Design is a word we often hear, whether we’re talking about how we shape our lives, homes, or our ideal day. For Mindy Tindall, the concept of design goes deeper—it’s about creating a world where human-centered design is the foundation, and where everyone, regardless of ability, is considered a patient at some point in their life.
Mindy’s holistic approach to design leaves no one behind. She imagines streets, parks, hospitals, and libraries that account for every member of society—people with strollers, cyclists, wheelchair users, drivers, and even pets. It’s a shift from the typical self-centered mindset to a community-focused vision where every space serves the people who use it.
This kind of community-based design, while clearly beneficial, takes time. Changing perspectives, raising awareness, and educating the public about the advantages of designing spaces that work for everyone can be a challenge. But for Mindy, accessible design shouldn’t be a luxury or a “nice-to-have.” It should be the foundation of every conversation, plan, and blueprint shaping our future communities.
She’s a member of the Edmonton Design Committee and as an entrepreneur uses interactive architecture to improve mental health and cognitive outcomes. One of her interns recently described her work as “the softer side of healthcare” which Mindy thought so beautifully exemplifies what she does.
In her work as a patient partner, Mindy embodies this inclusive philosophy to transform healthcare delivery. She leverages her own lived experience as a person with disabilities to reshape how we think about the design of healthcare systems, policies, and research. She believes that patient and caregiver partners should be involved in every step of the process—co-designing solutions rather than being treated as afterthoughts.
“The old way of designing in isolation is no longer enough,” Mindy says. “The new way is co-designing, where everyone has a voice.” The results? Spaces, systems, and buildings that truly reflect and meet the needs of the communities they serve.
While the vision is one that many can rally behind, shifting the status quo is no small task. Overcoming resistance to change requires persistent effort, especially when it comes to education and awareness.
What keeps Mindy motivated is the community of like-minded individuals she surrounds herself with—those equally passionate about changing the narrative. “Inspiration is contagious,” she says. And we at PAN couldn’t agree more, as Mindy’s commitment to inclusive design inspires us all.