We've been discussing the healthcare issue around the office recently. None of us are experts on the issue nor do we claim to be. Discussions sometimes get heated because the issues are closely tied to personal views of social injustice and the role of government. Bottom line I think we all agree that things need to change but none of us are sure how.

My thought has been to approach the health care system like design problem in need of re-design. To apply the same principles and see what we come up with. I've personally tried to picture the healthcare system like a car. One that takes forever to start, is burning through gas and makes a "whoo-woo" sound. My hope was to isolate the part(s) causing problems for the rest of the engine and determine if it's something small or something more systemic. Now I know this is a pretty tangled up mess and I'm probably oversimplifying a solution. But sometimes being outside of the problem can offer a better view. I know thats been the case in brand strategy, design or even counseling a friend. The one who can see the forest not just the trees has got a better perspective on things. So, based on my admittedly cursory inspection I think the problem is the whole design. For my purposes here lets just assume I'm right. That leaves three options:

1. fix the "whoo-woo" sound (for now)
2. throw the car away and ride a bike
3. redesign the engine (assuming I know how)

There's got to be a better design. And here's my point (finally), that as we develop the new design it's got to be both smart and objective. No agendas, no backward problem solving, no ear marked parts. In my opinion, the best approach would be to start with a blank slate. We can agree the car has problems. Start there. Lets also agree that not everyone is going to get everything they want. Then go from there. Do you agree?

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