Shows
Beginners Guide to Design ThinkingNavigating Communication Styles for Better Outcomes from Design ThinkingIn 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...
2025-11-1429 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingThe Design of Everyday Things & Designing Your Life - Tracy's Book ReviewsIn 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...
2025-10-1411 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingTiny Experiments & The Fax Club Experiment - Lucy's Book Review mini-sodeIn 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...
2025-10-1411 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingThe Essence of Innovation. (And Why Bigger Isn't Always Better in Design Thinking)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...
2025-09-1433 min
The Podcasters LabDesign Thinking Beyond Business: Lucy Patterson on Life & LongevityLucy Patterson co-hosts Beginner’s Guide to Design Thinking, a Digital Women award-winning podcast that’s become a lead-generator without ever feeling like a sales funnel. Now, she’s branching into her own solo show on life design and the longevity market. In this episode, Kevin helps Lucy unpack her doubts about running two podcasts, reframes the “problem” she thought she had, and shows how her next step is really just a natural extension of her expertise. Perfect for podcasters and founders wondering how to evolve their show without losing their audience.00:06 – Lucy’s award-winning podcast and co...
2025-08-2626 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingEmbracing Vulnerability in the Creative SpaceIn this episode Lucy Patterson and Tracy Sharp explore the theme of vulnerability and its critical role in design thinking and creative spaces. They share personal stories of vulnerability, discuss the gender dynamics surrounding it, and emphasise the importance of creating safe spaces for open communication. The conversation also highlights practical tools and techniques to encourage vulnerability in workshops; ultimately linking it to innovation and authenticity in both personal and professional contexts.Chapters:00:00 The Power of Vulnerability in Design Thinking02:57 Personal Stories of Vulnerability06:02...
2025-08-1434 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingBeginner's Guide to Unlocking the Power of Curiosity in Design ThinkingIn this episode, Lucy and Tracy explore the transformative power of curiosity within the context of design thinking. They discuss the science behind curiosity, its role in personal and professional growth, and how it can be harnessed as a tool for innovation. The conversation delves into different types of curiosity, the importance of creating safe, bold spaces for exploration, and how curiosity can lead to meaningful life design. The hosts emphasise that while curiosity is essential, it must be paired with intention and clarity to drive effective outcomes....
2025-07-1439 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingA Beginner's Guide to AI versus Design ThinkingIn this episode, Lucy and Tracy explore the relevance of design thinking in the age of artificial intelligence. They discuss the historical context of AI, its integration into design processes, and the importance of maintaining a humanity-centered approach. The conversation emphasises the need for empathy, creativity, and the unique insights that only humans can provide; even as AI becomes a more prevalent tool in design thinking.Soundbites:7:24 - 'AI is like the Ozempic of the corporate world.'9:10 - 'Have we been mis-using design thinking in...
2025-06-1431 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingA Beginner's Guide to EmpathyIn this episode, Lucy and Tracy delve into the critical role that empathy plays in design thinking; emphasising its importance in creating products and services that truly meet the needs of users. They discuss the consequences of neglecting empathy, share personal anecdotes, and provide practical tools and steps for fostering empathy in design processes. The conversation highlights the need for inclusivity and accessibility in design, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own biases and assumptions.Key takeaways:Empathy is essential in design thinking.Designing for the average ignores diverse user needs.Everyday...
2025-05-1423 min
School Reading ListEpisode 30 - Why Investing in Your School Library Can Boost Your School Inspection GradeSchool Reading List podcast hosted by Tom TolkienSeason 1: Episode 30For transcripts, resources, show notes and contact details, see https://schoolreadinglist.co.uk/podcasts/series-1-episode-30/Part 1Book postUnder a Fire-Red Sky by Geraldine McCaughreanOur Tree by Jessica MeserveWe are All Animals by Ben Hoare and Christopher Lloyd, illustrated by Mark RuffleReal-life Mysteries: Tales of Scary Beasts by Susan Martineau, illustrated by Vicky BarkerHow Not to Share a Pizza by Tracy Curren, illustrated by Lauren BeardI Am Strong Just Being Me by Laura Dockrill...
