Summary
There’s something shifting in our field. Increasingly, design professionals are drawn to work in domains that truly help humanity, rather than building another ‘Uber for X’, to make the rich richer. While this is an expected response to recent world events, the reality of doing such impactful work is full of obstacles. Spanton will draw on 12+ years of UX design in healthcare to share some experiences and strategies, helping you anticipate and navigate predictable obstacles, so that you can apply your skills toward solving meaningful problems and realizing your goal of a truly impactful career. The talk will cover: 5 common obstacles 3 coping mechanisms 1 big bag of hope and determination to create lasting meaningful impact
Key Insights
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Meaningful work often entails navigating heavy regulations that are essential for patient safety.
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The complexity of healthcare solutions can create significant roadblocks to quick innovation and delivery.
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User connections can reinvigorate teams and help maintain focus on the purpose of their work.
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Quick wins and smaller projects can help uplift team morale in the midst of long-term complex projects.
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Working in sensitive environments demands respect for the populations served and careful consideration in all design choices.
Notable Quotes
"This is as meaningful as it gets."
"Every time I see our vision, I still pause in my tracks."
"If I can use my skills to give grandmas more years of dipping their toes in rivers, that's what I'm gonna do."
"Doing meaningful work is hard, but we can get through those hard parts to keep making an impact."
"Regulations aren't obstacles; they're tools to help us protect grandma."
"We can't rush through big complex problems because we have to protect grandma."
"Every decision we make affects the experience of our patients."
"The complexity of the solution doesn't always have to match the complexity of the problem."
"We owe it to these people to approach this work thoughtfully."
"Find what energizes you and your team."
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