Lessons in Human-Centered Design in Government: The Cancer Moonshot Story

In 2016, the U.S. government launched the Cancer Moonshot—a bold, national initiative to accelerate progress in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. But behind this ambitious mission was something equally revolutionary: a commitment to human-centered design.

This workshop takes you behind the scenes of the Cancer Moonshot to explore how centering empathy, listening deeply to people affected by cancer, and designing iteratively helped drive breakthroughs in one of the most complex and high-stakes areas of public health.

Participants will gain practical tools and inspiration for applying human-centered design to their own work—especially within large, bureaucratic systems. Whether you’re tackling health, housing, education, or other public challenges, this session offers a powerful reminder: even moonshots must stay grounded in the lived experiences of the people they aim to serve.