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 Series

Liz Atkin - Refreshing Comms

Vaughan Broderick - Innovation Playbook

In 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 Thinking

02:52 Understanding Communication Styles

05:41 Neurodiversity and Communication

08:46 Creating Inclusive Communication Spaces

11:25 The Role of Empathy in Communication

14:20 Overcoming Jargon and Assumptions

17:07 Facilitating Effective Brainstorming Sessions

20:00 Designing for Clarity and Connection

23:02 Communication Do's and Don'ts

25:44 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 Books

05:09 The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman

09:51 Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans