116 / Innovate with Empathy: Unpacking Trauma-Informed Design, with Matt Bernius

It can be overwhelming to think about all of the impacts – both positive and negative – that our products might have on those who use them. In this episode of Product Momentum, Paul is joined by Matt Bernius, friend of ITX and Principal User Researcher at Code for America. Matt discusses trauma-informed design in an approachable way that will change how you think about your work.

Awareness should be your first step in working toward being trauma-informed and trauma-responsive, Matt offers. The simple act of listening to this episode puts you squarely on the right path.

Matt Bernius explains that experimentation that brings about even incremental changes can make a difference and be truly innovative. When we improve products for users who have experienced trauma, he says, we make them better for everyone using or building the product, regardless of their life experiences.

Through trauma-informed individuals we can build more resilient organizations. “It’s a responsibility of the organization to create an environment that doesn’t require extreme resilience,” Matt adds, “not the fault of an individual for not being resilient.” Matt points out.

We can all work toward developing resilience in ourselves and each other and, in the process, can create psychologically safe organizations where innovation thrives best.

Catch the whole episode to hear more of Matt’s practical tips and impactful insights:

• About half of adults in the U.S. have experienced trauma of some form or another.
• Trauma “lives in the body.”
• Re-traumatization – when your body re-lives a traumatic experience – has long-term adverse impacts.
• Listen to your innermost feelings, even in situations where you’re trained to be objective.

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