Beginners Guide to Design Thinking

Here are the links to the bodies of work mentioned by the listeners who asked us questions this episode: Candor Dennis - The Event Playbook Coffee Chat SeriesLiz Atkin - Refreshing CommsVaughan Broderick - Innovation PlaybookIn this reflective episode, Lucy and Tracy celebrate three years of their design thinking podcast, sharing personal growth stories, podcast successes, and lessons learned. They engage with listener questions, discuss the importance of empathy in design thinking, and explore the future of the discipline, particularly around longevity, education and leadership. The hosts also share humorous moments from their podcasting journey and reflect on the significance of external validation. As 2026 looms, Lucy looks forward to releasing her solo spin-off podcast 'Rebel by Design (Thinking)' and Tracy looks forward to starting a new role. They both express excitement for future projects and the continued evolution of design thinking within their chosen fields. Key takeaways:Listener numbers and retention rates have exceeded anything they could have hoped for since they started the podcast as a fun experiment 3 years ago. Resilience and adaptability are the key lessons they've learned whilst recording.Empathy is crucial in design thinking and product development.When adopted, design thinking principles can greatly benefit the education and longevity sectors, and aid with career progression.The importance of humour and fun in any journey.External validation is not the primary focus; the message is what matters.As we press pause on our recordings for now, we'd like to thank every single listener and supporter. We've been blown away by the reach, engagement and connections we've had the pleasure of making this past 3 years. Don't forget to tune into Lucy's solo spin-off 'Rebel by Design (Thinking) in the new year.

In this episode, Lucy and Tracy explore the critical role of communication in design thinking and collaboration. They discuss various communication styles, the impact of neurodiversity, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for effective communication. The conversation emphasises the need for empathy, avoiding jargon, and fostering curiosity to enhance understanding. They also provide practical tips for facilitating brainstorming sessions and ensuring clarity in communication, ultimately highlighting that effective communication is essential for innovation and teamwork.key takeaways:Communication is often assumed to be easy until it isn't.There are four main communication styles: visual, verbal, written, and kinesthetic.Neurodiversity plays a significant role in how individuals communicate and process information.Creating safe spaces for questions enhances inclusivity in communication.Empathy is crucial in understanding different communication styles.Avoiding jargon can improve connection and clarity in communication.Curiosity should replace the word 'should' to foster innovation.Facilitators should set the tone for open communication by modeling vulnerability.Communication is not just about words; it's about making people feel heard.Chapters:00:00 The Importance of Communication in Design Thinking02:52 Understanding Communication Styles05:41 Neurodiversity and Communication08:46 Creating Inclusive Communication Spaces11:25 The Role of Empathy in Communication14:20 Overcoming Jargon and Assumptions17:07 Facilitating Effective Brainstorming Sessions20:00 Designing for Clarity and Connection23:02 Communication Do's and Don'ts25:44 Final Thoughts on Communication and Innovation

In this episode, Tracy Sharp discusses two influential books in the realm of design thinking: 'The Design of Everyday Things' by Don Norman and 'Designing Your Life' by Dave Evans and Bill Burnett. Tracy emphasises the importance of understanding user behavior in design and how design thinking principles can be applied to career development. The conversation highlights the significance of prototyping, iterative processes, and being clear about personal values to enhance both product design and life design.Key Takeaways:Think about the last book that inspired you.The Design of Everyday Things focuses on user interaction.Design errors are often misattributed to user mistakes.Prototyping is crucial in the design process.Designing Your Life applies design thinking to career choices.Iterate on your career path rather than making drastic changes.Be intentional about trying new things in your career.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Design Thinking Books05:09 The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman09:51 Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans

In this mini-episode, Lucy Patterson explores the themes of design thinking, creativity, and the importance of embracing the messy middle in life and business. She reviews two impactful books, 'Tiny Experiments' by Anne Laure Le Cunff, and 'The Fax Club Experiment', by David Hieatt & The 32; sharing insights on how small, iterative actions can lead to significant growth and understanding. The discussion emphasises the value of curiosity, reflection, and community in navigating life's challenges.Key takeaways:Life doesn't work in linear bullet points.Treat failure as data, not drama.The messy middle isn't where you're stuck, it's where you start.Slow can be better than fast.Tiny experiments felt like a field manual.The Fax Club Experiment is an invitation to the uncomfortable.Chapters: 00:00 Tsundoku and Book Obsession01:11 Design Thinking and the Messy Middle06:21 Embracing Curiosity Over Certainty10:29 The Power of Reflection

In this episode Lucy and Tracy explore the multifaceted nature of innovation, emphasising the importance of iterative processes, understanding customer needs, and the role of design thinking in creating impactful solutions. They discuss concepts like painstorming and jobs to be done, highlighting how small changes can lead to significant value. The conversation also touches on the importance of inclusivity and delight in design, as well as the necessity of implementation for successful innovation.Chapters:00:00 The Essence of Innovation03:12 Understanding Innovation vs. Invention06:05 The Concept of Painstorming08:59 Jobs to Be Done: Adding Value11:54 Iterative Innovation and Customer Focus15:05 Design Thinking for Community and Sustainability18:01 Questioning Assumptions in Innovation21:31 Delight and Inclusivity in Design24:22 Implementation: The Key to Successful Innovation27:32 Learning from Past Innovations30:21 The Future of Innovation.Key takeaways:Innovation is about small, iterative changes rather than grand inventions.Painstorming focuses on understanding user pain points to drive innovation.Jobs to be done is a framework for identifying customer needs and adding value.Inclusivity and delight are essential in design to enhance user experience.Implementation is crucial; ideas without execution are ineffective.The right ecosystem can support innovative ideas and ensure their success.Assumptions in innovation must be questioned to avoid failure.Design thinking should be accessible and free from jargon.Iterative innovation allows for rapid testing and feedback loops.Understanding customer jobs leads to more meaningful innovations.