How Hims & Hers is Humanizing Healthcare Design

Chief Design Officer, Dan Kenger, is applying D2C principles to the stale world of healthcare marketing.

Hey everyone, Austin Dandridge here. I’m looking forward to sharing some insights from the most recent episode of The Marketing Factor with you.

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Now, let’s get into the latest episode.

Dan Kenger has helped shape how we experience some of our favorite brands, from Harry's to Sweetgreen. Now as Chief Design Officer at Hims & Hers, he's bringing that same consumer-first design approach to healthcare. In this episode of The Marketing Factor, Dan shares how thoughtful design can shift how people experience and interact with intimidating topics like health.

Watch the full episode at the bottom of this newsletter, or read on for five highlights from our conversation!

Don't Create Design Rules Until You've Actually Used Them

Skip the theoretical design systems and focus on what works in practice. Great design patterns come from repeated success, not speculative planning.

In-House Design is a Whole Different Ball Game

Agency work is a sprint. In-house design is a marathon focused on long-term brand evolution. This shift requires balancing creative expression with business metrics and scalability.

Same Health Issue, Different Conversation

Healthcare messaging needs to adapt to personal contexts, especially for sensitive issues. A one-size-fits-all approach misses the emotional nuances that shape how people interact with health brands.

Breaking Healthcare's Design Rules

Traditional healthcare design speaks to insurance companies, not patients. By bringing D2C design principles to healthcare, brands make wellness feel more accessible.

Find Inspiration Beyond Your Industry

The best design ideas often come from unexpected places like music, architecture, or city life. This cross-pollination keeps work fresh and helps avoid industry clichés.

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