October 21, 2025

Dr. Kristian Olson, Vice President of Design Impact, Mass General Brigham | Finding Healthcare's Hidden Solutions Through Human-Centered Design

1 hour 1 minute

In this episode of Bright Spots in Healthcare, we explore how human-centered design can uncover breakthrough solutions already hiding in plain sight. Dr. Kristian Olson, Vice President of Design Impact at Mass General Brigham and leader of the Springboard Studio, shares how slowing down to understand problems leads to faster, more effective innovation.

The conversation dives into:

The four pillars of effective healthcare innovation: design research, prototyping, supported implementation, and impact measurement
How "stupidest ideas" exercises and question storming unlock creative solutions in frontline staff meetings
Real results from Salem Hospital's mobility speedometer (300% increase in patient movement, reduced length of stay)
The COVID testing booth prototype that saved $1 million per year while reducing gown usage by 97%
Developing low-cost neonatal resuscitation devices in Uganda and India that improved ventilation skills
Why frontline staff must be co-creators, not just implementers, of healthcare solutions

This discussion offers practical frameworks for health plans, hospitals, and healthcare leaders looking to harness their teams' ingenuity and drive measurable improvement.

Guest Bio: https://www.massgeneral.org/doctors/17235/kris-olson

Resources & References

MGB Springboard Studio: www.mgbspringboardstudio.org
Augmented Infant Resuscitator: ebinnovations.net
Positive Deviance approach to solving malnutrition in Vietnam (referenced as inspiration)

Partner with Bright Spots Ventures: If you are interested in speaking with the Bright Spots Ventures team to brainstorm how we can help you grow your business via content and relationships, email [email protected]

About Bright Spots Ventures:

Bright Spots Ventures is a healthcare strategy and engagement company that creates content, communities, and connections to accelerate innovation. We help healthcare leaders discover what's working, and how to scale it. By bringing together health plan, hospital, and solution leaders, we facilitate the exchange of ideas that lead to measurable impact. Through our podcast, executive councils, private events, and go-to-market strategy work, we surface and amplify the "bright spots" in healthcare—proven innovations others can learn from and replicate. At our core, we exist to create trusted relationships that make real progress possible. Visit our website at www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com.

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