Human-Centered Design Lab
The Human-Centered Design Lab focuses on partnering across the MCW/Froedtert health system to help departments, committees, pathways and groups solve problems and advance their projects using inclusive, creative problem-solving techniques and human-centered design methodology.
Human-Centered Design Lab Initiatives
Transformational Ideas Initiative (TI2)
Transformational Ideas Initiative (TI2)
Led by Chris Decker, MD and Julia Schmitt
This annual seed grant program funds projects proposed by MCW faculty, staff, students, residents and fellows that focus on innovating medical education. Projects are developed using an innovator's mindset and piloted each academic year, with an emphasis on advancing successful pilots into the college permanently.
Human-Centered Design Sprints
Human-Centered Design Sprints
Led by Chris Decker, MD, Julia Schmitt, and Ilya Avdeev, PhD
Human-Centered Design is a team-based approach to problem-solving that uses empathy to develop a deep understanding of any problem. This allows the problem to be clearly articulated, which paves the way for brainstorming of solutions, followed by prototyping a solution that is most impactful.
Human-Centered Design Lab Members

Ilya Avdeev, PhD
Member, Human-Centered Design Lab, Kern Institute

Amy Beierle, MA
Instructional Designer; Member, Human-Centered Design Lab, Kern Institute

M. Chris Decker, MD
Member, Human-Centered Design Lab, Kern Institute


Ethan Duwell, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow

Karen J. Marcdante, MD
Director, Human-Centered Design Lab, Kern Institute

Morgan Maring
Student Member

Lana Minshew, PhD, MEd
Co-Director, Human-Centered Design Lab; Member, P-METaL Lab, Kern Institute

Ramneet Mann
Student Member, Human Centered Design Lab, Kern Institute

Julia Schmitt
Program Manager
