A Beginners Guide to Design Thinking: A-Z

Here are the links to the bodies of work mentioned by the listeners who asked us questions this episode: Candor Dennis - The Event Playbook Coffee Chat Series Liz Atkin - Refreshing Comms Vaughan Broderick - Innovation Playbook In this reflective episode, Lucy and Tracy celebrate three years of their design thinking podcast, sharing personal growth stories, podcast successes, and lessons learned. They engage with listener questions, discuss the importance of empathy in design thinking, and explore the future of the discipline, particularly around longevity, education and leadership. The hosts also share humorous moments from their podcasting journey and reflect on the significance of external validation. As 2026 looms, Lucy looks forward to releasing her solo spin-off podcast 'Rebel by Design (Thinking)' and Tracy looks forward to starting a new role. They both express excitement for future projects and the continued evolution of design thinking within their chosen fields. Key takeaways: Listener numbers and retention rates have exceeded anything they could have hoped for since they started the podcast as a fun experiment 3 years ago. Resilience and adaptability are the key lessons they've learned whilst recording. Empathy is crucial in design thinking and product development. When adopted, design thinking principles can greatly benefit the education and longevity sectors, and aid with career progression. The importance of humour and fun in any journey. External validation is not the primary focus; the message is what matters. As we press pause on our recordings for now, we'd like to thank every single listener and supporter. We've been blown away by the reach, engagement and connections we've had the pleasure of making this past 3 years. Don't forget to tune into Lucy's solo spin-off 'Rebel by Design (Thinking) in the new year.

In 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 four main communication styles: visual, verbal, written, and kinesthetic. Neurodiversity plays a significant role in how individuals communicate and process information. Creating safe spaces for questions enhances inclusivity in communication. Empathy is crucial in understanding different communication styles. Avoiding jargon can improve connection and clarity in communication. Curiosity should replace the word 'should' to foster innovation. Facilitators should set the tone for open communication by modeling vulnerability. Communication is not just about words; it's about making people feel heard. Chapters: 00:00 The Importance of Communication in Design Thinking 02:52 Understanding Communication Styles 05:41 Neurodiversity and Communication 08:46 Creating Inclusive Communication Spaces 11:25 The Role of Empathy in Communication 14:20 Overcoming Jargon and Assumptions 17:07 Facilitating Effective Brainstorming Sessions 20:00 Designing for Clarity and Connection 23:02 Communication Do's and Don'ts 25:44 Final Thoughts on Communication and Innovation

In 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 where you're stuck, it's where you start. Slow can be better than fast. Tiny experiments felt like a field manual. The Fax Club Experiment is an invitation to the uncomfortable. Chapters: 00:00 Tsundoku and Book Obsession 01:11 Design Thinking and the Messy Middle 06:21 Embracing Curiosity Over Certainty 10:29 The Power of Reflection

In 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 user interaction. Design errors are often misattributed to user mistakes. Prototyping is crucial in the design process. Designing Your Life applies design thinking to career choices. Iterate on your career path rather than making drastic changes. Be intentional about trying new things in your career. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Design Thinking Books 05:09 The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman 09:51 Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans

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 Innovation 03:12 Understanding Innovation vs. Invention 06:05 The Concept of Painstorming 08:59 Jobs to Be Done: Adding Value 11:54 Iterative Innovation and Customer Focus 15:05 Design Thinking for Community and Sustainability 18:01 Questioning Assumptions in Innovation 21:31 Delight and Inclusivity in Design 24:22 Implementation: The Key to Successful Innovation 27:32 Learning from Past Innovations 30:21 The Future of Innovation.Key takeaways: Innovation is about small, iterative changes rather than grand inventions. Painstorming focuses on understanding user pain points to drive innovation. Jobs to be done is a framework for identifying customer needs and adding value. Inclusivity and delight are essential in design to enhance user experience. Implementation is crucial; ideas without execution are ineffective. The right ecosystem can support innovative ideas and ensure their success. Assumptions in innovation must be questioned to avoid failure. Design thinking should be accessible and free from jargon. Iterative innovation allows for rapid testing and feedback loops. Understanding customer jobs leads to more meaningful innovations.

