Michelle Histand, Innovation director at Independence Blue Cross, is one of 10 “emerging industry leaders” recognized by Managed Healthcare Executive. Histand, who manages the Innovation design thinking program at Independence, is briefly profiled in the May publication.
The design thinking program, which set out to change the way Independence’s associates solve complex business problems by using “design thinking” principals, has become a significant part of the company’s broader innovation strategy. The basic tenets of design thinking focus on understanding what’s most important to consumers, and then designing processes, products, or interactions that optimize those beliefs.
The program has also become a highly sought-after program by universities, health care leaders, Blue Cross health plans, and others who are applying the tools Histand customized to address business challenges.