Image from: https://commonedge.org/alissa-waller-echo-park-and-the-housing-crisis-in-los-angeles/ Housing shortages represent one of the most complex design challenges in the U.S. Rising home prices have put homeownership out of reach for many. Additionally, the most affordable housing options are often far from public transportation hubs, creating barriers for those reliant on these services. Addressing this issue requires not just building more homes but also considering the integration of infrastructure, like public transit, to ensure affordability and accessibility are balanced.

Finding our way back to a complicated parking garage can be daunting, exemplifying a classic wicked design problem. Typically, there are no issues parking at L'Enfant Plaza and heading to the Wharf by foot—though parking at the Wharf itself is a different story. However, the real challenge comes when it's time to return to the garage. Last night marked the third time we got lost trying to locate the actual garage where we had parked. The lack of clear signage or directives leading us to the correct garage made the experience frustrating. From what I understand, there are two (or maybe even three) garages at the Plaza, which only adds to the confusion. If the parking garages were included in every map directory displayed upstairs inside the Plaza, it would significantly improve the parking experience. The current setup clearly needs a design overhaul to better guide visitors and eliminate unnecessary stress.

Wicked problems such as nicotine products are prevalent locally and globally. I personally do not use any form of nicotine but my good friend is a habitual vaper. When I am with her and she runs out of “juice” we must stop and purchase a new vape. She chooses by browsing the packaging and is typically drawn to the ones that match her aesthetic closest. I see this as a wicked problem because designers of these products have knowledge that their designs will contribute to addiction and health risks for consumers. It makes me think whether I would trade money or business deals for my ethical duties to others if put in a position to decide.

The fashion industry is broken, and For Days is leading the charge to fix it. As fashion industry mavens, founders Kristy Caylor and Mary Saunders were seeing first hand the effects of fast fashion: growing landfills. That's why they put a stake in the ground and started For Days. For Days is the first circular fashion brand: everything produced is organic, non-toxic, and can be recycled into new fabric. Completing the circle, For Days also collects, sorts, and recycles used garments through its take back bag. Read more about For Day's story and methods here.

"Dalits, or those born into marginalized castes in India’s rigid hierarchies, have faced violence and oppression on the subcontinent for thousands of years. Though the system is now illegal in India, its impacts are still far-reaching and can manifest in every aspect of life. With the growing Indian diaspora in the U.S., the system has been brought to a new continent." - NBC News

Another example of a systemic use of human-centered design is Portugal's approach toward drugs and addiction. While substance abuse is typically viewed through the lens of criminal activity, Portugal chose to design its drug policy through a more holistic and empathetic lens. In 2001, they implemented drug policy that is rooted in the understanding that substance use disorder is a health issue—not a criminal offense. Policies include: decriminalizing personal drug possession while maintaining penalties for drug trafficking, referring individuals with problematic drug use to Commissions for the Dissuasion of Drug Addiction instead of incarceration, funding harm reduction techniques, and investing in data collection and reporting. While we can't—and shouldn't—copy and paste these policies in the United States, this article suggests some ways the federal government can use this approach to satisfy the desiderata of Americans struggling with substance abuse.

As the finale to this miniseries on "wicked design problems" (and their accompanying posters), I'm highlighting one of the most complicated—and truly "wicked"—design problems: crime and criminal justice. While the "tough on crime" faction square up against the "defund the police" advocates, crimes continue to be committed at a rate higher than pre-pandemic levels. So what do we do? Do we throw the baby out with the bath water and deconstruct the centuries-old system (which many suggest was an archetype of oppression)? Or do we double down on criminal punishment, risking discrimination and disproportionate sentences? Of course this is a false dichotomy, but political polarization has lead us to believe these are the only two options. Once again, I present to you an insightful article, the suggestion to approach the complex issue using holistic design thinking, and, of course, a pretty neat poster. Godspeed.

The lack of creativity in the design of the healthcare system in the United States has led to catastrophic costs—particularly to the wallets of American citizens. With one of the highest average per-capita costs, the United States' employer-based health insurance system needs a design intervention. This article articulates the issue and potential solutions much better than I can. In turn, I created a poster of the issue. Enjoy.