Human-Centered Design Workshops

Sensory Architecture: A Journey Through the Senses A client approached us with the vision of creating a wellness retreat that transcended the conventional. As with all our projects, we began with Land Studies, exploring its natural systems and understanding that the users were not the only guests but also the flora, fauna, and ecosystems of the place. This research led us to question: What if architecture did not only adapt to nature but co-created with it? More than a physical space, a wellness retreat is an experience. Designing in harmony with nature means creating a living, responsive architecture that interacts with its surroundings and strengthens the connection between people and the natural world. To achieve this, we studied light, sound, wind, vegetation, temperature, smells, and the metaphysical features of the site, asking key questions like: How can sensory experiences promote healing? Each site visit revealed new aspects, allowing us to map natural rhythms—light movement, wind patterns, biodiversity, influenced by the time of day and the season of the year. Studying the senses can seem overwhelming due to their subjective nature, so it was essential to understand how to measure and quantify the effects of these sensory elements on well-being. •⁠ ⁠Sight and Light: Light, essential for visual perception, influences emotions and biological rhythms. Orange light (582-620 nm) stimulates vitality, while blue light enhances concentration but can disrupt sleep. Based on these effects, one can design lighting strategies that respond to the physical and emotional needs of users at different times of the day. •⁠ ⁠Sound and Frequencies: Sound travels in waves and affects mood. Low frequencies induce relaxation, while high frequencies create alertness. Mapping natural sounds—wind, water, birds—allows us to define zones of tranquility and areas with greater sensory stimulation.  - Touch and Textures: Tactile perception involves pressure, temperature, and texture. Smooth wooden surfaces convey warmth, while rough stone evokes stability. By analyzing local materials, we design spaces that foster relaxation and a connection with nature through touch. •⁠ ⁠Smell: Smell is linked to the limbic system, influencing emotions and memories. We identified natural fragrances—like citrus & wood—to integrate them into architecture and enhance well-being. For example, we aim to design an experience where guests wake up to the invigorating scent of citrus, promoting energy and alertness, and wind down at night with the calming aroma of lavender, encouraging restful sleep. To bring this vision to life, we are working with experts from various disciplines, focusing on ecology, environmental conservation, neuroscience, and the use of local materials and construction techniques. Sensory architecture transforms design into a living organism that breathes, listens, and responds.

Emotion-Centered Design in UX focuses on how users feel, not just what they do. It helps build trust, boost engagement, and reduce drop-offs by creating emotionally meaningful experiences. Tools like emotion maps, empathy maps, and microinteractions help designers understand and improve user feelings at every step. Apps like Duolingo, Headspace, and Slack use humor, calm visuals, and friendly language to turn simple tasks into emotionally engaging experiences. Great UX doesn’t just work — it feels right. #ui #ux #design

💎 60 UX Strategy Methods And Activities (Figma) (https://lnkd.in/eCDU-vhR), a large repository of UX methods, templates and activities for ideation sessions and product sprints, from storyboards and brainwriting to 6 thinking hats, journey mapping and concept testing. Neatly put together in one single place by fine folks at Merck. The team has also put together a very thorough overview of their UX Strategy Kit (https://lnkd.in/ek5dEYn4), broken down by categories for strategy, observation, ideation and warm-up, along with detailed video walkthroughs, examples and step-by-step guides. Frankly, most of these methods are unfamiliar to me. And by no means is the point to actually study and apply all of them. What works for you works for you. To strategize, I rely on How Might We but also think about metrics that should be moved once we implement some features or refine some user flows. For event storming and brainstorming, I tend to rely on Bono’s 6 thinking hats to align brainstorming, and (of course) journey mapping. For ideation, I love using storyboards to jump right into the user’s success story, but would also use card sorting with cut-out paper cards to understand user’s mental model. And for almost every project, I’d run concept testing with tree testing or Kano model, or low-fidelity/paper prototyping to understand if we are on the right track. Once you sprinkle a bit of critical thinking, early user testing and strategic planning across the design work, you gain confidence that you are moving in the right direction. And really that’s all you need. A few of my personal bookmarks with UX methods and activities: UX Tools For Better Thinking, by Adam Amran 👏🏽 https://untools.co/ Playbook For Universal Design (+ PDF/Powerpoint templates) https://lnkd.in/ernris4g UX Methods & Projects, by Vernon Fowler https://lnkd.in/eAHaiaSm 18F Method Cards https://methods.18f.gov/ Hyperisland UX Methods Resource Kit 👍 https://lnkd.in/eDTaci7T How To Design Better UX Workshops, by Slava Shestopalov https://lnkd.in/edxqCC-n How To Run UX Workshops With Users, by yours truly https://lnkd.in/ejm7_TsS Happy designing, everyone — I hope you’ll find these guides and resources helpful to get started. Just don’t feel like you have to try out all of them. It might be much more worthwhile to get early feedback from stakeholders and end users, even if your work isn’t really “good” enough. Good luck! #ux #design

