Deb Sheehan and Susan O’Connell explain why human-centered design is not as simple as asking for a chicken and getting one.
We often talk about “designing for people,” but what does that really mean in practice, especially in complex sectors like healthcare, higher education and civic infrastructure? The latest episode of the Design-Build Delivers Podcast, brought to you by ARKANCE, explores that question with two leaders who bring decades of experience to the discussion.
Deb Sheehan, ACHE, LEED AP, EDAC, DBIA, and Susan O’Connell, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, DBIA, share how human-centered design creates projects that truly serve the communities who use them. In the episode, Sheehan and O’Connell describe how human-centered design requires deep listening, prototyping and iteration, going beyond just responding to surface-level requests. They emphasize how successful projects hinge on understanding the nuances of user experience, inclusivity and adaptability.
Guests in this Episode
Susan O’Connell, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, DBIA
Managing Principal at AC Martin, 35+ years in complex projects across civic, aviation, higher ed; skilled in integrating input and leading multidisciplinary teams.
Deb Sheehan, ACHE, LEED AP, EDAC, DBIA
Healthcare Core Market Leader at DPR Construction, oversight of $9.5B+ in projects, board roles, evidence-based design leader.
Examples range from healthcare facilities designed to evolve alongside changing technologies and patient populations, to campuses that create belonging for first-generation students and their families, to civic spaces that welcome the public instead of intimidating them. Human-centered design is about anticipating needs and designing for the future as much as solving problems today.
They also discuss how DBIA’s Best Practices, Design Excellence Position Statement and Project/Team Awards Programs provide frameworks and recognition that encourage more empathetic, inclusive approaches across the industry. As with sustainability, which evolved from an optional differentiator into a standard expectation, human-centered design is on track to become foundational in design and construction.
Need a Chicken. Got a Chicken: Why Human-Centered Design Is More Complex Than It Looks
Resources
Want to learn more? Check out these resources mentioned in the episode:
Chapters
00:00 — Setting the Stage
02:10 — Defining Human-Centered Design
03:51 — Inclusive Design in Practice
06:29 — Designing Beyond the “Average User”
09:50 — Healthcare Flexibility and Prototyping
12:26 — Balancing Stakeholders and Values
20:46 — Human-Centered Design Done Right
23:55 — Recognition and Awards
29:33 — Advice for Owners
36:43 — What’s Next in Human-Centered Design
44:08 — The Chicken’s Out of the Bag
The Design-Build Delivers Podcast is sponsored by ARKANCE. Learn more at arkance.us/dbia.
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