DESIGN THINKER PODCAST

In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter are joined by Tim Bush, a recruitment professional who's rethinking what hiring looks like in the age of AI. This conversation explores the critical shift from process-focused recruitment to experience-centered hiring, and why AI might be the key to making recruitment more human—not less.In this episode, you will:Understand why recruitment became more about process than peopleDiscover how AI can free recruiters to focus on deeply human workExplore practical ways to shift from process optimization to experience designMeet Our Guest Tim BushTim is known for his enthusiasm, curiosity, and unique perspective on life. Starting his professional career in football, and with his growth mindset, he is all about the action of being connected with others. It was only a matter of time before Talent Acquisition (TA) came calling! He finds himself in a TA leadership position whereby he gets to challenge and disrupt, be a futurist and loves seeing people succeed. He is deeply passionate about what the future of TA will look and feel like ensure that his energy goes into AI, automation, data driven decisions and most importantly, people development. He’s always willing to connect with others so reach out to him on LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-bush/Show NotesFrom Process to Experience Recruitment has become obsessed with stage gates, approval chains, and time-to-fill metrics. But when you emphasize the process, you don't get the experience. Tim explains why this shift happened and what it costs us.AI as the Great Liberator Imagine if AI could handle all the administrative work—writing job ads, screening applications, drafting contracts, sending updates. What would recruiters do with that time? Connection, understanding context, and showing care.Co-Designing Each Recruitment Why do we use one-size-fits-all recruitment processes? Tim advocates for co-designing each recruitment approach during the job brief conversation with the hiring manager. Make it fit the context. Make it human.The Return of the Phone Call In a world of emails and automation, picking up the phone has become a radical act. Tim's mentor taught him one lesson: "Pick up the phone." It's still the best advice in recruitment.Aroha in Action The Māori concept of aroha (love, care, compassion) belongs in recruitment. You can decline someone with aroha—timely, personally, and with genuine feedback. It doesn't cost money. It costs attention.Process Thinking vs. Experience Thinking Organizations have applied factory thinking to recruitment: standardize, optimize, eliminate variation. But humans aren't products on an assembly line. Every person is unique, and their uniqueness changes daily. Our systems need to honor that.Practices You Can ApplyMeasure what matters Track your notification rate. How many declined candidates actually hear back from you? Aim for 100%.Let candidates choose their communication channel Add one simple question to your application: "How would you like us to communicate with you—text, email, or phone call?" Then honor it.Use AI to amplify humanity Let AI handle the administrative burden so you can spend time on what only humans can do: connection, conversation, care, and understanding context.Co-design the recruitment approach During the job brief, work with the hiring manager to design a recruitment process that fits this specific role, context, and candidate pool. Not cookie-cutter. Bespoke.Pick up the phone When in doubt, make the call. Real human connection happens through conversation, not automation.