Rather than think Human-in-the-Loop - which implies AI-first with human involvement - it is often better to think AI-in-the-loop, with humans in control and AI supporting as useful. A new paper explores the distinctions between these models (link in comments). Some of the insights: 💡 Automation or collaboration? The key difference in the models is how control and accountability are allocated between human and machine. Essentially human-in-the-loop is automation with human involvement, while AI-in-the-loop is human-driven collaboration with AI. 🔄 Patterns of interaction. In human-driven setups, the AI’s role is highly contextual, tailored to the user’s specific needs and expertise. For AI-driven models, the human interaction is often more reactive—addressing errors or fine-tuning outcomes. 🤝 Trust in human-AI collaboration. Trust is earned differently in these systems. For human-driven setups, users need to feel that the AI is transparent and interpretable. For AI-driven systems, trust hinges on the system proving reliable over time and aligning with user expectations. In both cases, trust is critical to generate useful collaborative outcomes. 🛠 Selecting the right system for the task. The choice between human-in-the-loop and AI-in-the-loop systems depends on the complexity of the task. For repetitive or predictable tasks like inventory forecasting or detecting product defects, AI-driven systems can automate effectively. For nuanced and high-impact applications like personalized healthcare decisions or crafting adaptive education strategies, human-driven systems should be chosen. The language and frameworks we use shape the systems we create. The implicit framing that AI leads in the human-in-the-loop phrase is dangerous. In many cases we absolutely want humans first, with AI-in-the-loop where it is useful.

Medical checkups can be mentally and physically stressful for patients. Will it hurt? How long will it take? Then there's the uncertainty before the diagnosis. But simply not going is not an option. That's why we do everything we can to make examinations as comfortable as possible for patients. It starts with the human-centered design of our modalities. Beginning in the development phase, we already take the patient's perspective into account, even working together to find the best solution. We also collaborate closely with the professionals who will be running the device for hours. For these experts, a safe, comfortable, and easy-to-operate workplace is essential. This is what human-centered innovation means to us at Siemens Healthineers: Our innovations are designed for patients and healthcare professionals alike – for everyone, everywhere, sustainably. These individuals are either in a personally sensitive situation – or it’s their job and passion to help others. For both groups, human-centered design is key to strengthening trust and enhancing the human side of healthcare. A solution's impact on a clinical workflow isn't determined by the range of technical functions it offers, but rather by how it provides those functions in an understandable, accessible, and practical way. Take mammography as an example – a particularly sensitive screening that is extremely important in our joint fight against cancer. After all, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer for half of humanity: Every minute, four women worldwide are diagnosed with this disease. Early detection is crucial, which is why the examination must not be daunting. As studies indicate, women with perceived pain or unpleasantness were more likely to avoid future mammograms. For this reason, designing medical devices to create a calming environment and promote a sense of safety for patients plays an important role in healthcare delivery.

