How many people do you know who are consistently motivated to go running? For many of us, the act of going for a run is a tedious proposition and an activity that can bring pain if poor form, poor equipment and a sedentary lifestyle come into play. Most ardent runners would say, however, that when your body is moving in the proper way and you get into the groove, it can be a very cathartic experience.

Anyone who’s ever filled out a form on a government website knows that customer-centricity has never been at the top of any government agenda. Whether a user is attempting to pay a parking ticket, secure social security benefits or renew a license, the federally-funded digital touchpoints to accomplish these tasks often seem designed to drive people away.

In 2014, a tiny craft beer association in Colorado was looking for a way to inspire innovation. Leaders took a page from the human-centered design handbook and launched a member challenge: Create a totally new craft beer for an annual beer-tasting event and competition.

India has long been seen by the U.S. business market as a destination for cheap outsourcing. The promise of a skilled labor force at a fraction of the cost has driven many US corporations to partner with Indian companies to meet their production needs. However, India is ready to emerge as a center of innovation– and local entrepreneurs are using human-centered design to fuel that revolution.

The New Year is a time to set goals for yourself, your employees and your business. This year, why not focus on taking a more human-centered approach to the way your business operates?