What is Human Design?
Think Astrology meets Enneagram. You obtain your specific Human Design “HD” by plugging in your birth date, time and location to a chart. [SAMPLE HERE] There are 5 Energy Types the population falls into [Manifestor, Manifesting Generator, Generator, Projector and Reflector], yet there are hundreds of other combinations to explain each person beyond their energy type.
So what can this elusive test tell us? Your HD chart will share insights into you how you optimally operate in categories such as:
Decision-Making – Are you better off making decisions emotionally versus following your gut?
Environment – What kind of environment nourishes your energy and allows you to feel most at ease—are you designed for natural settings, structured spaces, or something more eclectic?
Digestion – How does your body best take in and process food and information—what conditions su
Routines – Are you wired for consistency and structure, or do you thrive with flow, variety, and freedom in your daily rhythm?
These are just a mere handful of questions your Human Design chart can help answer.
Now, I want to caveat that you may read the details of your chart and think- “no that’s not me” and this is what I would challenge you on. Perhaps it’s not what you’re currently doing, but that’s the whole point (in my opinion) of understanding your HD- perhaps you are living in certain ways that aren’t serving you and you could be allowing yourself to reach better outcomes with some adjustments.
One of my personal favorites of HD is knowing your “gifts.” Have you ever thought “What’s wrong with me? Why do I do that?” about your behavior? Well, that may in fact be the way you are meant to be. For example, sometimes people will call me “nosy” because I ask a lot of questions and get to know people on a personal level, even if I’ve just met them. This can come off as invasive, but I like to think of it as connecting with people. When I started to dig deeper into my Human Design, I learned that I had “Gate 19” which actually means- because I am sensitive, I am able to perceive the needs of others and point them to the necessary resources, so that everyone can survive and thrive both on a personal and communal level. It is actually a gift of mine to dig deeper in getting to know people because I have the ability to help and guide them. Reading that this was part of the way I was designed helped validate that I’m meant to get close to people.
So how can we apply our design type in business? I asked my Human Design coach, Kiera Doyle, to provide a tip for each of the 5 design types:
MANIFESTOR-
As a Manifestor, you are here to create impact by initiating—you are the spark that sets things in motion. It’s not about asking for permission or waiting to see what’s possible, but rather creating the possibility. The key is to think about who will be affected by your big moves and inform them so they can sync up—or move out of the way. Once you get going, you don’t want to be interrupted.
MANIFESTING GENERATOR-
As a Manifesting Generator, your energy is fast, dynamic, and multi-passionate. You’re here to respond to what excites you and move quickly—sometimes skipping steps or switching lanes altogether (and that’s okay!). The secret is to check in with your gut first, then inform the people around you as you make bold moves. You’re not built to do things in a straight line—own your zig-zag genius.
GENERATOR-
Generators are the builders, creators, and life-force energy of the world. You’re here to respond, before moving, which means paying attention to what lights you up and trusting your body’s “yes.” When you’re doing work that feels satisfying, your energy becomes magnetic. Burnout happens when you say yes to things from your head instead of your gut. Tune in and let things that bring you joy lead where you are spending your time and energy.
REFLECTOR-
Reflectors are rare and wise beings here to mirror the health of the collective. You are deeply sensitive to environments and people—so curating your space and community is everything. You’re here to move with the lunar cycle, giving yourself a full 28 days to make major decisions. In business, you’re not here to force fast action—you’re here to read the energy, reflect truth, and help others evolve.
PROJECTOR-
Projectors are here to guide and see systems, people, and patterns in a way others can’t. You’re not here to hustle—your gift is in your perspective. The key is to wait for the invitation and recognition before sharing your insight. In business, that means honoring your energy, focusing on your niche, and letting your brilliance be seen by the right people. Less doing, more aligning.
In addition to taking away how we can best serve ourselves by knowing our type, it’s helpful to also know your teammate, spouse or even children’s type to be a bit more empathetic or mindful of the differences of those we interact with.
The variances in HD show us that each person is unique and how we can better understand ourselves to create the best environment to thrive. It is also an important lesson in human behavior and accepting that each person has a different blueprint, which helps us live in a more dynamic and colorful world. When we realize this and start to play up our strengths, instead of focusing on why we aren’t like other people, we feel more aligned. We can then use this wisdom to not only elevate ourselves, but also play up other’s gifts to work better as a team.