2025-04-3033 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingA Beginner's Guide to Embracing Struggles, Adopting Solutions & Learning Lessons: Season Two Finale.In this episode, Tracy and Lucy wrap up Season 2 by reflecting on the importance of embracing failure as a teacher and the lessons learned from their personas, Dave and Eliza. They discuss practical solutions for common business struggles, the significance of stakeholder engagement, and the value of iterative testing. The episode emphasises the journey of personal and professional growth through design thinking principles, encouraging listeners to celebrate small wins and enjoy ...
2025-01-2140 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingA Beginner's Guide to The Power of Implementation in Design ThinkingIn this episode Lucy Patterson and Tracy Sharp explore the critical theme of implementation in the design thinking process. They discuss the importance of taking action, the challenges of maintaining momentum, and the necessity of reflection and feedback. The conversation also touches on useful frameworks like TOMS and the Five-Star Ratings Framework to help listeners define success and stay accountable. Additionally, they emphasise the significance of sustainability in innovation and...
2025-01-0730 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingA Beginner's Guide to Navigating the Ideation Process in Design ThinkingIn this episode, Lucy Patterson and Tracy Sharp explore the principles of design thinking, focusing on the ideation process, innovation, and the importance of prototyping. They discuss how to navigate overwhelming ideas, the iterative nature of innovation, and the significance of vulnerability in seeking feedback. The conversation emphasises the need for clarity in problem-solving and the value of prioritisation in decision-making, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace the learning ...
2024-12-1733 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingA Beginner's Guide to Creating Safe Spaces for Innovative IdeasIn this episode, Tracy Sharp and Lucy Patterson discuss the challenges of ideation, particularly focusing on overcoming self-criticism and perfectionism. They emphasise the importance of preparation, creating a safe space for sharing ideas, and the role of facilitators in guiding the process. The conversation also touches on the significance of embracing wild ideas and navigating the concepts of 'right' and 'wrong' in brainstorming sessions. *This episode is kindly sponsored by Judith P. R...
2024-12-0332 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingA Beginner's Guide to Navigating The Pitfalls of Design ThinkingIn this episode, Lucy and Tracy explore the principles of design thinking, focusing on the common pitfalls that individuals and teams encounter during the process. They emphasize the importance of understanding stakeholders, defining clear problem statements, and the iterative nature of design thinking. The conversation highlights the significance of reflection, data-driven decisions, and maintaining focus on the purpose while avoiding distractions. The hosts also discuss the balance betwee...
2024-11-1933 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingA Beginner's Guide to Stakeholders, Co-Creation and 'The Messy Middle'In this episode, Lucy and Tracy explore the complexities of design thinking, focusing on the importance of stakeholders, co-creation, and the challenges of people-pleasing. They discuss how to navigate diverse opinions, the value of empathy, and the iterative learning process involved in design thinking. The conversation highlights real-life applications, tools for decision-making, and the significance of self-respect and empowerment in the journey of personal and professional growth. *This...
2024-11-0534 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingA Beginner's Guide to Empathy & Figuring Out Your Point of ViewIn this episode, Lucy and Tracy explore how empathy helps us understand others and ourselves, fosters deeper connections, and leads to better decision-making. They also delve into the significance of forming a distinct point of view to be used as a guide to action when navigating potential challenges. *This episode is kindly sponsored by Rama Gheerawo, author of Creative Leadership: Born From Design.* Key Topics Covered: [00:00] What to expect: Lucy and Tracy introduce the episode by fram...
2024-10-2225 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingA Beginner's Guide to Doing ThingsYour hosts, Lucy and Tracy, kick off season 2 with an episode entitled 'A Beginner's Guide to Doing Things'. *This episode is kindly sponsored by Vaughan Broderick, co-author of The DUCTRI Playbook* In this episode, they challenge you - the listener - to take a fresh approach to growing your business and up-levelling your lives using the power of design thinking. They discuss the basics of adopting new habits, overcoming initial challenges, and how to stay consistent when starting somethin...