Can you see the sign just behind me? It says: "YOUR FAMILY IS EXPECTING YOU HOME TONIGHT" I saw it on the gate to a building site, on my way out of London City Airport. It utterly stopped me in my tracks. The sign was from a construction company, 8build and though it was clearly aimed at site workers, it stood out as a brilliant piece of communication that contains a wider lesson. Health & Safety messaging is often serious, procedural, and repetitive. Wear goggles. Watch for moving machinery. Fill out the form. Important? Absolutely. Memorable? Not always. And that's a problem. Because on building sites there is a phenomenon called Alarm Fatigue. It essentially means that if you work on a building site you can quickly become so desensitised to the beep beep beep of a large earth-moving diggers reversing that you tune it out. Which if you're standing behind one can have nasty consequences. The same phenomenon occurs in hospitals where monitoring machines sound alarms so frequently that nursing staff start to ignore them - which can be similarly harmful to human health. But the "family" message reframes the issue entirely. It isn't about the rules. It is about the personally-relevant reason to follow them. In a world where we're bombarded with signs, warnings, checklists and compliance notices, it's a powerful example of how to have people re-engage with boring but important signals. Imagine how other organisations could transform their tired messaging using this approach: Instead of "Please wash your hands" in hospitals, signs that read "Your next patient is counting on these hands being clean" Rather than "Back up your data" IT reminders, companies could use "Your best work deserves to survive a coffee spill" Instead of "Confidentiality agreement required" in client meetings, say "The trust our clients place in us begins with this signature" Rather than "Remember to schedule your annual review" in HR communications, remind your teams that "Your next promotion depends on a conversation we haven't had yet" An imaginative reframe can shift focus from dull procedures to clear purpose, and from reluctant compliance to consequences that matter personally. The sign at City Airport was a lesson about how reframing language inventively can have more impact on behaviour than almost anything else. What stale language in your organisation is no longer being heard? Are there critical messages for your teams, customers or suppliers you could refresh and reframe today? (And, hey, don't forget to stay safe: our families are expecting us ALL home tonight.)

HR Tech Conferences are over. My take? AI in HR is going after the wrong goal. I’ve seen a ton of HR tech vendors demo AI in HR solutions in the past months. The big promises? HR processes will be 20% faster here and 10% cheaper there. We no longer need self-service, because AI will become the new user interface and make us more efficient. And while that sounds cool, here's the catch: If we use AI to replace self-service with a natural language front-end, we’re completely missing the point. First off, self-service isn’t the enemy! Sometimes, it’s exactly what we need. Take something simple, like updating your bank account or changing your address. In these cases, self-service is fast, efficient ánd it validates your input. You don’t want AI to replace this with natural language. Don’t get me wrong, AI has a place in HR. I’m convinced of that. But we must shift our thinking: AI is about more than just making processes more efficient or introducing a new front end. It’s about empowering HR professionals in ways we were unable to do until now. AI has the potential to transform HR, not just by streamlining tasks, but by reimagining how work gets done. It should help HR teams move beyond the mundane to focus on the strategic, the impactful, the human side of HR. Imagine a world where AI doesn’t just make a process more efficient but actually anticipates what HR teams need and provides data-driven insights in real-time. Imagine AI helping HR professionals make better decisions faster, providing them with smart recommendations, and ultimately freeing them up to do the high-value work that only humans can do. That’s what we should be focusing on. Efficiency is the baseline. Empowerment is the goal. It isn’t often that a new technology comes along that has the potential to be transformative. So let’s be bold and think about AI as the engine that powers HR’s next revolution. Instead of optimizing current processes, let’s focus on AI’s capabilities first, then design the approach as if we never had an HR function. (Or an ERP!) What are the outcomes we must achieve? How can AI help us get there? It’s time to move beyond automation and start using AI to transform HR. What kind of HR do we want to build? What do you think? How can AI really empower HR professionals? What’s your bold AI dream? #futureofwork #hrtech #ai