In 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 Thinking 02:57 Personal Stories of Vulnerability 06:02 The Impact of Vulnerability on Creativity 09:08 Gender Dynamics and Vulnerability 12:12 Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability 14:58 Tools for Encouraging Vulnerability in Workshops 18:01 The Role of Vulnerability in Innovation 21:28 Final Thoughts on Vulnerability and Design Thinking Key takeaways: Vulnerability is essential for creativity and innovation. Personal experiences of vulnerability can shape professional practices. Creating safe spaces is crucial for encouraging vulnerability. Gender dynamics influence how vulnerability is expressed and perceived. Vulnerability is not a weakness; it's a strength in design thinking. Authenticity fosters connection and trust in workshops. Facilitators should model vulnerability to encourage others. Workshops can serve as rehearsal spaces for real-life vulnerability. Tools like anonymous contributions can help ease the fear of sharing ideas. Vulnerability allows for messy honesty, which is more relatable than perfection.

In 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. Soundbites: 'Curiosity isn't just a nice to have, it's built into our daily interactions like a cognitive superpower.' 'Curiosity lights up the reward circuitry of your brain like the billboards on Times Square.' 'You need to feed your curiosity.' Chapters: 00:00 The Power of Curiosity 01:27 Curiosity in Conversations 05:15 Curiosity and Brain Science 09:58 Curiosity vs. Chaos 10:48 Types of Curiosity 15:36 Making the Connection to Curiosity in Design Thinking 18:29 The Power of Curiosity in Understanding Others 19:46 Creating Safe Spaces for Exploration 23:33 The Robot, Pirate, Ninja Framework 28:28 Curiosity as a Life Design Tool 33:35 Curiosity as a Superpower for Growth 36:20 Practical Tips for Cultivating Curiosity 39:14 Next Episode - Design Thinking & VulnerabilityTopics: curiosity, design thinking, personal growth, professional development, creativity, problem solving, brain science, safe spaces, life design, innovation.

In 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 ways AIcan now replicate easily?' 12:57 - 'How do we integrate it without losing thehuman magic? That’s the brief.' 13:49 - 'It’s amazing for breadth, but it's got jack sh*t intuition.' 23:15 - 'I basically work to the principal of AI fast, then human slow, and AI plus human intelligence is where the true magic lies.' 28:59 - 'When we test with real humans, we spot the moments AI misses - that's the stuff that matters most. Design thinking is about empathy, creativity and testing. If we skip those steps, we’re not using AI, we’re just avoiding the hard stuff.' Key takeaways: Design thinking is still relevant despite AI advancements. AI has been in development for much longer than perceived. The integration of AI into design thinking should enhance, not replace, human creativity. Real design thinking involves messy, human processes that AI cannot replicate. AI can assist in initial research but should not replace human insight. The importance of empathy in design thinking cannot be overlooked. AI can help generate ideas but lacks intuition and context. Using AI responsibly requires understanding its limitations and biases. Collaboration between AI and human intelligence can lead to innovative solutions. Testing with real humans is essential to capture insights that AI misses.

In 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 experiences highlight the need for empathetic design. Empathy can improve product accessibility and inclusivity. Tools like the Wheel of Power and Privilege help identify biases. Recognising your starting point is crucial for progress. Engaging with users directly leads to better design outcomes. Design should be aspirational, not just functional. Small tweaks can make a big difference in inclusivity. An empathy audit can help reflect on biases and assumptions. Sound bites: "Empathy isn't just a nice to have." "We need to be asking them, the users." "Recognise where you are. Start from there" "Design for aspiration as well as function." Chapters: 00:00 Welcome Back and Season Three Introduction 01:08 Understanding Empathy in Design 02:28 The Importance of Empathy in Design Thinking 03:28 The Consequences of Lacking Empathy 07:20 Empathy in Everyday Life and Design 09:41 Tools for Enhancing Empathy 14:39 Practical Steps to Foster Empathy 19:56 Empathy Audit and Conclusion

