Human-Centered Design Lab
Human-Centered Design Lab Initiatives
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
Led by Chris Decker, MD, Julia Schmitt, Ilya Avdeev, PhD, and Kathryn Havens, MD
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

Karen J. Marcdante, MD
Member, Faculty Pillar, Kern Institute

M. Chris Decker, MD
Director, Culture & Systems Pillar, Kern Institute

Julia Schmitt
Program Manager

Ilya Avdeev, PhD
Adjunct Professor; Member, Culture & Systems Pillar, Kern Institute

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

Ethan Duwell, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow

Kathryn Havens, MD
Member, Culture & Systems Pillar, Kern Institute


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