Beginners Guide to Design Thinking

In 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 framing the importance of empathy and having a strong sense of personal perspective as key tools for beginners in any journey.
• [05:00] Understanding Empathy and Its Impact on Relationships:
  Discussion re how empathy allows us to better relate to others, helping to build stronger, more meaningful connections both personally and professionally.
• [10:30] Defining Your Point of View:
  Explaining the value of having a clear and consistent point of view, and how it can help individuals stay grounded while making decisions, setting boundaries, and pursuing their goals.
• [15:40] Balancing Empathy with Assertiveness:
  How to strike a balance between being empathetic to others’ needs, whilst staying true to your own perspective and values.
• [18:00] Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable:
  Lucy and Tracy dive into the idea that discomfort is a natural part of growth. They emphasise that becoming comfortable with discomfort is key to personal development, and how accepting this can make navigating challenges less daunting.
• [20:00] Final Thoughts and Reflections:
  Encouraging listeners to embrace empathy as a strength and to take the time to clearly define their personal viewpoints as a way to lead with confidence and authenticity.

Quotable Moments:

• "Empathy is not just about understanding others; it's about using that understanding to guide your actions with compassion and clarity."
• "Your point of view is your compass. It keeps you focused on what matters most, even when life throws you off course."
• "Growth often comes from stepping into the uncomfortable—it's about recognizing that discomfort is part of the process, and that's okay."

Call to Action:

• Lucy and Tracy challenge listeners to practice empathy in their daily interactions while also taking time to reflect and clearly define their personal point of view.

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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/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/

Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected]

In 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 the iterative nature of progress, encouraging listeners to embrace small changes and continuous improvement.

Key Topics Covered:

• Implementation is key to moving forward.
• Knowledge without action is procrastination.
• The Dunning-Kruger effect highlights the journey of learning.
• Slowing down can lead to better clarity and focus.
• Road mapping helps in achieving goals flexibly.
• The TOMS framework aids in structuring goals and outcomes.
• Defining success is crucial to avoid endless iteration.
• The Five-Star Ratings Framework provides a way to measure progress.
• Customer feedback is essential for refining processes.
• Sustainability should be a core consideration in innovation.

Quotable Moments:

• "What does success look like for you?"
• "Not everything needs to be implemented."
• "You are the hero in your own story."
• "Don't create a plan, create a 'pl'...and hold that 'pl' lightly."

Chapters:
00:00 Navigating the implementation process
04:03 The Dunning Kruger Effect
07:42 Road mapping & the TOMS Framework
12:00 How to define your own version of success
13:44 Lucy's 5 Star Ratings Framework to measure success
16:08 Why feedback is so important when iterating within implementation
17:26 Sustainability, circularity, people, planet & purpose
21:14 Ways to maintain accountability over the long term
24:08 End of year drawing party as a reflection tool
29:20 Info regarding the upcoming IOEE accredited & CPD points course

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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/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/

Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected]

In 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 journey inherent in design thinking.
*This episode is kindly sponsored by Phil Teasdale, Author of 'The Blue Whale Plan'*

Key Topics Covered:

• Innovation is about trying new things and perspectives.
• Iteration can be more manageable than radical change.
• Prototyping is a mindset that embraces learning from failure.
• Engaging your audience in the prototyping process builds investment.
• Prioritisation matrices help clarify decision-making.
• Vulnerability is key in seeking feedback and support.
• Small changes can lead to significant improvements.
• Understanding your audience is crucial for effective prototyping.
• Clarity in problem definition is essential for success.
• Embrace the learning journey as part of the design process.

Quotable Moments:

• "It doesn't have to be this all changing process."
• "What do you need to keep and what do you need to let go of?"
• "There's no such thing as failure, it's all just lessons and gifts."
• "People want to be part of something."
• "You need to have clarity on what that problem is."

Chapters:

00:00 - Navigating the Ideation Process

08:05 - Understanding Innovation and Iteration

16:17 - The Power of Prototyping

24:19 - Evaluating Assumptions and Prioritisation

32:31 - Embracing Vulnerability in Design Thinking

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/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/

Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected]

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In 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 it's core, and Alison explains how design thinking provided her with several lightbulb moments as a neurodivergent business owner.
NeurOkay provides a blend of executive functioning and emotional regulation that supports clients in the moment, alongside creative business growth exercises that reduce associated overwhelm, and enable individuals to plan, start, and continue to develop their business, without falling foul of procrastination or being 'busy' rather than productive.
Alison then shares her insight regarding late-diagnosis, the presentation of neurodiverse conditions, and how the pandemic may have actually resulted in a greater number of people seeking diagnosis and support.
Filled with wisdom and sensitivity, whether you are neurodiverse or neurotypical, there's learning moments a-plenty in this episode.
Take a listen and better understand how the creativity and flexibility provided by design thinking will benefit you, regardless of who you are or how your brain works.

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, and enjoy the array of special guests as we progress from A to Z during season one.
Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/

Web: https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected]

In 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 should be embracing your weirdness in order to get the best from your business.
With insights from her design engineering past, Tracy shares her struggles with ideation, whilst Lucy explains how a good facilitator will 'warm you up' to be open and willing to express your ideas...before helping you choose your MVP, MVE and wild card to take further.
Implementation is key though, so if you often fail at realising your ideas, then we've included a few tips to help you with that too.
(Affiliate) Book & Resource links for this episode are:
Thinkertoys: A Handbook of Creative Thinking Techniques - https://amzn.to/3Mc4ZMO
Design Thinking Toolbox - https://amzn.to/3ZSpAdf

Design Thinking for Business Growth - https://amzn.to/3J6QF5d

DT methodology book - https://amzn.to/3Fd0vRM

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/
Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/

Website - https://abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net/
If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email: [email protected]