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

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

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

In 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. Raynault* Key topics covered: 00:00 - Overcoming Self-Criticism in Ideation 02:49 - The Importance of Preparation in Ideation 05:55 - Creating a Safe Space for Ideas 09:04 - The Role of Facilitators in Ideation 12:07 - Navigating Right and Wrong in Ideas 15:01 - Embracing Wild Ideas and Creativity Quotable Moments: "There's no such thing as a bad idea." "Ideation is not about perfection." "You need the prep, you need the session itself, and you need the follow up." "A good facilitator doesn't need to be an expert." "Don't disregard the wild card." Call to Action:  Lucy and Tracy challenge listeners to embrace the journey of nurturing ideas rather than seeking perfection. They help them consider all the ways they could come up with ideas. and introduce the notion that no idea is a bad idea, and that 'stealing' ideas is also ok. 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

In 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 between striving for excellence and knowing when to quit, providing listeners with practical insights to navigate their design thinking journeys effectively. *This episode is kindly sponsored by Blonde Creative.* Key Topics Covered:  00:00 Introduction to Design Thinking and Stakeholders 08:18 The Importance of Stakeholders 15:42 Making Incremental Changes 21:40 Avoiding Design Thinking Theatre 29:25 Knowing When to Quit Quotable Moments: "The only way out is through." "Don't forget your why." "Design thinking is a journey." Call to Action: Lucy and Tracy encourage readers to embrace the messy middle; providing insight into, and awareness of, the potential pitfalls they may encounter.  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

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 episode is kindly sponsored by AG Web Development*  Key topics covered:  00:00 Navigating Confusion and Stakeholders 03:06 The Power of Co-Creation 06:04 Diverse Perspectives in Design Thinking 08:51 The LEGO Example: Engaging Stakeholders 12:01 People-Pleasing and Decision Making 14:57 Finding Balance in Opinions 17:59 Empowerment and Self-Respect 21:04 Tools for Decision Making 24:01 Embracing the Messy Middle 27:02 Real-Life Applications of Design Thinking 29:53 Conclusion and Next Steps Quotable moments: "It's about respect for yourself." "You have to remain the hero of your own story." "Forget the worst, what's the *best* that could happen?" "It's okay to kind of from the messy middle." Call to Action:  Lucy and Tracy challenge listeners to identify their stakeholders, and to start having conversations with them. This helps find the balance between stakeholder input and personal / organisational vision. 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

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. 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

Your 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 something new. The episode dives into tips for beginners in various fields, emphasising how small steps lead to bigger successes over time. Key Topics Covered: [00:00] Introduction to Season 2: Lucy and Tracy introduce the new season and outline what listeners can expect in terms of topics and themes. [03:15] Breaking Down Common Beginner Struggles: Discussion on the universal challenges beginners face, from lack of confidence to fear of failure, and strategies to overcome these. [08:45] Practical Tips for Forming and Maintaining New Habits: Lucy and Tracy share actionable advice on how to build habits that stick, emphasising consistency over perfection. [13:30] The Importance of Mindset: A segment focused on how having the right mindset can make or break progress when starting something new. [17:50] Real-Life Examples of Starting from Scratch: The hosts provide personal anecdotes and examples from other beginners who have successfully progressed by sticking to their routines. Quotable Moments: "Success isn't about doing everything right at the start—it's about doing the right things consistently." "Everyone starts somewhere, and often the toughest part is just beginning." Call to Action: Lucy and Tracy encourage you - the listener - to take the first step towards your goals, no matter how small, and to stick with it despite the obstacles. 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

Send us a Text Message. 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

Have you missed us? Who's feeling stuck and ready to do something about it? Send us a Text Message. 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

In this episode Support the showAimed 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 - as we empower you to think differently and get creative...without messing up your jumpers with crayons. You can support us in the following ways: Take a listen, connect with us on LinkedIn, ask us questions, and be prepared for a great array of special guests as we progress from A to Z. Lucy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucypattersonflourish/ https://flourishunlimited.co.uk/ Tracy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/ https://www.sharpminds.coach/ If you have any questions, or would like to work with us, please email designthinkingaz@gmail.com Throughout the season ourselves and our guests will also be sharing some useful books and additional resources with you. These are shared via our Amazon Associates account. As such we will receive a small monetary reimbursement for any purchases made.