Episodi

  • In this episode, we explore social entrepreneurship, wicked problems like homelessness, and the importance of redesigning societal thinking with Lord John Bird, co-founder of The Big Issue. Discover insights on prevention, humanising those in need, and systemic change.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship and Poverty

    02:42 The Big Issue: A Solution to Homelessness

    10:16 Designing a Magazine for Change

    17:43 Engaging the Homeless Community

    21:06 Preventive Strategies Against Poverty

    28:09 Revolutionising Thinking in Social Issues

    31:15 Transformative Health Interventions

    35:05 Rethinking Poverty and Health

    37:21 Custodial Sentences and Societal Views

    45:41 Redesigning Emergency Responses

    53:49 The Role of Society in Crime Prevention

    58:32 Designing for a Better Future

  • In this episode, John Kermath shares his extensive experience supporting startups, from superconductors to green city initiatives. The discussion covers navigating market needs, the importance of talking to customers, ecosystem development, and the value of fearless entrepreneurship.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Innovation

    02:45 Challenges in Commercialising Technology

    06:42 Understanding Market Needs and Customer Engagement

    12:26 Identifying Market Opportunities and Co-Creation

    16:43 The Role of London Green City

    21:02 Navigating Pivots and Strategic Decisions

    23:34 Defining Success in the Startup Ecosystem

    25:03 Comparing Risk Appetite: UK vs. US

    26:52 Key Components of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

    30:01 Identifying Market Needs and Entrepreneurial Opportunities

    32:21 Challenges in Commercialising Technologies

    37:45 Building Ecosystems: Green Town Labs and Beyond

    41:43 Comparing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: Boston vs. London

    43:18 Cultural Shifts: Embracing Risk and Failure

    48:22 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

    Captions are AI-generated

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  • In this insightful episode, Saeema, Melisa and John Clarkson, CBE Professor of Engineering Design, University of Cambridge discuss the integration of systems thinking and engineering design in healthcare. He shares practical approaches to understanding complex healthcare systems, engaging stakeholders, and designing patient-centred solutions.

    Captions are AI Generated

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Design and Systems Thinking

    02:55 The Role of Systems Thinking in Healthcare

    05:47 Engineering Better Care: A Systems Approach

    08:54 Raising Awareness and Building Systems Leadership

    11:35 The Improvement Canvas: Defining Problems

    14:32 Engaging Stakeholders in Healthcare Design

    17:50 Delight and Disgust in Palliative Care

    20:36 Understanding Patient Journeys and Healthcare Pathways

    23:45 The Importance of Experience in Healthcare

    29:00 The Poetic Side of Design

    29:58 Co-Designing with Users

    34:10 Understanding the Problem

    38:06 Iterative Design Process

    42:31 The Role of Stories in Healthcare

    50:49 Rethinking Healthcare Systems

    Resources:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/p-john-clarkson-42652a1/

    https://www-edc.eng.cam.ac.uk/people/p-john-clarkson-cbe-freng

  • This episode explores inclusive design in transportation and urban streets, featuring experts Pat Langdon and Michael Thomas. Topics include designing for diverse needs, innovative solutions for accessible travel, and the importance of lived experience in creating inclusive environments.

    Chapters

    02:47 Understanding Inclusive Design: Definitions and Evolution

    05:59 Challenges in Aviation: Inclusion Issues in Air Travel

    08:58 Designing for Accessibility: Innovations in Aircraft Design

    11:55 Lived Experiences: Insights from Users with Disabilities

    15:03 Prototyping Solutions: Testing and Feedback

    17:53 Regulatory Challenges and Future Directions

    20:48 The Role of Technology in Inclusive Design

    23:50 Conclusion and Future of Inclusive Design

    29:25 Exploring the Experiences of Disabled Users

    31:49 Addressing Gaps in Data and Research

    32:37 The Importance of Inclusive Design in Engineering

    36:46 Transportation Accessibility and Its Broader Implications

    37:48 Designing Inclusive Urban Spaces

    45:18 Capturing Lived Experiences for Better Design

    49:42 The Role of Attitudes in Accessibility

    52:35 Understanding Optimal Curb Heights

    54:59 The Importance of Detection Methods

    57:12 Challenges in Urban Design for Accessibility

    59:23 Conflicting Requirements of Different Users

    01:02:16 Inclusive Design: A Broader Perspective

    01:03:08 The Role of Empathy in Design

    01:03:39 Future Research Directions in Urban Design

    01:05:05 The Impact of Design on User Experience

  • This episode explores the innovative journey of Irene McAleese and Philip McAleese, co-founders of See.Sense, a company transforming cycling safety and urban mobility through smart sensor technology and data insights. Discover how their product evolved from a simple bike light to a data-driven system that enhances city planning, safety, and behavioral change.

