November 18, 2024
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2 min
😷 Doctor: “I have to get it right the first time. A wrong diagnosis could cost someone their life.”
🥸 Designer: “I deliberately throw away the first version. Failure is the fastest way to create a good product.”
Two completely different approaches to the same goal: finding the best solution. Doctors are trained to be precise and cautious—and rightly so, because their decisions have direct consequences for people’s lives. We designers, on the other hand, embrace experiments, prototypes, and rapid iterations because we know that perfection comes from trying, testing, and learning.
The problem arises when a doctor has to use a medical app that is “not finished yet.” Or when a designer suggests that they “quickly try something out” with a system that manages patient data.
The middle ground? Iterate within safe boundaries. We test extensively in controlled environments before anything enters real-world healthcare practice. And we help doctors understand why some imperfections can actually lead to better end products.
That’s why we love working with doctors throughout our design process. Their attention to detail keeps us from moving too quickly, while our iterative approach helps them see that improvement is a process.
🟢 TodayTomorrow creates human-centered technology for the healthcare of tomorrow. In the Designers & Doctors series, we share fascinating insights into our collaboration with healthcare professionals.