10/28/25 • 60:08

What if AI isn't here to replace us, but to help amplify our potential? In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter are joined by Dave Howden, CEO of SupaHuman, to explore how AI challenges us to reclaim our distinctly human capabilities and elevate our human potential. The conversation moves beyond the AI hype to examine what happens when technology handles the tedious work and frees us to do what humans inherently do better. In this episode, you will: • Discover what humans are actually designed to do versus what we've been trained to do• Understand why AI creates a "craft premium" for genuine human expertise • Learn practical ways to get started with using AI Meet Our Guest Dave HowdenDave Howden is a seasoned technology leader and creative engineer from Auckland, New Zealand. Withover two decades of experience in the emerging tech sector, Dave is the CEO and Co-founder of SupaHumanAI, where he helps organizations unlock the opportunities of artificial intelligence. He has held pivotal rolesat companies like BT, Orange UK, Umbrellar and Pax8. Dave believes in doing cool stuff with great people,keeping things fun and authentic along the way.You can connect with Dave on LinkedIn 👉🏽 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davehowden/Show NotesWhat We're Actually Designed For Relationship building, reading rooms, creative problem solving, strategic thinking, and applying nuanced judgment. These capabilities become more valuable, not less, when AI handles the routine work.The Craft Premium Effect Just as handmade shoes command premium prices in a mass-production world, human expertise applied to the right problems becomes exponentially more valuable in an AI-enhanced workplace.The Leadership Moment Organizations face a critical choice: use AI for shortsighted cost-cutting or invest in unlocking human potential for long-term growth. The decision shapes talent attraction and competitive advantage.From Ground-Up Innovation AI democratizes change. Every employee can experiment, identify inefficiencies, and propose solutions. This represents the first time in history technology change can happen from the bottom up at scale.The Generational Reality Different demographics approach AI adoption differently based on their workplace entry point. Understanding these differences is crucial for successful implementation without leaving anyone behind.Revenue Leakage vs. Real Problems Many organizations rush toward AI solutions for problems that could be solved with basic process improvements. The key is distinguishing between genuine AI opportunities and fundamental business issues.Practices You Can ApplyStart with the $20 investment Give your team access to consumer-grade AI tools and let them experiment safely within controlled environments.Ask the fundamental question What work are you doing that humans weren't designed for? Start there for AI implementation.Focus on enablement, not replacement Look for ways AI can handle routine tasks so you can focus on strategic and creative work.Memorable Quotes"We weren't designed to sit behind a computer screen for hours. We were designed to build relationships and grow the population and look after each other." -- Dave Howden"AI plus your intellectual property equals magic." -- Dave Howden"This is probably the first time in history where we could actually drive technology change from the ground up at scale." -- Dr Dani"AI can help us be human again." -- Designer Peter"Free smart minds from tedious work." -- Dave Howden

9/2/25 • 64:50

What happens when the tools we’ve mastered become obsolete overnight? In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Pete are joined by one of the OGs of UX, Nick Cawthon, the founder of Gauge, to help organizations with evidence-based strategy and product decisions. In this conversation, we explore “thinglessness” — the idea that design is less about the artifact and more about the human experience it creates. From AI’s impact on design velocity to the need for cross-functional collaboration, we dig into how designers can stay relevant and impactful in a world where technology moves at jet-pack speed.Understand why letting go of attachment to specific tools makes you more adaptable in a rapidly changing landscape.Learn how to balance AI-enabled speed with the strategic thinking needed to head in the right direction.Discover practical ways to preserve and strengthen core human-centered design capabilities that AI can’t replace.Meet Our Guest Nick CawthonNick helps design teams stay ahead of the curve with their AI transformation. He has been curating self-assessments for UX & Design Teams at retrain.gauge.io, helping analyze industry trends and removing barriers to adoption. Nick founded Gauge in 2001 in the San Francisco Bay Area to help organizations with evidence-based strategy and product decisions. Clients have grown to include Electronic Arts, Genentech, Airbnb, Adobe and many others. Nick is a professor in Data Literacy and Visualization in the Design Strategy MBA program at his alma mater, California College of the Arts. Learn more about Nick's work https://retrain.gauge.io/Show NotesThinglessness: Beyond the ArtifactDesign isn’t about the deliverable — it’s about the entire experience. When tools change, the value comes from understanding people, solving the right problems, and creating impact.The E-Bike AnalogyAI gives designers “jet-pack” speed, but speed without direction just gets you to the wrong place faster. The real advantage is using extra time to think deeper, not just produce more.Collapsing SilosThe boundaries between design, product, and engineering are dissolving. The most effective teams work in shared code bases, make decisions together, and learn each other’s craft.Skills Worth KeepingAs AI automates tasks, certain human capabilities — empathy, problem framing, collaboration — become more valuable, not less. Losing them puts long-term adaptability at risk.History Repeats ItselfFrom typists evolving into administrative assistants to designers moving beyond Figma, tech shifts always require upskilling and a broader set of capabilities.Human Connection as a DifferentiatorIn a world where AI is everywhere, genuine human connection will be the true competitive advantage — for both products and organisations.Practices You Can ApplyFall out of love with tools – Treat technology like a fling, not a lifelong commitment.Sharpen the front end – Spend more time on research, problem definition, and anticipating unintended consequences.Work across boundaries – Pair designers with engineers and product teams to build shared knowledge.Audit your core skills – Identify which human capabilities you want to retain and strengthen in an AI-heavy workflow.Upskill with intention – Look to history for clues on how roles adapt when tech changes the game.Memorable Quotes“Tools come and go. Capabilities are what keep you relevant.” — Nick Cawthon“Velocity without direction is just faster failure.” — Nick Cawthon“We need to stop falling in love with technology and start having flings with it.” — Dr Dani“If any

