Empathy

In 2013, trainer Drew Manning published a book about an experiment he called “Fit2Fat2Fit”; over the course of one year, the normally fit Manning gained 75 lbs and then lost it again. The goal was to better understand his clients experience with weight gain and weight loss.

The book is particularly interesting for Manning’s observations about the unhealthy phase of his undertaking. He reports feeling constantly depressed, unmotivated, and short-tempered. His only solace was knowing that these motions were caused by his new lifestyle, and he went back to his normal mental state after getting back in shape.

As a designer who’s job it is to understand people’s needs, wants, and emotions, Manning’s story is a helpful reminder that there is no substitute for listening to and understanding our users. While we can’t all go to the extreme measures that Manning did, taking time to at least to and understand our users is crucial. Without his personal connection to the issue, Manning would not have discovered the deep mental struggle of being physically out of shape. Similarity, listening to and empathizing with our users deeply enables a level of understanding that would otherwise be impossible.