Engineering decisions are simultaneously a product and a driver of human behavior. Whether a mechanical system, user interface, circuit board, or large-scale infrastructure, the choices made by designers and engineers interact with human psychology in ways that drive adoption, influence safety, and can even shift cultural norms. This talk explores how principles from cognitive science, game theory, complex systems, and behavioral economics inform successful designs. Drawing from real-world examples we will uncover how assumptions about human nature shape the success or failure of products, how design choices set off cultural phase transitions, and why understanding the science of perception is critical for anyone working at the frontier of technology. Whether you’re an engineer, executive, or entrepreneur, this talk will challenge the way you think about design, decision-making, and the hidden forces driving technological evolution.