2024-10-0821 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingSeason 2 Trailer 2.0Have you missed us? Who's ready to take action and solve problems with us? Send us a text Support the show You can support us in the following ways: Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions. Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests. Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time. L...
2024-08-2603 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingSeason 2 Trailer 1.0Have you missed us? Who's feeling stuck and ready to do something about it? Send us a text Support the show You can support us in the following ways: Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions. Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests. Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time. ...
2024-08-1802 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingZ is for ZeitgeistIn this episode Send us a text Support the show You can support us in the following ways: Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions. Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests. Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time. Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/ ...
2023-12-2616 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingY is for Your Business and LifeIn this episode we Send us a text Support the show You can support us in the following ways: Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions. Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests. Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own project, whilst earning a qualification and CPD points at the same time. Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/...
2023-12-1221 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingX Marks the SpotIn this episode we discover whether 'X' really does mark the spot, as we explain more about the 'Define' stage of the design thinking process. Send us a text Support the show You can support us in the following ways: Take a listen, leave a positive review, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions. Season 1 - A full A - Z introduction of all things design thinking, plus a range of special guests. Season 2 - Engage with the opportunity to design think your way through your own pr...
2023-11-2819 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingW is for WorkshopsIn this episode, we uncover a few of the reasons why workshops can be innovation and creative goldmines when you're looking to solve a problem, make a decision, or whenever you have a challenge ahead of yourself or your team. We look at how design thinking workshops are actually more likely to produce iterational innovation, than the transformational innovation that we hear about in the media, before explaining the need for good preparations, the limitations of workshops, and how to get the ...
2023-11-1419 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingV is for VisualisationIn this episode we're joined by Lara Doherty, Founder of The Motivation Clinic, and Author of The Mighty Book of Motivation. Adept at using the power of visualisation, with a particular interest in the power of vision boards to fuel your achievements and help you reach your goals, Lara explains how she now pays this power forward to others. Visualisation techniques have been used by sports coaches to improve the performance of sports stars very successfully for decades, yet visualisat...
2023-10-3135 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingU is for UsabilityIn this episode we welcome the inimitible Christine Hemphill from Open Inclusion. With a background in design, Christine now specialises in inclusive product design, with a particular interest in age and disability. From retail to banking, healthcare to transport, Christine's knowledge, understanding and desire to disrupt the product design sector for the greater good is admirable. We're all 'users' of products, but due to her dislike of the transactional nature of this word, she makes sur...
2023-10-1744 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingT is for TracyIn this episode we dive deeper into the psyche of co-host Tracy Sharp. To get us started, Lucy makes Tracy share her career profile with us, as if she'd written it for a dating app...then we get serious! From the highlights of working on the 'Foodi' for SharkNinja whilst out in China, to the burn out that followed; Tracy provides honest and open insight into her life as a female in a male dominated environment. Listener questions provide further insight into Tracy's confidence and resilien...
2023-10-0337 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingS is for StorytellingIn this episode we discuss the impact of story-telling; more importantly the impact of good story-telling. As a design engineer, Tracy shares a story of a hotel stay that didn't live up to expectations, and how story-telling could have helped the hotel to better improve her experience. Lucy sings the tune to a 1980's Milky Way tv advert that shows how story-telling links to nostalgia, marketing, and sales. (It also proves that Lucy shouldn't give up her day job!) From cha...
2023-09-1920 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingR is for ReflectIn this episode we discuss how to use the power of reflection in order to boost your mindset and discover the benefits that taking time to reflect can have on your business and life. Tracy shares the reflection questions she claims stopped her from quitting during the early days of running her own business, and Lucy shares how she uses reflection methods to maintain communication and momentum within her growing business team. We chat through the Baader Meinhoff Effect and Imposter Syn...