8/19/25 • 61:28

We throw around words like productivity, engagement, and performance all the time. But do we actually know what they mean or how to create the conditions for them to thrive?In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter are joined by Craig Steel, Founder and Chief Executive of Vantaset. This conversation explores what real performance looks like in modern organizations and the shift that leaders need to make to achieve the results that matter. In this episode, you will:• Understand key factors that keep organizations stagnant • Learn the difference between productivity and performance • Discover practical insights on how to create the conditions for performance Meet Our Guest Craig Steel Craig Steel is the founder and Chief Executive of Vantaset – the world’s first people-focused high-performance operating system for business.Craig is considered by many to be one of the world’s foremost performance transformation experts and Australasia’s leading authority on workplace performance.He has worked full-time in the performance industry for over 30 years, acted as the head performance advisor to many of the country’s top athletes and helped over 50 Chief Executives transform the performance of their organisation.Today, Craig and his team are helping CE’s globally build more competitive future-ready organisations. You can connect with Craig on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigsteel/Show NotesPerformance ≠ Productivity Organizations often reward busyness instead of outcomes. Craig explains why real performance is about effectiveness, not activity.Clarity Over Control Lack of clarity—not lack of effort—is what drives underperformance. When people don’t know the “why,” they default to just doing the job.From Systemic Sludge to Strategic Relevance Employees want to contribute. But rigid systems turn meaningful work into meaningless tasks. Leaders must rewire the system, not blame the people.Courageous Leadership The best leaders don’t need to be right—they’re willing to be wrong, and they create space for others to think, contribute, and grow.The AI Distraction AI isn’t a get-out-of-investing-in-people-free card. When tech becomes an excuse to cut rather than elevate, organizations lose their greatest asset: human potential.The Factory Model is Broken Despite 21st-century challenges, most companies still operate like 19th-century factories. It’s time to redesign work for knowledge, not compliance.Practices You Can ApplyAsk: What could we become? A powerful question to reframe conversations and unlock new possibilities.Reconnect people to purposeEvery employee should know how their work contributes to something bigger.Audit for clarityDo your teams know what success looks like? Start there before adding new KPIs.Redesign for thinking, not taskingStop building systems that assume people are just there to “do a job.” Let them solve problems.Look at behavior as feedbackBefore you assume someone’s disengaged, ask what the system is rewarding—or punishing.Memorable Quotes• “We didn’t hire you to do a job. We hired you to make a difference.” — Craig Steel• “Performance is not about output. It’s about contribution and impact.” — Dr Dani• “If the All Blacks ran their team like most businesses run their staff, they’d never win a match.” — Craig Steel• “Culture isn’t warm and fuzzy. It’s the system that either unlocks or limits human potential.” — Peter Allan• “What could we become?” — Craig Steel 

