Life Design: Human-centered and Cognitive-Based Tools for Personal Change

The way we think shapes the way we feel, act, and grow. Yet many of us face unhelpful patterns—like catastrophizing, perfectionism, or people-pleasing—that keep us stuck and limit our potential at work and in life. By combining Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles with tools inspired by Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), we can shift these patterns and approach challenges with curiosity, creativity, and practical action.

This workshop introduces a set of simple yet powerful practices—like the cognitive triangle, thought-record reframing, and week-structuring experiments—that help us re-design how we respond to everyday stressors and setbacks. Together, we’ll explore how an experimental mindset and a bias toward action can counter unhelpful thoughts and open new possibilities for growth and resilience.

In this hands-on session, you’ll learn and experience:

• Common cognitive distortions and their impact on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
• Reframing as both a cognitive-behavioral and design tool to reduce analysis paralysis and encourage small, test-and-learn interventions
• How prototyping small, low-risk changes can help you iteratively tweak your routines and habits

This interactive workshop centers on reflection, dialogue, and real-time application, equipping you with concrete tools to reframe challenges, experiment with new approaches, and design a more balanced, intentional path forward.

Agenda

6:00 // Opening

6:15 // Warmup activity on Cognitive Distortions

6:35 // Introduction to Life Design

6:45 // Thought-record Framing Practice

7:05 // Discussion about the Cognitive Triangle

7:35 // Reinforcing techniques

7:45 // HCD Lab Community Time

8:00 // Dessert social @ Toscanini's Ice Cream

About the facilitators

Dr. David von Behren is the Associate University Organist and Choirmaster of the Memorial Church at Harvard University. He holds his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Boston University College of Fine Arts, his Master of Music degree at Yale University’s School of Music/Institute of Sacred Music, and his Bachelor of Music degree from Cleveland Institute of Music. David has released six albums on all streaming platforms, and his recordings have been featured on American Public Media and NPR. Most recently, David collaborated with Grammy award-winning cellist, Yo-Yo Ma, in a recording featuring the Harvard University Choir releasing this month. David is the chair of the American Guild of Organists’ National Committee on Educational Programming. David concertizes extensively throughout the United States and Europe under the auspices of Concert Artist Cooperative III management. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and scuba diving as a certified divemaster.

Sylvie Abookire is a multidisciplinary systemic and service designer specializing in behavioral science, complexity, and care systems. She leads service design work across government and health in the US and UK, and is particularly passionate about mental/emotional wellbeing, social connection, and prevention. Sylvie is also the founder of Creative Crossroads, where she applies her background in behavioral psychology and human-centered design to help career transitioners build more aligned and fulfilling lives.

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Host or Publisher Human-Centered Design Lab