2023-09-0525 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingQ is for QuestionsIn this episode we look at the potential of questions within the innovation and design thinking process. We uncover some of the cross-overs between design thinking and lean manufacturing, and share the Japanese origins of a very simple, yet effective exercise, '5 Whys'. Plus, of course, because we're all about actionable insight, we provide you with some real life examples that enable you get to the crux of various problems by putting this exercise to good use. Send us a text Support the sh...
2023-08-2212 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingP is for PrototypingIn this episode we touch on one of Tracy's favourite stages in the design thinking process; prototyping. Having spent years working as a Design Director for a major household brand, what Tracy doesn't know about prototyping is probably not worth knowing. Join us as we share some of her production design insight, and then learn how to apply the same/similar insights to service based business' - and your life. We discuss the need to 'prototype like you want it to fail' and to look at 3 proto...
2023-08-0838 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingO is for ObserveIn this episode we cover one of the main stages in the design thinking process: observe. Sure, we all observe ourselves and others on a daily basis, but when you need to observe with purpose; to be aware of your surroundings, to better understand the impact of your product, or to solve problems and makes decisions within your business, how good are you at observing then? It can actually be one of the hardest stages in the design thinking process to get right and do well. It's time to...
2023-07-2535 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingN is for NeurodiversityIn this episode we chat with Alison Wombwell, a Neurodiversity specialist, about how she was introduced to design thinking by Lucy, and why she then knew that design thinking needed to be part of the on-going support she now provides to female neurodivergent business owners as they start and grow their own business'.A slight deviation from the norm for us, but then isn't that what design thinking is all about?!Originally a client of Lucy's, they now run the NeurOkay program together via Flourish Unlimited. The NeurOkay program is created with design thinking at...
2023-07-1137 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingM is for Michael LewrickIn this episode we chat with Michael Lewrick, PhD, MBA. Michael has worked intensively these past few years to establish himself as a Thought Leader and world-renowned specialist in the field of Design Thinking. A best-selling author and award-winning entrepreneur, his ideas, books and innovation company - Lewrick & Company - help people around the world to better lead innovation and business growth during this current period of rapid change. If you're a regular listener to our p...
2023-06-2730 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingL is for Lucy PattersonIn this episode we find out more about the journey that lead one of the co-hosts, Lucy Patterson, to a career in design thinking. From the influence of her Grandparents on her mindset, to a successful management career that left her feeling stifled, to setting up Flourish Unlimited. Onto a sink or swim conversation that saw her embark on a life and business changing trip just before the pandemic hit. Among other things, Lucy shares her favourite design thinking tools, her belief in t...
2023-06-1330 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingK is for Key StepsIn this episode we explain a bit more about the key steps of the design thinking process; exploring the 'double diamond' concept, which is currently celebrating its 20th year of use. So join us as we diverge to converge; applying the double diamond to life design and coaching; considering ways you can apply it to your life and business for simple, yet immediate and iterative impact. Continue to listen as we introduce the notion of business ecosystems; discussing how service base...
2023-05-3031 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingJ is for Journey MapsIn this episode we explain a bit more about one of the most commonly used tools in Design Thinking, journey - and empathy - maps. Within business, maps may relate to your customer's thoughts, feelings and journey, how your processes flow, or how you get to a sale. We'll chat customers touchpoints, and help you identify where they are in their journey with you: Awareness, consideration, purchase, retention and advocacy. Plus, we'll take a telling look at the journey of your key compet...
2023-05-1630 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingI is for IdeationIn this episode we explore ideation - a key element of design thinking - and how it fits into the innovation space. If you think that ideation is just a brainstorming session, then you need to listen to this episode, because you couldn't be more wrong. This episode could just provide you with the framework you need to discover your next big product/service! We chat creativity as an adult, how to get over 'blank page syndrome', what to do if you're a recovering perfectionism, and why you sho...
2023-05-0228 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingH is for How Might We?In this episode we explore one of Lucy's favourite Design Thinking tools; 'How Might We?' There's more to Design Thinking than just fun and effective tools, and in this episode we explore a bit of the neuroscience and psychology around creating a productive problem statement. We talk elephants, riders, working alone together, not needing to re-invent the wheel, and how to manage those 'tricky' power dynamics when working on a project as a team. How Might We know that you're enjoying...
