space."

In today's business landscape, the most successful brands aren't just selling products, they're building movements. They don't just fill shelves; they shape values.

At IDEO's Emerging Tech Lab, we focus on using human-centered design to explore and embrace new technologies, ensuring they are useful and engaging for people.

Self-watering planters that improve air quality and alert users to risk. Fashion that transforms gendered words into powerful symbols of passion.

The Mindset Myth suggests that individual success is primarily due to personal drive and attitude while neglecting systemic barriers that affect access.