Colleges and universities are embracing life design as a way to help students succeed both academically and in life after graduation. Originating from the book Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, life design uses six design-thinking principles to help individuals manage changes and transitions. It enables students to find purpose, improve their well-being, and set meaningful goals for the future.
This approach is not only reshaping how students navigate their education but also creating campus-wide transformations. Adrienne Ausdenmoore, assistant vice president at Bowling Green State University, explains how her university is embedding life design into its student programs.
What is Life Design, and Why Does it Matter?
Life design is a process rooted in design thinking, a problem-solving framework used to create innovative solutions. When applied to education, life design helps students develop strategies for achieving personal and professional success.
Key Principles of Life Design:
- Empathy: Understanding oneself and others to make informed choices.
- Defining the Problem: Identifying goals and challenges to tackle.
- Ideation: Brainstorming possible pathways to success.
- Prototyping: Testing small steps to explore solutions.
- Iteration: Learning from experiences and adjusting plans.
- Taking Action: Moving forward with confidence and purpose.
By teaching these skills, colleges empower students to take charge of their lives and careers.
Life Design and Student Well-Being
One of the main benefits of life design is its focus on improving students’ overall well-being. It helps students handle stress, make better decisions, and stay motivated during challenging times.
How Life Design Boosts Well-Being:
- Clarifies Priorities: Students learn to focus on what truly matters.
- Reduces Stress: Having a clear plan helps ease anxiety about the future.
- Encourages Resilience: Students adapt to setbacks and grow from experiences.
These benefits are particularly important in today’s fast-paced and competitive world, where students often struggle with mental health challenges.
Transforming Academic Success Through Life Design
Life design also impacts how students approach their education. Instead of just aiming for good grades, they learn to see their academic journey as part of a bigger picture.
Benefits for Academic Pursuits:
- Purposeful Learning: Students align their studies with long-term goals.
- Improved Focus: By knowing their purpose, students concentrate better on their work.
- Creative Thinking: Life design encourages students to explore new ideas and solutions.
Colleges that implement life design help students connect their education to their future careers and passions.
Preparing for Life After Graduation
Many students feel unprepared for life after college. Life design bridges this gap by teaching practical skills for career planning and personal growth.
Life Design’s Role in Future Planning:
- Career Exploration: Students test potential career paths through internships and projects.
- Goal Setting: Clear, actionable steps are created to achieve personal and professional ambitions.
- Networking Skills: Life design encourages building connections for future opportunities.
This approach ensures students leave college with not just a degree, but also a plan for success.
Bowling Green State University’s Life Design Initiative
Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is leading the way in implementing life design across its campus. Adrienne Ausdenmoore, executive director of the Geoffrey H. Radbill Center for College and Life Design, shares insights into their efforts.
How BGSU is Integrating Life Design:
- Campus-Wide Changes: Life design principles are embedded into courses, advising, and student activities.
- Workshops and Training: Students participate in programs that teach life design skills.
- Support Systems: Dedicated staff and resources help students navigate their journeys.
BGSU’s initiative shows how colleges can create supportive environments that prepare students for meaningful lives.
The Broader Impact of Life Design
Life design is more than just a tool for individual success; it has the potential to transform higher education. By adopting this approach, colleges can create a culture that values personal growth and lifelong learning.
Why Life Design Matters:
- Addresses Modern Challenges: Helps students adapt to rapid changes in the job market.
- Promotes Inclusivity: Encourages diverse perspectives and solutions.
- Fosters Leadership: Prepares students to become confident, purpose-driven leaders.
As more institutions embrace life design, its positive impact will continue to grow.By focusing on well-being, academic success, and career preparation, this framework empowers students to live purposeful and fulfilling lives. Colleges like Bowling Green State University are proving that life design can make a real difference, helping students navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