7/16/25 • 63:45

We live in a world that’s changing faster than the frameworks we've relied on can keep up with. So, is it time to rethink how we think? In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter are joined by John Philpin to explore why the age of reason is over and why we need to embrace the age of experience. In this episode, you willUnderstand why rigid thinking is no match for today’s complexity and what we need instead.Learn how business models built on certainty are being outpaced by change, AI, and rising human expectations.Discover how design thinking, critical thinking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration can help us rethink how we think.Meet Our Guest John Philpin John has spent two decades inside and around the C-suite, twice as CEO, with a handful of CXO roles, and now as a trusted advisor to boards and executive teams. His through-line? People First. Always. He works at the intersection of technology and business, helping organisations cut through the noise, get clear on what matters, and drive the outcomes that follow. He’s worked across the UK, USA, and New Zealand, from scrappy startups to global giants, with deep expertise in tech, media, sustainability, and organisational design.John is known for his clarity, candor, and ability to translate complexity into action. He partners with ambitious leaders ready to grow, lead, and connect, because in business, real expansion starts where engagement meets execution - because growth doesn’t come from managing what you have, it comes from engaging with who you haven’t reached. Yet.John invites you to  Come be my friend on LinkedINSubscribe to my SubstackShow NotesKey Themes:Reason vs. Experience: John argues we’re moving out of the “Age of Reason,” where everything is boxed, mapped, and standardized, and into the “Age of Experience,” where context, nuance, and emergence matter more.Structured Visual Thinking: Drawing from his time with Group Partners, John explains how visual frameworks help teams see the whole picture—but only if they remain flexible and dynamic.Why AI Adds Pressure, Not Relief: While AI can improve productivity, John warns of the risk of misusing it to justify job cuts instead of amplifying human capability.Organizational Misfits: Dani highlights how most organizational structures are still built like 18th-century factories, even as problems grow more complex.From Silos to Systems: True progress requires abandoning single-discipline thinking and embracing diverse perspectives—from sales to science, marketing to engineering.Practices You Can Apply:Listen beyond your lane—explore ideas outside your field.Revisit your childhood obsessions—they may hold forgotten clues to how you think.Start conversations across departments and disciplines—especially where no one’s currently talking.Mentioned in the episode:Smallcreep’s Day by Peter Currell BrownCrossing the Chasm by Geoffrey MooreZone to Win by Geoffrey MooreMartini Shot podcast by Rob LongSubstack writing by John Philpin

7/10/25 • 67:22

We did it—50 episodes! In this milestone episode, we pause to reflect on the journey, the lessons, and why celebration isn’t just a “nice-to-have”, it’s a necessary part of doing meaningful work. Whether you're leading a team, tackling tough challenges, or simply trying to keep momentum, this episode will change how you think about celebration.Spoiler: It's not just about parties or cake (though we’re fans of both).In this episode, we:Learn why celebration builds resilience, reinforces purpose, and fuels forward momentumExplore how small moments of acknowledgment—what we call “atomic celebrations”—can drive big impactDiscover practical ideas to celebrate progress authentically, whether you're leading a team or working solo

7/3/25 • 52:54

What happens when you believe in design thinking but your organization doesn’t? In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter, share ways you can start using design thinking in your work, even if no one else is on board yet. In this episode, you will Understand how one person can spark a movement Learn why you can be the lone Design Thinker at work Discover practical ways to introduce design thinking without asking for permission