    Chapters

    01:47 The Birth of See.Sense and Its Products

    04:52 Entrepreneurship Journey and Initial Challenges

    07:55 Design-Centric Approach and User Feedback

    11:04 Evolution of the Product and Data Utilization

    23:54 Enhancing Cyclist Safety Through Data

    28:40 Navigating Data Challenges with Cities

    34:27 Behavior Change and Cycling Initiatives

    49:42 The Evolution of See.Sense and Co-Creation

    Resources

    See.Sense Official Website - https://seesense.cc

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/irenemcaleese/

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipmcaleese/

    Captions are AI generated

  • In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the role of anthropology in design is more vital than ever. As AI and data-driven methodologies expand, understanding the human behind the data remains a cornerstone for impactful innovation. This post unpacks the insights from a compelling discussion involving social anthropologist and design researcher, Dr. Caitlin Robinson, who shares how blending anthropology and design can create richer, more ethical, and human-centered outcomes.

    Whether you’re a designer, researcher, or curious professional, this exploration clarifies how ethnographic methods, synthetic personas, and AI partnership can transform how we understand and serve people in digital and physical spaces. Let’s dive into the key ideas that bridge social insights, innovative design, and responsible technology.

    Chapters

    02:29 The Role of Anthropology in Design

    05:39 Ethnography and Its Application in Design

    08:27 The Transition from Anthropology to Design

    11:22 Integrating Technology with Ethnographic Methods

    14:20 Balancing Data and Empathy in Design

    17:18 The Future of Design Thinking with AI

    21:34 The Role of Human Insight in AI Innovation

    24:13 Understanding Synthetic Personas

    27:25 The Intersection of Design and Behavioral Science

    29:53 The Value of Design in Complex Systems

    37:01 Engaging Clients in the Design Process

    Resources

    Caitlin Robinson's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cpdrobinson/

    Daniel Kahneman's Thinking, Fast and Slow Book

  • In this episode, Jude Pullen, an award-winning creative technologist, explores the intersection of AI, ethics, sustainable design, and innovative problem-solving. Discover how design mindset shapes AI applications, the importance of local data processing, and the potential for inclusive design to create societal impact.

    Chapters

    03:20 Exploring the Intersection of Design, creativity and AI

    08:41 The Role of AI in Sustainable Packaging Solutions

    14:52 Data Challenges in AI Implementation

    19:46 Balancing Profit, Planet, and People in AI Usage

    26:23 Public Perception and Responsibility in AI Adoption

    29:32 Navigating AI's Role in Society

    34:01 Understanding Provenance in AI and Nature

    39:54 The Intersection of Nature and Technology

    46:07 Data, Knowledge, and Geopolitics

    49:50 Designing for Individuals: The Case of Josh

    01:00:42 The Business Case for Inclusive Design

    Resources

    Big Life Fix (BBC) - https://www.judepullen.com/big-life-fix

    Jude Pullen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/judepullen/

    River Clay Project - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKn0FKbi_Ig

    Yuval Noah Harari - Sapiens (book) - https://www.amazon.com/Sapiens-Humankind-Yuval-Noah-Harari/dp/0062316117

  • In this episode, we explore the concept of regenerative imagination in design with Professor Delfina Van Ditmar, discussing the ecological challenges we face and the paradigm shifts needed in design practices. Delfina shares practical examples of regenerative practices, emphasising the importance of moving beyond sustainability to actively restore health to our ecosystems. The conversation also delves into the role of imagination in design, the barriers to innovation, and the need for new business models that support regenerative practices.
    Links to companies mentioned in the episode

