John Weiss

Executive Creative Director, WebMD

HxD 2012 - John Weiss - Conscious by Design from HxD Conference on Vimeo.

Conscious by Design

Healthcare systems claim to be acutely aware of the human condition and of people’s needs. But in their insistence on creating a system largely based on clinical research, and a passing empathy for user input, they have failed. Healthcare is not about an opportunity to change lives, it is about an obligation.

And, changing behavior isn't about knowledge. It's about human consciousness; being fully aware of one’s own existence, sensations, thoughts, surroundings, and much more. Einstein said, "No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it."

We have to radically alter the way we approach designing systems that are intended to improve the health and lives of the people we serve. This talk will focus on key insights you can use to change your state of consciousness, including:

Understanding the critical importance of design and taking steps to make sure it has a central place at the table.
Allowing intuition, exploration and behavioral psychology to inform the systems you design.
Exploring the impact of motivational forces, both conscious and unconscious, on human behavior and attitudes – and designing systems that acknowledge these forces.

When you leave this talk you will have some meaningful tools that will enable you to start addressing failed systems and create a new approach that will have real impact, and result in lasting behavior change.

Bio

As the Executive Creative Director of WebMD Health Services, John’s work is guided by purpose, passion, simplicity, beauty, innovation and surprise. He is responsible for crafting online experiences that change behavior and ultimately improve lives. John oversees all aspects of design across digital and traditional mediums within the organization. With over thirteen years experience in interactive and experience design, John has built and led high performing design teams as the Director, Experience Design at Waggener Edstrom and Experience Director at Ascentium. Through smart design that empowered their audience and strengthened their brand, he has designed compelling work for clients such as BMW, Microsoft, US Airforce, T-Mobile, Subaru, Amazon, Motorola, GE, Disney, Honda, and Intel.

John founded FiveEdge Media in 2003, a Portland/Seattle based Experience Design agency that conceived, prototyped and designed innovative, visually compelling application and experience designs with great attention to detail for over 28 clients which led to a successful acquisition in 2008.

John is deeply passionate about creating authentic experiences that are truly meaningful. Experiences that are rooted in elegant design and built with innovative technology. Experiences that create lasting relationships and shape the future.