4/29/25 • 43:42

What if the only real safety lies in continuous change and standing still is the true danger?In this episode, Dr. Dani and Designer Peter are joined by Ralph H. Groce III, author of We Have Nothing to Lose: A Dark Optimist’s Call to Action. Drawing on personal stories, leadership insights, and a message forged in adversity, Ralph challenges us to stop waiting for things to "go back to normal" and instead start creating a path forward. In this episode, you will • Understand why the world needs dark optimists now more than ever• Learn how to embrace change with clarity and urgency • Discover the high cost of clinging to comfort About Our GuestRalph H. Groce III is an accomplished entrepreneur, visionary thinker, and dedicated advocate for change.  With a rich tapestry of experiences in entrepreneurship, technology, finance, and philanthropy. Ralph holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston University Questrom School of Business, a Graduate degree from Boston University Metropolitan College, an MBA from Queens University McColl School of Business, and the honor of receiving an honorary doctorate from Johnson C Smith University.  His academic achievements complement his entrepreneurial prowess. As a seasoned entrepreneur, Ralph has founded and successfully managed multiple businesses, amassing several patents along the way.  His ventures have been at the forefront of innovation, contributing to economic growth, and creating opportunities.  His experiences have not only shaped his career but have also offered valuable insights into the dynamic world of business and technology. Ralph's professional journey is a testament to his versatility.  From entrepreneurship to financial services, his contributions have been instrumental in transforming industries, optimizing operations, enhancing security, and enabling growth.  He currently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer for Scroobious Inc.  A startup initiative focused on creating equitable access to investment capital.  Prior to joining Scroobious Ralph served as Chief Information Officer, Global Head of Operations Technology at Wells Fargo, where he successfully combined his entrepreneurial mindset with technology leadership.  Ralph also co-founded and serves as CEO of Knowhere Art Gallery, headquartered on Martha’s Vineyard, MA.   Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ralph's roots are in a city known for resilience and innovation.  He presently divides his time between Northeast Pennsylvania and New York City. Beyond his professional endeavors, Ralph is an enthusiast of diverse passions.  He serves on the Board of Trustees at Johnson C. Smith University.  He also serves on the University Advisory Board of Boston University and is the Chairman of the Boston University Metropolitan College Advisory Board.  He is an avid sports enthusiast, a music lover, a published author, an ardent reader of literature, and a passionate traveler.  These interests reflect his belief that a well-rounded life fosters creativity and personal growth.You can connect with Ralph on • LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhg3d/• Website http://www.thedarkoptimist.com/• Instagram @grossoptimistRalph's book We Have Nothing to Lose: A Dark Optimist's Call to Action is available on Amazon and other major retailers. Learn more about Arts for Humanity at  www.afhboston.org

4/14/25 • 61:09

Productivity is a hot topic in news headlines, boardrooms, and everyday conversations. In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter unpack the productivity crisis. In this episode, you will• Understand why productivity isn't just an individual performance problem • Learn the contributing factors that stall productivity • Discover practical strategies for unlocking productivity 

4/9/25 • 53:01

In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter delve into the concept of 'Dumbify' with guest David Carson. Discover how embracing 'dumb' ideas can lead to breakthrough innovations. Learn about David's journey building successful companies, and how a simple dinner conversation sparked the idea of 'Dumbify.' In this episode, you will: • Understand the importance of spending more time with 'dumb' ideas• Learn practical ways to integrate 'dumb' thinking into your problem-solving process• Discover how challenging traditional methods can lead to unexpected successDavid Carson is an entrepreneur and marketing innovator whose groundbreaking companies and products have impacted millions worldwide. Renowned for his expertise in creative thinking, Carson has collaborated with global giants like American Express, Nike, Coca-Cola, and IKEA, as well as cutting-edge advertising agencies including Mother and Ogilvy. His unconventional approach has not only shaped iconic brands but also challenged traditional notions of problem-solving in business and beyond. Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcarson2/ and subscribe to his Dumbify newsletter at https://www.david-carson.com/

3/31/25 • 73:04

The inspiration for this podcast came from a question posed by Ian Scott, a longtime listener and friend of the podcast. Ian asked, "What's your view on human-centered systems thinking?" In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter explore the intersection of human-centered design and systems thinking. In this episode, you will • Understand how these approaches work together to deliver better solutions. • Learn how to leverage these holistic approaches in your work • Discover practical strategies for integrating these practices 

3/13/25 • 67:01

When Fonterra - a dairy cooperative in Aotearoa New Zealand - faced a critical workforce shortage, the usual ways of working weren't going to deliver the outcomes they needed. Enter the SWAT approach to business transformation - a fit-for-purpose, multi-disciplinary way to tackle critical business challenges. In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter welcome Suzie Lewisham - People and Culture Director for the COO division at Fonterra, for an inside look at their award-winning approach to transforming business at pace. In this episode, you will • Learn about the SWAT approach to transforming business at pace • Understand how creating a fit-for-purpose approach unlocks faster, smarter solutions to critical business challenges • Discover how to bring together multi-disciplinary teams to break through silos and accelerate progress You can connect with Suzie Lewisham on LinkedIn. Suzie and Dr Dani have captured their learnings and process from this award-winning work in a white paper, which you can access at designthinkerinstitute.com/swatapproach

3/3/25 • 65:47

Has collaboration become a catch-all solution, losing the focus and impact it was meant to deliver?In this episode, Dr. Dani and Designer Peter unpack why collaboration often feels more like a burden than a boost. They explore how overuse and misuse have turned it into an overrated buzzword and what teams can do to bring intention and effectiveness back to colloboration.In this episode, you will• Understand why collaboration fatigue is holding teams back.• Learn how to identify when collaboration is necessary—and when it’s not.• Discover actionable strategies to balance solo and group work for better results.

