How can a game transform life-or-death conversations in healthcare settings?

A conversation with Criswell Lappin

In this compelling episode, design thinker Criswell Lappin reveals how play and games can break down barriers in healthcare, particularly for underserved communities. With over 20 years of experience spanning from Apple to healthcare innovation, Lappin demonstrates that the mechanics of play aren't just for children—they're powerful tools for building trust and sparking meaningful conversations.

The St. Joseph's Health Project

Lappin's most impactful work involved addressing a critical healthcare challenge in Paterson, New Jersey. Pregnant women weren't asking clinical questions during appointments, creating gaps in care. Through research, his team discovered that women felt more comfortable when they found shared experiences with their healthcare providers.

The solution? A simple "Would You Rather?" card game that pairs clinical topics, encouraging both patients and nurses to share stories and find common ground. One powerful example: a 19-year-old patient with a history of sexual abuse initially refused a pelvic exam. After playing the game and bonding over pasta sauce preferences, she opened up and began asking about delivery options she hadn't known existed.

The Philosophy Behind Play

Lappin's approach stems from two core influences: his childhood collecting baseball cards (visual appeal backed by data) and growing up with a disabled younger brother (fostering empathy and caregiving instincts). He believes play gives people permission to approach problems differently by lowering stakes and reducing formality.

Key Design Principles

Lappin shared four essential pieces of advice he gives to students, teams, and his own children:

1. Plan on multiple futures - especially in business contexts
2. Focus on what you can control - worrying about uncontrollable variables leads nowhere
3. Aim for 1% better - small weekly improvements compound into transformation
4. Prioritize who you work with over what you do - relationships lead to interesting work

Looking Forward

The St. Joseph's project, now called "Prefieris" (Spanish for "Would You Rather"), continues to expand as the hospital collects data on its impact. Lappin emphasizes the importance of having internal champions like nurse Stephanie Matthews, noting that such allies are critical for moving innovative projects forward in traditional institutions.

This episode illuminates how thoughtful design thinking, combined with the universal language of play, can create profound human connections that ultimately save lives and improve healthcare outcomes for vulnerable communities.