What is Human-Centered Design Thinking, and Why Are We Using It to Reframe Ageing?

What if ageing wasn’t something to fear but a design challenge—one we could approach with creativity and purpose?

I first encountered Human-Centered Design Thinking while working on student projects in Vietnam. Many of the non-government organisations we collaborated with used this process to better understand and support the people they served. I was immediately drawn to its approach—one that prioritizes listening, empathy, and co-creating solutions with those directly impacted. Rather than imposing solutions from the outside, Design Thinking empowers individuals to define their own needs and take charge of the changes they wish to make.

Enthralled by this problem-solving system—one that sees every challenge as an opportunity—I immersed myself in learning as much as I could. My background in design theory helped, but I also turned to the experts at IDEO, the pioneers of Design Thinking, to deepen my understanding.

Human-Centered Design Thinking emerged from the late 1960s and early 1970s entrepreneurial boom in Silicon Valley, a time of rapid technological and cultural change. At its core, it follows a structured yet flexible process: deeply understanding the people affected by a challenge, generating creative solutions, and testing ideas in real-world contexts. Today, it’s used by organisations worldwide—Google, IBM, banks, hospitals, and even governments, such as Singapore’s dedicated Design Thinking department.

After years of teaching Design Thinking and running workshops with diverse groups—from Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital to secondary school teachers in Rockhampton—I’ve integrated these principles into my own life. I’ve seen firsthand how valuable they can be for individuals navigating life’s transitions. That’s why I believe Design Thinking is a powerful tool for reimagining ageing.

Design Thinking doesn’t hand you answers; it asks the right questions so you can discover your own. But let’s be clear from the start: ageing isn’t a problem to be solved—it’s an opportunity to be designed, in your own unique way.

Our Cherry on Top workshops are based on Design Thinking and our concepts of conscious, courageous, curious and connected ageing, building the foundations of a fulfilling and engaged life no matter what your circumstances.