Empathy-powered. Digitally enabled. Patient connected In today’s fast-evolving healthcare landscape, connected care isn’t just about tech—it’s about enhancing human connection at every touchpoint. Key insights from Deloitte ’s 2025 Global Health Care Executive Outlook show how we can harmonize digital transformation with the human-centric care our patients deserve: 1. Prioritize integrated digital platforms • ~70% of global C‑suite leaders are investing in digital tools and services to enable seamless patient journeys . • This connectivity supports continuous care—whether in-hospital, remote, or at home. 2. Modernize core systems while keeping the human anchor • 60% are upgrading EMRs and ERP systems . • When clinicians can access integrated data swiftly, they spend less time documenting and more time connecting with patients. 3. Embed empathy into every digital interaction • Cybersecurity (78% prioritize) builds trust—patients feel cared for when their data is protected . • A secure, respectful environment is the foundation for truly human-centered care. 4. Enhance clinician well-being to improve connectedness • 80% of leaders recognize workforce strain; digital tools can reduce burnout and foster deeper patient engagement . • When staff feel supported, they show up both professionally and emotionally. 5. Expand virtual and hybrid care with a personal touch • 65% of consumers find virtual care more convenient —but scaling it successfully means integrating empathy and follow-up. • Reimagining care pathways ensures consistent human connection, whether digital or face-to-face. ⸻ 🎯 Managing connected care with humanity means: • Leveraging interoperable systems that share real-time insights across care teams. • Training clinicians in digital empathy—listening through the screen, addressing emotional cues. • Designing secure, intuitive platforms that empower patients without overwhelming them. • Supporting staff with AI-driven admin relief, enabling them to focus on people. • Creating holistic care pathways that blend telehealth, in-clinic, and home-based services under one cohesive plan. By weaving technology into our care systems thoughtfully, we can create a healthcare experience that’s efficient, personalized, and emotionally resonant. Looking forward to your thoughts: how is your organization balancing connectivity with compassion? Sara Siegel Link to the report: https://lnkd.in/etDPEc3a #connectedcare

AI is entering decisions that touch people directly, while many organizations are still catching up on governance. A human-centered approach makes ethics concrete, pushing teams to explain choices, review bias, and stay accountable, with clear effects on trust and compliance. Key implications for practice: Development cycles include ethical reviews, extending timelines, but reducing downstream risk Transparency requirements push teams to document models and decision logic in usable ways User rights reshape data management, increasing accountability in how information is handled Continuous evaluation becomes standard, requiring monitoring beyond deployment Cross-functional teams grow in importance to balance technical, legal, and human factors Effective adoption depends on embedding these principles into daily workflows, not treating them as external controls. #EthicalAI #AIgovernance

Most AI implementations can be technically flawless—but fundamentally broken. Here's why: Consider this scenario: A company implemented a fully automated AI customer service system, and reduced ticket solution time by 40%. What happens to the satisfaction scores? If they drop by 35%, is the reduction in response times worth celebrating? This exemplifies the trap many leaders fall into - optimizing for efficiency while forgetting that business, at its core, is fundamentally human. Customers don't always just want fast answers; they want to feel heard and understood. The jar metaphor I often use with leadership teams: Ever tried opening a jar with the lid screwed on too tight? No matter how hard you twist, it won't budge. That's exactly what happens when businesses pour resources into technology but forget about the people who need to use it. The real key to progress isn't choosing between technology OR humanity. It's creating systems where both work together, responsibly. So, here are 3 practical steps for leaders and businesses: 1. Keep customer interactions personal: Automation is great, but ensure people can reach humans when it matters. 2. Let technology do the heavy lifting: AI should handle repetitive tasks so your team can focus on strategy, complex problems, and relationships. 3. Lead with heart, not just data (and I’m a data person saying this 🤣) Technology streamlines processes, but can't build trust or inspire people. So, your action step this week: Identify one process where technology and human judgment intersect. Ask yourself: - Is it clear where AI assistance ends and human decision-making begins? - Do your knowledge workers feel empowered or threatened by technology? - Is there clear human accountability for final decisions? The magic happens at the intersection. Because a strong culture and genuine human connection will always be the foundation of a great organization. What's your experience balancing tech and humanity in your organization?