People Around Peax: Eva Mieder on Healthcare Design and Creating Meaningful User Experiences

Eva Mieder, Creative Director at Apriwell

At peax, we are constantly surrounded by talented individuals who shape the design and tech industry in inspiring ways. Our "people around peax" series shines a light on these professionals, giving them a space to share their insights, experiences, and visions. This time, we’re excited to introduce Eva Mieder — a designer with over 20 years of experience spanning branding, UI/UX, and healthcare-related design.

01 Design as a Strategic Tool in Healthcare

Eva’s career spans multiple design disciplines, giving her a holistic perspective on problem-solving. Rather than viewing design in isolation, she sees it as a strategic tool that creates user-centered ecosystems. Particularly in the healthcare sector, she believes that a combination of digital products, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and personalized coaching can lead to more effective, holistic solutions.

But what excites her the most about healthcare design? The ability to use design for good.

“Improving people’s quality of life and reducing their suffering is far more meaningful than designing ‘the next fancy digital lifestyle product‘.”

This mission-driven approach is at the heart of her work.

02 Encouraging Long-Term Behavior Change Through Design

One of the greatest challenges in healthcare design is fostering long-term behavioral change. Eva emphasizes that trust, intuitive experiences, and intrinsic motivation are essential.

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach in healthcare.”

Solutions must be highly personalized to support users contextually throughout their journey.

What’s missing in today’s healthcare UX? The human aspect. Many digital health products focus solely on providing information or tracking progress, but Eva believes that real empowerment comes from holistic support and ongoing guidance.

“Simply handing someone a digital tool and expecting them to figure it out is like saying, ‘Hey! Take this pill, and you’ll feel better!’ Experience shows that this rarely works.”

03 The Expanding Role of Designers

As design continues to evolve, the role of designers has expanded significantly. But is the trend toward “design generalists” a positive or a challenge? For Eva, specialization remains crucial, though generalists bring value — especially in startups with limited resources. However, she draws a clear line:

“I’m not a fan of ‘coding’ designers or ‘designing’ developers. While mutual understanding is key, designers shouldn’t limit themselves due to technical constraints—it often comes at the expense of design quality.”

04 The Impact of AI and No-Code Tools

With AI-driven design and no-code platforms like Canva becoming increasingly popular, the industry is at a crossroads. Do these tools democratize creativity or lower industry standards? Eva takes a clear stance:

“Canva is not a tool for designers. It enables non-designers to create visuals, but that doesn’t make them designers. While it has its place — especially when resources are scarce — professional designers should still ensure brand consistency and visual cohesion.”

When it comes to AI, Eva acknowledges its efficiency but remains cautious about over-reliance.

“AI can be an incredible time-saver, but excellent design requires strategic thinking and human intuition. Too much automation risks making design generic, uninspired, and mediocre. At the end of the day, we design for humans — leaving that entirely to a machine just doesn’t sit right with me.”

05 Final Thoughts

Eva Mieder’s insights remind us that design is not just about aesthetics or functionality — it’s about creating meaningful experiences that make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether in healthcare, branding, or digital experiences, her approach emphasizes strategy, empathy, and a commitment to quality.

At peax, we’re inspired by people like Eva, who push the boundaries of design and challenge the industry to do better. Stay tuned for more inspiring voices in our "people around peax" series!