12/11/24 • 59:50

In this episode of the Design Thinker Podcast, Dr Dani and Designer Peter are joined by Dr John Bennett, a leading scholar-practitioner, executive coach, and professor at the McColl School of Business, Queens University of Charlotte. John, author of The Manager’s Guide to Coaching for Change, brings nearly three decades of experience in helping leaders transform their approach to team performance.In this episode, you will• Understand what coaching is and what it is not • Learn about the skills managers need for coaching • Discover the positive impact of a six-minute coaching conversation John's new book, The Manager's Guide to Coaching for Change, is now available on Amazon and other major retailers. 

11/14/24 • 55:58

In this episode, Peter steps into the spotlight, recounting how his skydiving experiences shaped his perspective on courage, self-talk, goal-setting, and teamwork. As Peter Peter reflects on this skydiving journey, he draws parallels between skydiving and working in organizations. In this episode, you will • discover the power of visualization for driving outcomes• understand the importance of finding your community • learn how the ritual of regular debrief can drive productivity and performance 

10/31/24 • 56:52

In this episode, Dr. Dani shares her nontraditional career path from aspiring law student to graphic designer to leading corporate transformations. A two-time university dropout, Dani discovered design while on the path to law school, which led her to attend design school and hone her passion for designing solutions. She explains how the lessons from design school became the foundation for driving impactful results in the corporate world.In this episode, you will• discover how design principles can drive business outcomes • learn how embracing constraints leads to better problem-solving • understand why empathy and curiosity are key to unlocking solutions 

10/23/24 • 55:51

In a world that glorifies busyness, breaks are dismissed as unimportant and a barrier to productivity. However, this isn't actually the case. In this episode, Dr. Dani and Designer Peter discuss the often overlooked but essential practice of pausing. They explore the power of micro, mini, and mighty pauses and discuss how intentional breaks can increase productivity, creativity, and mental clarity. In this episode, you will:• learn about three types of pauses the micro, the mini, and the mighty • understand how breaks can increase your brain's capacity to problem-solve • discover practical ways to incorporate pauses into your daily routine 

10/2/24 • 60:29

Do you struggle with perfectionism? Is it holding you back? In this episode, Dr. Dani Chesson and Designer Peter Allan explore how perfectionism hinders progress and keeps us trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and share tips on how to break free from the trap. In this episode, you will • understand the difference between helpful and harmful perfectionism• learn practical techniques to move from overthinking to action• discover how iteration and empathy can break the perfectionism cycle

9/25/24 • 47:09

We often focus on creating a seamless customer experience (CX), but what happens when we ignore employee experience (EX)? In this episode, Dr. Dani and Designer Peter dive into the often-overlooked connection between EX and CX, exploring why great customer experiences depend on happy, engaged employees.In this episode, you will:• understand the direct relationship between employee experience and customer satisfaction• learn why neglecting EX leads to higher turnover, lower productivity, and poor CX outcomes• discover practical ways to improve EX and elevate your overall business performance

9/18/24 • 52:23

Customer Experience (CX) is vital for businesses in the 21st century, but do we know what we mean when we say CX? In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter explore CX. In this episode, you will • understand what CX is and what it is not • learn why CX is a vital aspect of business success • discover how to design and operationalize a winning CX 

9/3/24 • 59:35

Experience — a term that's become ubiquitous in business, but do we really know what we mean when we say Customer Experience, Employee Experience, Patient Experience, and the like? In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter explore the anatomy of an experience. In this episode, you will: • learn what is meant by experience • understand the macro and micro-moments that shape an experience • discover practice insights on designing an experience 