    CoFarm app

    Ponda

    Shellworks

    Chapters

    02:59 Ecological Challenges and the Need for Paradigm Shifts

    06:39 Understanding the Anthropocene and Systemic Change

    09:41 Practical Examples of Regenerative Agriculture

    16:57 The Broader Impact of Regenerative Design

    21:56 The Role of Regenerative Imagination in Design

    26:03 Barriers to Regenerative Innovation

    30:31 Navigating Economic Sustainability in Regenerative Startups

    38:18 The Future of Design and Business Models
    Captions generated by AI

  • In this episode, Saeema and Melisa engage with Dr. Sam Bailey, an innovator in the field of design and technology. They explore the intersection of invention and entrepreneurship, focusing on Sam's products like Pippa, a fire prevention device, and Yo-go, an electric vehicle aimed at reducing carbon emissions. The conversation delves into the challenges of creating markets for innovative products, the importance of data-driven design, and the necessity of understanding user needs. Sam shares insights from his experiences, including pitching at Dragon's Den, the significance of marketing and the lessons learned from real-world testing and investment strategies.

    Chapters

    02:16 Sam Bailey's Background and Innovations

    03:04 The Development of Pippa: A Fire Prevention Device

    09:39 Creating a Market for New Technologies

    17:03 Introducing Yo-go: A Sustainable Urban Vehicle

    20:24 Product Development and User Testing

    26:37 Public Reception and User Experience

    30:24 Challenges and Vandalism

    31:24 Societal Acceptance and Market Creation

    37:04 Insights from Dragon's Den

    43:07 Marketing and Product Development Strategies

  • In this conversation, Melisa, Saeema, and Clive explore the evolving landscape of design, focusing on the concept of 'redesigning thinking' as a new methodology that extends beyond traditional design thinking. They discuss the importance of service design, the impact of digital technologies and AI on design practices, and the significance of empathy in creating meaningful design solutions. Clive shares insights from his Project Love initiative, emphasizing the role of design in fostering love and empathy in society. The conversation concludes with key takeaways on the value of design and the need for designers to assert their role in shaping the future.

  • Summary

    Saeema & Melisa explore designing for the planet with guest Rachel Bronstein, Design Council. She describes the Skills for Planet Movement and the Design Council's ambition to upskill a million designers.

    They explore the importance of embedding green design skills in education, the co-creation process of the Skills for Planet Blueprint, and the challenges faced in industry adoption. The conversation also touches on the needs beyond skills to make change. How can we ensure the needs of industry are met? The need for policy support and the importance of building a movement to empower designers to create positive change for the planet.

    Keywords: design, sustainability, green skills, education, design council, skills for planet, environmental impact, design innovation, systems thinking, design for planet

    Takeaways

    Design has evolved from industrial focus to addressing environmental challenges.The Skills for Planet Movement aims to upskill 1 million designers by 2030.There is a significant skills gap in green design skills among designers.Co-creation with industry leaders is essential for developing relevant skills.Embedding green skills in education is crucial for future designers.Policy changes are needed to support sustainability in design education.Industry adoption of green skills faces challenges due to competing priorities.A narrative connecting sustainability and profit is necessary for industry buy-in.Tools and processes must accompany skills development for effective implementation.Designers have the power to influence positive environmental outcomes.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Evolution of Design and Its Responsibilities

    09:00 Green Skills for Designers: The Skills for Planet Movement

    17:28 Embedding Green Skills in Education and Industry

    26:26 Bridging the Gap: Profit and Sustainability in Design

    28:30 The Role of Design in the Green Transition

    29:54 Policy and Advocacy in Design

    30:50 Exploring Vocational Levels and Design Education

    32:32 Building the Skills for Planet Movement

    33:35 Upskilling Designers for a Sustainable Future

    39:46 Understanding Regenerative Design

    44:13 The Need for Tools in Sustainable Design

    46:29 AI and Its Relationship with Design for Planet

  • In this episode, we challenge the traditional notions of design and discuss how the world of products is evolving beyond the physical. From apps to behavioural shifts, design can take many forms.

    What do you think the future of products looks like? Let’s hear your ideas!

    #FutureOfDesign #ProductEvolution #DigitalDesign #InnovativeThinking #Podcast #DesignCommunity #AI #Sustainability #UserBehavior

  • In this inaugural episode of 'Decoded', hosts Melisa Leñero and Prof Saeema Ahmed-Kristensen explore the evolving landscape of design amidst rapid technological and societal changes. They discuss the complexities of the term 'design', the responsibilities of designers in addressing wicked problems, and the importance of a mindset that embraces ambiguity. The conversation also touches on the future of design, including the integration of AI and biomaterials, and the necessity for collaboration across disciplines to tackle pressing global challenges. Music by Alé Prada