PODCAST · business
DESIGN THINKER PODCAST
by Dr. Dani Chesson and Designer Peter Allan
Welcome to The Design Thinker Podcast, where we explore the theory and practice of design thinking. Join co-hosts Dr Dani Chesson and Designer Peter Allan as they delve into the principles, strategies, and real-world application of design thinking. Each episode takes a deep dive into a topic within design thinking, discussing the foundational theory and bringing theory to life by showcasing the application of theory into practice to solve real-world challenges. 🔍 Theoretical Insights: Build your understanding of design thinking's theoretical underpinnings, exploring its origins, key principles, and evolution over time. 🛠️ Practical Applications: Witness the theory in action as we share practical examples and case studies that demonstrate the impact of design thinking on real-world problems. 🎙️ Industry Expertise: Engage with thought leaders, industry experts, and practitioners who share their experien
Episodes
-
Ep#55: From Process to Experience - The role of recruitment in the age of AI
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...
-
Ep#54: Amplifying Human Potential by Collaborating with AI
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...
-
Ep#53: Thinglessness, E-Bikes, and the Future of UX
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...
-
Ep#52: Performance Without the Buzzwords – Doing What Matters, Better.
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...
-
Ep#51: The Age of Experience - Rethinking How We Think
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....
-
Ep#50: Why You Get What You Celebrate - What Recording 50 Episodes Taught Us About Progress, Rituals, and Resilience
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...
-
Ep#49: Can You Use Design Thinking Without Buy-In?
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...
-
Ep#48: Why Playing It Safe Is the Real Risk - A Dark Optimist’s Call to Action
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...
-
Ep#47: The Productivity Crisis: What We’re Getting Wrong and How to Fix It
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...
-
Ep#46: The Power of Dumb Thinking - The Dumbify Framework with David Carson
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...
-
Ep#45: Where Human-Centered Design Meets Systems Thinking
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...
-
Ep#44: Design Thinking in Action - The SWAT Approach to Business Transformation
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…
more -
Ep#43: Collaboration Fatigue - How to Fix the Most Overrated Buzzword in Business
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...
-
Ep#42: The Manager's Guide to Coaching, Driving Performance One Conversation at a Time
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,...
-
Ep#41: What Can Skydiving Teach Us About Leadership?
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…
more -
Ep#40: How Lessons from Design School Helped Me Drive Results in the Corporate World
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...
-
Ep#39: Power of the Pause: Why Taking a Break Matters
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...
-
Ep#38: What to do about perfectionism
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...
-
Ep#37: Why your customer experience will fail if you ignore EX
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...
-
Ep#36: What it Takes to Win in Customer Experience
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 •...
-
Ep#35: The Anatomy of an Experience
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...
-
Ep# 34: Emotions: What are they good for anyway?
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...
-
Ep#33: Are You Ready for the BANI World?
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...
-
Ep#32: Informed Consent: The Ethical Backbone of Design Research
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…
more -
Ep#31: Reducing the Risk of Innovation with Discovery
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...
-
Ep#30: A Human Centered View of Privacy Law
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…
more -
Ep#29: Design Thinking is Dead...Or Is It?
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...
-
Ep#28: Navigating Organizational Tensions with Design Thinker Capabilities
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...
-
EP#27: Context: The meaning at the center of everything
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…
more -
EP#26: The Past, Present, and Future of Design Thinking
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...
-
EP#25: Design Thinking: What is it? How can it help?
What is Design Thinking? In this back-to-basics episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter define Design Thinking. In this episode, you will • learn about how Design Thinking is defined • understand why Design Thinking is important • hear examples of how Design Thinking can help
-
Ep#24: Accepting the Inescapable Reality of Failure with Podcast Guest Chris Taylor
Do you struggle with accepting failure as an opportunity for growth? In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter are joined by Life and Business Coach Chris Taylor, author of the book Avoiding Propeller Blades. In this episode, you will • learn the power of accepting failure as an inevitability...
-
EP#23: Oral, Visual, Written, Does How You Tell a Story Matter?
How do you know the best way to get others to resonate with the story you want to tell? In the final episode of our series on storytelling, Dr Dani and Designer Peter explore the three modes of storytelling; oral, visual, and written. In this episode, you will • learn about the three modes of...
-
Ep#22: The Tale of Grandma Sue and Other Stories We Share with Each Other
Storytelling is everywhere. It shapes the culture of our families, social groups, and organizations. In part two of our series on storytelling, Dr Dani and Designer Peter explore how stories can motivate action in organizations. In this episode, you will • hear about how the stories we share…
more -
Ep#21: Shhh, Gertrude I'm Speaking - Reframing the Stories We Tell Oursevles
Ever wonder how the stories you tell yourself might be holding you back? In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter explore how the stories we tell ourselves might be holding us back from designing solutions. In this episode, you will • hear examples of the stories we repeat to ourselves that…
more -
Ep#20: The Desirability Lens - Will anyone actually buy it?
The third of a three-part series on the three lenses of design thinking, this episode explores the desirability lens. In this episode, you will be able to understand what desirability means and why it is important learn the techniques Design Thinkers use to identify desirability hear real-world...
