Redesigning Individual Wellness Potential and Behavior in American Culture

Abstract

In America, the concept of wellness can be observed and interpreted in various ways, producing a “disconnect” between intentions and commitment to action. This thesis uses a Whole Systems Thinking Approach to explore the reasons behind the disconnect by deconstructing individual wellness potential as a system. Design thinking will then be used to reconstruct parts of that system in order to reduce or avoid the disconnect. Systems thinking helps us understand the connections between parts in a system and how they work together. Design thinking creates an opportunity to embrace self-awareness and aids in selecting elements for the feedback loops needed to strengthen our potential for wellness.