Why I chose to pursue a career in design
Some background
For those whom are unfamiliar with me, I’m a product designer with a background in biology. Choosing to change paths from biology to design might seem like it was an arbitrary decision, but with a brief explanation of my reasoning, you’ll see why it made perfect sense.
The process
So how does one go from studying biology and medical sciences to designing products and user experiences? Before I explain my reasoning, it might be helpful to start by acknowledging the fact that there are two common themes between these fields, helping people and solving problems. This aspect was at the foundation of my decision to pursue design.
The idea came to me whilst volunteering at a hospital as part of an Elder Life Program. A program established to keep hospitalized older adults mentally and physically active to prevent delirium and functional decline. While checking in on my patients they often described some of the challenges they faced while receiving care. Things like missing loved ones and wanting to have more autonomy, to little things like having the ability to see a clock and getting a better view of the window.
These stories left a deep impression on me, mostly because I understood that they were problems that were generally outside of the scope of what healthcare practitioners were responsible for. Healthcare providers are supposed to focus on health, a consequence of that means that they often do not have the time, or resources necessary to focus on the experience of receiving care.
After making this observation I found myself in a quandary. How can I best leverage the skills and resources I have at my disposal to be able to address these kinds of problems? After months of deliberation. I came to the conclusion that I wanted to pursue a career where the majority of my time is focused on considering these kinds of problems. The little things and the experiences that affect the lives of everyday people.
Reflection
One day I hope to work on projects where I can find ways to help improve the experience of being admitted to the hospital or reduce the feelings of loneliness that seem to plague older adults as they age.
I think problems like these are best addressed when approached from a holistic perspective, and with my knack for problem solving and general love for design, I think the best way for me to do that is as a designer.
