How to Redesign Everyday Life for Health: Thomas Goetz of Building H

Thomas Goetz, founder of Building H (BuildingH.org) , spoke at NextMed Health about his journey from editor of WIRED magazine to public health and entrepreneurship. He highlighted the persistent challenges in healthcare, noting that while technology and decision-making tools have advanced, systemic issues remain unresolved. Goetz critiqued current healthcare approaches to obesity, such as expensive medications and surgeries, and advocated for changing the commercial environment to promote healthier living.
Building H developed the "Product Environment" framework, scoring companies on their impact on health behaviors. Goetz presented examples like the positive influence of Culdesac's car-free communities and the negative effects of Netflix's binge-watching design. He introduced "Healthy Design Principles" to inspire products that foster human contact, activity, mindful defaults, and positive health outcomes.
Goetz calls for collective action to build a healthier civilization and inviting the audience to join Building H in this mission.
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