2023-04-1822 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingG is for GrowthIn this episode we look at how Design Thinking can be used as a powerful tool for growth, both in your business and your life. We're here to help you not just fail fast and fail forward, but to learn fast, and learn forward, because we grow from many perspectives: Physical, emotional, spiritual, social and mental. Join us as we chat about the elements of coaching that can address these growth areas, and how/where/why they fit in the Design Thinking framework. Observing and prototypi...
2023-04-0423 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingF is for Five W's & H QuestionsIn this episode we evaluate the first Design Thinking tool of this podcast season, as we discuss the benefits and potential pitfalls of using 'Five W's & H Questions'. This tools allows us to gain better understanding of the opinions and wishes of our customers, whilst removing judgement and assumptions. It can get us closer to the 'right' problem statement, and it bring nebulous thoughts together, before drilling down for further clarity. But should 'why?' really be used in a coaching ...
2023-03-2125 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingE is for Ed (The inimitable Ed Watson)In this episode we meet Ed Watson, a Design Thinking afficionado and Workshop Facilitator extraordinaire. Listen as Ed shares his design thinking journey. It's a journey that takes us via IBM and Accenture, with a stop-off finding out more about his activism and the notion of 'Modern Elders', then pivots to his monthly meet-ups that bring together an awesome community of design thinkers from around the world. Ed's workshops are revered, so we're delighted to have him sharing his insights, fa...
2023-03-0735 min
Conversations with my Future SkillsTracy Sharp on Inclusive spaces
Tracy Sharp
Saskia Listle
Welcome to another conversation with my future skills, the podcast where I talk with interesting people about what skills we have and what skills we need to have to be present in the future.
In this episode I talk to Tracy Sharp. Tracy is a former Design Director with over 15 years of product development experience. Now as an accredited coach she has founded SharpMinds, with the aim to support and empower women in Design and Engineering. She is also the host of the Design thinking Podcast “ A Beginners Guide 2 Design Thinking”
Toget...
2023-02-231h 30Beginners Guide to Design ThinkingD is for Design ThinkingIn this episode we share more about the history and evolution of design thinking; from the 1960s 'designerly ways of thinking' to adoption of the more human-centred, product, life, and business design we know today. Book (affiliate) links for this episode are: DT Toolbox - https://amzn.to/3ZSpAdf Design Thinking Life Playbook - https://amzn.to/3mMnmwY Designing Your Life - https://amzn.to/3ZYnvvG DT for Business Growth - https://amzn.to/3J6QF5d DT & Innovation Metric...
2023-02-2127 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingC is for CompassIn this episode we explain how to use design thinking as your 'compass' in order to find balance and purpose in your life and business. We help you to ask the right questions, in order to get the right answers; ensuring you're living with purpose and intent. Book (affiliate) links for this episode are: Designing Your Life - https://amzn.to/3ZYnvvG Design Thinking Life Playbook - https://amzn.to/3mMnmwY Send us a text Support the show You can support us in the following ways: Tak...
2023-02-0722 minBeginners Guide to Design ThinkingB is for BabsonIn this episode we chat 'blue whale businesses' with Phil Teasdale - published Author and CEO of Enterprise Made Simple - as he shares his experience of engaging with Babson College, the world's No.1 university for Entrepreneurship. It was while engaging in Babson's Program for Entrepreneurship Educators that he found his passion for design thinking. Phil is now a UK based Babson Fellow, and continues to share his learning experiences and knowledge with small business owners worldwide. Phi...
2023-01-2837 min
Beginners Guide to Design ThinkingA is for 'An Introduction'Aimed at design thinking newbies, and those who are curious about how they can use design thinking to boost their business and improve their lives. Join Lucy Patterson and Tracy Sharp - two Northern lasses who support business owners and individuals to use design thinking to positively disrupt the status quo; improving your business performance, whilst also invigorating your love of life. We're here to empower you to think differently and get creative...without messing up your sweater with ...
2023-01-2616 min