Overview
Designing Your Life is the design-thinking approach to building a well-lived, joyful life popularized by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans—originating in a Stanford course and expanded through the bestselling book of the same name. The methodology helps people use journaling, prototypes, and designer mindsets to navigate career and life choices with more curiosity and less paralysis.
On SUCCESS.events this organizer profile points to coach certification and programming around that methodology for facilitators and individuals applying DYL tools in the real world.
What they teach
Core Designing Your Life ideas include:
- Applying design thinking to life and career decisions
- Journaling and reflective practices that create clarity
- Prototyping paths instead of waiting for a perfect plan
- Building toward a well-lived, joyful life with intentional experiments
The book frames organization and self-direction through designer habits—useful for professionals at crossroads as well as coaches guiding others.
Who it's for
- Individuals redesigning career or life direction
- Coaches and facilitators pursuing DYL certification pathways
- Teams and educators bringing design thinking to personal development
- Readers who prefer structured exercises over vague inspiration
Frequently asked
Book, course, or coaching certification?
All three exist in the broader DYL ecosystem; start with the book or a workshop, then explore certification if you will teach others.
Is it only for career changers?
Career is common, but the framing is life design more broadly—work, meaning, and joyful living.
Academic or practical?
Born from Stanford teaching, delivered as highly practical exercises and journaling.