As I reflect on 2024, I’m filled with immense joy and gratitude. This year has been nothing short of transformative for Design Centered Co. It was a year of bold moves, remarkable milestones, and enduring impact. As the year comes to a close, I’m taking a moment to celebrate our journey, our achievements, and the incredible people who made it all possible.
Celebrating Five Years of Design Centered Co.
2024 began with a significant focus on Impactor App, which we launched at Canada’s largest UX conference, CanUX, with great enthusiasm and support from the UX community. This app represents more than just a product for us; it’s a milestone that reflects our commitment to solving a pervasive issue many organizations face—bridging the gap between strategy and delivery.
Impactor App is also a symbol of transformation—not just for our clients but for Design Centered Co. itself. It represents a shift in how we think about innovation, inclusion, and psychological safety. It’s our bold investment in addressing systemic challenges, and the overwhelmingly positive response from the community reinforces that we’re on the right path.
Recognition from Our Community
Our efforts didn’t go unnoticed. This year, we were honored with the 2024 Disruptor Award at the Bootstrap Awards in Ottawa. This recognition celebrates bold visions and risk-takers who aim to challenge the status quo and bring about paradigm shifts. To be recognized for our vision and early traction was a humbling moment and a reminder of why we do what we do.
Sharing Our Expertise Around the Globe
2024 was a year of impactful conversations. We were invited to share our thought leadership on digital transformation, user experience, and fostering cultures of innovation at some of the world’s most esteemed platforms. Among the highlights:
- Speaking at Novartis Headquarters in Prague, where I discussed how Impact-Centered Design helps organizations become more agile and innovative in addressing patient needs.
- Presenting at FWD50, Canada’s foremost conference on policy transformation and digital government, where we guided discussions on AI, accountability, and e-government.
- Delivering a talk at DisruptHR, focusing on the role of psychological safety in enabling innovation and why a thriving culture should be the foundation of any transformation.
And that’s just the start. From the UK’s National Health Service to Justice Canada, and from the Institute on Governance to the UX Community of Practice for the Government of Canada, our insights sparked meaningful dialogues across sectors. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re eager to continue sharing our knowledge and learning from the incredible communities we engage with. If you’re seeking a speaker to inspire your team or audience, don’t hesitate to reach out by completing this form.
Delivering Impact Through Action
While we spoke on stages worldwide, we also rolled up our sleeves and delivered tangible results. This year, our team worked on numerous impactful projects across sectors. From simplifying access for millions of Canadians through a revamped Service Canada sign-on experience, to enhancing the resilience of Canada’s supply-chain network, to launching an engaging Cybersecurity Game that helps employees recognize and prevent security threats—our work touched diverse areas. These projects are just a glimpse of what we accomplished in 2024, reinforcing our ability to address complex challenges with creativity, precision, and a steadfast commitment to impact.
If you’re embarking on your own transformation or design project, we’d love to help guide you. We’ve created a 30-minute free consultation program where you can ask us anything—no commitment required. Contact us to get started by booking a session.
Advancing Equitable Access to Healthcare
This year, we launched an initiative close to our hearts: advancing equitable access to healthcare. In Autumn, we hosted our inaugural webinar, sparking a dialogue on the challenges and opportunities within Canada’s healthcare system. This initiative aligns with SDG-3, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal for ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all, and SDG-10, which calls for reducing inequalities.
Canada’s declining healthcare ranking is a cause for concern, but it’s also a call to action. Through our work, we’ve seen how systemic inequities—particularly those within the ‘Policy to Service Continuum’—can hinder access to essential services. This continuum highlights the often-misaligned relationship between high-level policies and the tangible services they’re meant to deliver. By focusing on this gap, we aim to design solutions that bridge these divides, ensuring better outcomes for all.
Moreover, Canada’s healthcare challenges are compounded by the underutilization of latent talent—skilled individuals who could play a pivotal role in alleviating systemic pressures. Addressing these issues isn’t just about improving services; it’s about fostering a more inclusive and equitable healthcare ecosystem. With an exciting lineup of speakers and discussions planned for 2025, we’re committed to driving meaningful change. If there’s someone you think we should feature in these conversations, we’d love to hear from you. Please complete this form to share your suggestions.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we close this chapter, we’re filled with excitement for what lies ahead. The coming year promises new challenges, opportunities, and milestones. Whether it’s through innovative projects, thought leadership, or our continued commitment to creating meaningful impact, we’re ready to take on 2025 with the same passion and purpose that brought us here.
To our team, our clients, and everyone who has been part of this journey: thank you for believing in us and for making 2024 a year to remember. Here’s to another year of bold ideas, meaningful work, and enduring impact.
