To Design Your Life, You Need A Blueprint

The phrase ‘Hygiene Factors’ would probably trigger visuals of sanitizers and masks, when in fact psychologist Frederick Herzberg was thinking of motivational factors that contribute to work satisfaction.

In our big wide world of humans-trying-to-make things-work, theories are constantly being churned out in every field with fascinating core ideas and labels to them.

One of these ideas that have gained some traction, originating from Engineering, is Design Thinking. Ivy League university Stanford has a Design Program whose director has co-authored a popular book (and now entire mini-industry) called Designing Your Life — how to build a well-lived, joyful life.

Now, who would not want a well-lived and joyful life?

The book has many wonderful gems that are helpful, not in the least because it feels so easy to apply, with its clear 5-step process: Empathise, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test… until you realize that it assumes many things, including certain rational capacities, not being in poverty, and life opportunities.

In other words, it’s the province of those who can afford to design (like those who can afford an ID for their new home, versus those who have to slap together clapboards or be grateful to have a roof that doesn’t leak).