Learning from Failure and Self-Inflicted Trauma in Human-Centred Design

When Your Work Hurts You

As designers and researchers, we immerse ourselves in people’s stories—often painful and raw. In the middle stages of my career, I realised my work was taking a toll on me. I would push through multiple interviews in a single day, believing more sessions meant better insights. Instead, I ended up exhausted, burned out, and emotionally numb.

Changing My Approach to Research

One shift that transformed my practice was staggering my research sessions. I used to schedule several interviews back-to-back, pushing myself to cover more ground. Now, I limit myself to two sessions per day, allowing space between them for rest and reflection. Active listening demands enormous energy, and I’ve found that walking and resting between sessions helps me process what I’ve heard. The result? More focused conversations, deeper insights, and a renewed ability to listen with care.

Naming the Unspoken: Trauma in Research Practice

I found the language for my experience through Rachael Dietkus, who introduced me to trauma-informed design. She helped me see that my burnout wasn’t a weakness—it was the consequence of blurred boundaries and overextension. Through her guidance, I learned to protect myself while honouring the stories I was hearing.

Lessons from Self-Inflicted Trauma

🛑 Set Boundaries: Passion for the work shouldn’t come at the cost of well-being. Limiting my daily research load became an act of self-care.

💬 Talk About the Toll: Open conversations with peers about emotional exhaustion reminded me that I wasn’t alone.

🧠 Detach with Care: Empathy and detachment coexist. I can hold space without absorbing pain.

🏋️ Build Emotional Resilience: Rachael taught me that resilience is about processing what you endure—not just enduring more.

A Call to Care

If you’re feeling the emotional toll of your work, know this: You are not alone. Your empathy is a strength, but so is your self-compassion. The most meaningful work often leaves a mark—but it shouldn’t leave a wound.

What practices help you maintain emotional well-being in your work? I’d love to hear your thoughts.