I'm currently designing for the future of digital medical technology at Johnson & Johnson as a UX Designer co-op.
My background in Industrial Design has prepared me to consider the nuances of multi-modal interactions, specifically those that require both digital and physical inputs and outputs to work in harmony. In my current role at Johnson & Johnson, I've been able to apply my experience in both towards the design of robotic surgical interfaces, patient-facing mobile technology, and software that streamlines the surgeon's workflow.
Recently, I released a white paper that influenced Chinese hospital construction during the pandemic
While researching healthcare worker safety at SimTigrate Design Lab, my team and I released a white paper detailing the optimal layout of biocontainment unit doffing rooms (the rooms where healthcare workers take off their PPE). This work was informed by many interviews, co-design sessions, and observations with healthcare workers operating in serious communicable disease wards.
My master's thesis is exploring the brain tumor patient experience
The beginnings of the brain tumor patient experience are marked by an influx of unfamiliar medical jargon, fragmented healthcare teams, and a drastic decline in quality of life. Project Aether identifies key opportunities to mitigate some of the loss of life and act as the patient’s advocate during their care journey.
Traveling keeps me curious.
Immersing myself in new environments has led to lasting inspiration and a sensitivity to the affect culture can have on the perception of design. Find me at the next Salone del Mobile and let's chat about design!
Furniture design keeps me grounded.
Designing in 3-dimensions is a nice complement to digital work. It requires a new lens and an incredible amount of patience and planning - there is no Ctrl + Z to undo a mistake (measure twice, cut once). My interest in emerging technology has opened new possibilities for furniture design, too, like mixing 3-prints with wood and paint.
My approach to design
Collect evidence through research in order to systematically track and justify design decisions throughout the entire project
Designs are only as strong as well as they are justified, and designers should have a hunger to back their decisions through evidence.
Bring equal parts competence and compassion to a project
Designers are, more often than not, outsiders to the field they are designing for, and this is particularly true for healthcare design. We should aspire to be damn good at what we do, but also equally emphasize doing it through a lens of compassion. Compassion brings patience, openness, and a willingness to understand the target population we are designing for from a more holistic standpoint.
Collaboration means understanding where design fits into research, development, and business.
Design does not exist in isolation, so we should aspire to understand the language of those we are working with. A working knowledge of proper research practices and development constraints can go a long to way to creating a mutual respect and a healthier work environment.
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Designed and built by Benton Humphreys. © 2020