8/27/24 • 50:47

Emotions are central to the human experience, influencing every aspect of our personal, professional, and social lives. They are complex and multifaceted, shaping how we perceive and interact with the world. Research suggests that up to 95% of our decisions are driven by emotions, underscoring their powerful impact on our choices. In this episode, you will: • understand the definition of emotions • discover the role of emotions in designing solutions • learn about frameworks and tools to explore and navigate emotions 

8/20/24 • 35:56

Have you heard of BANI? Are you ready for it? The term VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) was coined in the 1980s to describe the context of the world. Four decades later, is this term still relevant? The term BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, Incomprehensible) was coined in 2020 to describe the current environment. In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter explore BANI. In this episode, you will• learn about the concept of BANI • understand the relevance of Design Thinker capabilities in a BANI world • get practical tips on applying Design Thinker capabilities

7/24/24 • 61:35

What are the ethical obligations of design research? In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter explore the importance of informed consent when doing design research. From historical examples like the Tukaseegee experiments to contemporary design research, this episode explains why it is important for participants to fully understand their involvement in any research activity. In this episode, you will • understand the ethical obligations when carrying out design research • learn the "how-tos" of informed consent, including the key topics that need to be covered • hear real-life examples of how to customize the informed consent process so it is fit for the purpose 

5/28/24 • 51:11

What is discovery work? How does it help reduce risk and deliver better outcomes? In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter dive into the "how-to" of discovery work to explain what it is, why it is important, and tips on how to get started. In this episode, you will • discover the importance of discovery work • learn how to get started with discovery• hear stories of how discovery work has influenced the outcome of projects

5/19/24 • 45:16

How might we use privacy law to build trust with customers? Often regulations are viewed as an obligation, something organizations need to comply with to stay out of legal trouble. However, what if regulations can be more than that? What if regulations can provide us a way to build trust and create better experiences for customers? In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter are joined by Rali Andreeva, a thought leader who helps organizations demystify privacy to improve customer experience.In this episode, you will• understand the intent of privacy law• discover how to build customer trust with privacy• learn simple ways to get startedAbout Our Guest Rali helps teams simplify privacy, mitigate risks, and build trust by embedding privacy in the customer experience. With 20+ years of marketing, loyalty, and data and insights experience across retail, FMCG, and banking, she brings a customer and business perspective to an area often dominated by legal and compliance expertise. She speaks at events, runs training sessions and facilitates workshops, as well as providing coaching for senior leaders and teams. You can connect with Rali on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralica-andreeva/

5/12/24 • 40:14

Over the past several years, the relevance of design thinking has come under scrutiny. Is it a fad that has run its course? Is design thinking still useful? In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter dive into these questions.In this episode, you will• explore how design thinking has evolved over the years• learn about what is working and what is not• discover what needs to happen next

5/5/24 • 38:27

Organizational tensions are inevitable and become increasingly complex as organizations scale. In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter discuss the three most common organizational tensions and strategies for navigating them. In this episode, you will• discover the three most common organizational tensions that keep teams stuck • learn how to leverage Design Thinker Capabilities to navigate organizational tensions • understand the benefits and pitfalls of tensions 

4/22/24 • 62:01

Context plays a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of the world. From everyday conversations to pondering the meaning of life, context is at the center of meaning-making. An action that might seem irrational can be perfectly reasonable when you understand the context. What does context mean for Design Thinkers? Why is it important to the practice of Design Thinking? Join Dr Dani and Designer Pete as they explore the meaning of context for design work. In this episode, you will • learn how to define context • know the importance of context in solving problems • understand how context applies to design thinking 

3/17/24 • 43:51

Design Thinking, where did it come from? How is it being used today? What will its purpose be in the future? Join Dr Dani and Designer Peter as they delve into the history of Design Thinking and explore its prospects. In this episode, you will • Learn about the roots of Design Thinking • Hear stories of how Design Thinking is being applied today • Understand the future potential of Design Thinking 

3/1/24 • 54:29