-
Ep#19: The Viability Lens - Is it more than just cabbage soup?
The second of a three-part series on the three lenses of design thinking, this episode explores the viability lens. In this episode, you will be able to understand the key questions to consider when assessing a solution for viability learn how the viability lens contributes to better solutions…
more -
Ep#18: The Feasibility Lens: Is it something we can conceivably do?
The first of a three-part series on the three lenses of design thinking, this episode explores the feasibility lens. Join Dr Dani and Designer Peter as they take an in-depth look at feasibility. In this episode, you will be able to • learn about the five components of feasibility • understand how...
-
Ep#17: Empathetic Exploration: A game-changer for creating what people really want
Empathetic Exploration, are you using this capability to deliver what customers really want? In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter take a deep dive into understanding the specific way that design thinkers use empathy. In this episode, you will be able to learn about the research that…
more -
Ep#16: How will AI transform human-centered design?
Ever wondered how AI will transform human-centered design? In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter explore this question, raising their own concerns and curiosities about how AI will change the landscape for human-centered design. Key questions explored in this episode could AI create…
more -
Ep#15: Why do organizations fail to scale design thinking?
Discover the reasons behind organizations' struggles to scale design thinking in this episode of the Design Thinker Podcast. Join Dr Dani and Dsigner Peter as they explore both research findings and their own experiences in the field, providing valuable insights on how organizations can avoid...
-
Ep#14: Perspectives of Design with Podcast Guest Jason Osburn
In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter chat with Strategy & Experience Designer, Jason Osburn. Learn how a love of comedy and fear of public speaking lead to a career in design. About Our Guest Jason Osburn is a human-centered designer with over 20 years of experience whose passion sits at…
more -
Ep#13: Situation Optimizing, Seeing Beyond the Rose-Colored Glasses
Optimism is essential to problem-solving, but it's not just about seeing the good, we have to understand the constraints. In this episode, Dr. Dani and Designer Peter take a deep dive into Situation Optimizing to explore what it is and why it is important, and how it shows up in problem-solving.
-
Ep12: Curious Experimentation, learning in action
Curious Experimentation, learning in action. How do we respond to a problem when there isn't a clear cut answer? This is where the Design Thinker's mindset of curious experimentation can help us get unstuck. In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Pete unpack what it means to be a curious...
-
Ep11: Visual Communication, when words fail us
Visual Communication when words fail us. Have you ever had an experience where words failed you? In this episode, Dr. Dani and Designer Peter talk about how visuals can save us when words fail us. If you think you aren't a visual communicator, this is the episode you need to hear. Dr. Dani shares...
-
Ep10: Iteration, the Power of Keeping Going
Welcome back listeners! In this episode, we talk about the power of keeping going. Getting started is vital, but we can’t just stop there. We have to keep continuously improving through iteration. Tune in to learn how to enable follow-up action by giving ourselves permission to fail.
-
Ep9: The Power of Getting Started
In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Peter talk about the power of getting started. Hear how this concept was put into practice in the making of the Design Thinker Podcast season 1.
-
Ep8: Creativity, Innovation, and Risk Management
In this episode, Dr Dani and Designer Pete take a deep dive into how creativity, innovation, and risk management influence each other to understand how they might come together to create better, more impactful solutions.
-
Ep7: Artists and Designers, What's the Difference?
Artists and Designers, how are they different? In this week’s episode, Dr Dani and Designer Pete dive into the differences between the work of artists and designers.
-
Ep6: Innovation and Creativity, Can One Exist Without the Other?
In this week’s episode, Dr Dani and Design Pete explore innovation and creativity to understand how these two concepts are different and if one can exist without the other.
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to The Design Thinker Podcast, where we explore the theory and practice of design thinking. Join co-hosts Dr Dani Chesson and Designer Peter Allan as they delve into the principles, strategies, and real-world application of design thinking.
Each episode takes a deep dive into a topic within design thinking, discussing the foundational theory and bringing theory to life by showcasing the application of theory into practice to solve real-world challenges.
🔍 Theoretical Insights: Build your understanding of design thinking's theoretical underpinnings, exploring its origins, key principles, and evolution over time.
🛠️ Practical Applications: Witness the theory in action as we share practical examples and case studies that demonstrate the impact of design thinking on real-world problems.
🎙️ Industry Expertise: Engage with thought leaders, industry experts, and practitioners who share their experien
HOSTED BY
Dr. Dani Chesson and Designer Peter Allan
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does DESIGN THINKER PODCAST have?
DESIGN THINKER PODCAST currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is DESIGN THINKER PODCAST about?
Welcome to The Design Thinker Podcast, where we explore the theory and practice of design thinking. Join co-hosts Dr Dani Chesson and Designer Peter Allan as they delve into the principles, strategies, and real-world application of design thinking. Each episode takes a deep dive into a topic within...
How often does DESIGN THINKER PODCAST release new episodes?
DESIGN THINKER PODCAST has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to DESIGN THINKER PODCAST?
You can listen to DESIGN THINKER PODCAST on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts DESIGN THINKER PODCAST?
DESIGN THINKER PODCAST is created and hosted by Dr. Dani Chesson and Designer Peter Allan.
URL copied to clipboard!