Beginners Guide to Design Thinking

By: Lucy Patterson & Tracy Sharp
  • Summary

  • Welcome to A Beginner's Guide to Design Thinking, the perfect podcast for curious souls eager to harness the power of design thinking to level up their business and personal life.

    Join your hosts - Lucy Patterson and Tracy Sharp - two Northern lasses passionate about helping people like you disrupt the status quo. We’re here to boost your business performance while reigniting your zest for life. No "but we've always done it that way" excuses allowed!

    We'll guide you through the process of figuring out what you want, experimenting with how to get it, and embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. You’ll learn how to apply those lessons, tweak your approach, and keep evolving - all while keeping it fun, and scientifically backed. It might get a little messy - but not crayon-on-your-sweater messy!

    From our own experiences and expertise - failures included - we’ll make sure you never feel alone on this creative journey.

    So let us hold your hand as you empower yourself with design thinking, getting closer to your goals without the frustration.

    Once you’ve finished listening, we have two small requests:

    1. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. (If not, shoot us an email and let us know how we can improve.)
    2. Reach out! Send us an email or connect via LinkedIn to share what actions you’ve taken from any of our episodes. We bloody love action-takers! 🙂
    © 2025 Beginners Guide to Design Thinking
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Episodes
  • A Beginner's Guide to Embracing Struggles, Adopting Solutions & Learning Lessons: Season Two Finale.
    Jan 21 2025

    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 the process.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • Failure is a teacher, providing valuable insights.
    • Embrace the process of design thinking.
    • Iterative testing helps refine ideas.
    • Engage stakeholders early for better feedback.
    • Celebrate small wins to build confidence.
    • Visualise the future to clarify decisions.
    • Start where you are, regardless of resources.
    • Progress is more important than perfection.
    • Regular self-reflection is crucial for growth.
    • Lessons and gifts come from every experience.

    Quotable Moments:

    • "There's no such thing as failure, only lessons and gifts."
    • "Celebrate small wins."
    • "Start where you are."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Design Thinking
    01:09 Reflecting on the Design Thinking Process
    02:07 Embracing Failure as a Teacher
    05:57 Understanding Personas: Dave and Eliza
    07:19 Dave's Struggles: Overthinking and Analysis Paralysis
    10:29 Dave's Budget Constraints and Cash Flow Issues
    14:38 Fear of Failure and Its Impact
    17:49 Engaging Stakeholders and Gathering Feedback
    19:45 Overcoming Struggles in Business
    22:19 Introducing Eliza's Journey
    22:39 Navigating Overwhelm and Self-Reflection
    25:33 Making Informed Choices
    27:50 Combatting Overthinking in Brainstorming
    29:43 Breaking Old Habits
    32:05 Lessons Learned from Dave and Eliza
    35:54 Embracing the Journey of Design Thinking
    40:32 New Chapter

    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: hello@abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net

    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • A Beginner's Guide to The Power of Implementation in Design Thinking
    Jan 7 2025

    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






    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: hello@abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net

    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • A Beginner's Guide to Navigating the Ideation Process in Design Thinking
    Dec 17 2024

    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: hello@abeginnersguidetodesignthinking.net

    Show More Show Less
    33 mins

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