EP165 Designing Accessible Solutions for Well-being with Spandita Sarmah

I AM GPH

In this episode we explore the link between accessibility and public health with Spandita Sarmah (Tandon '23), a human-centered designer whose experience at Google, T-Mobile, and Deloitte focuses on creating a healthier world for everyone. This episode delves into Spandita's journey from software engineering, fine arts, and graphic design to her passion for user research and her advocacy for designing "with," not "for," users. Discover how her work, including the development of a hand gesture recognition system to aid individuals with fine motor impairments and her insights on tactile alternatives for those with vision impairment, challenges conventional design standards. Learn why inclusive design is essential for equitable access to health resources, promoting overall well-being, and fostering environments where all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and fully participate in society. We'll discuss how accessibility impacts everything from digital experiences to physical spaces, ultimately contributing to a more just and healthy community.

To learn more about the NYU School of Global Public Health, and how our innovative programs are training the next generation of public health leaders, visit http://www.publichealth.nyu.edu.