In this inaugural episode, Keith and Cameron discuss the challenges of starting a podcast amidst technical difficulties, the purpose behind their discussions, and their backgrounds in design and business. They explore the importance of design thinking in corporate environments, the evolution of design roles, and the need for effective communication and systems thinking. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on design and the lessons learned from their experiences at Macy's, emphasizing the need for designers to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

Takeaways

• Tech issues can be frustrating but are part of the process.
• The purpose of the podcast is to explore design and business intersections.
• Design thinking is crucial for enabling business success.
• Designers must adapt to the changing landscape of technology and AI.
• Effective communication is key to navigating corporate politics.
• Understanding organizational behavior can lead to better outcomes.
• Designers need to be proactive in their roles within organizations.
• The future of design will involve more collaboration with technology.
• Systems thinking is essential for solving complex problems.
• Design is a universal language that bridges human and machine interactions.

Chapters

• 00:00 Tech Troubles and Podcast Beginnings
• 02:58 Purpose and Background of the Podcast
• 05:50 Design Thinking in Business
• 08:58 The Evolution of Design Roles
• 11:59 Navigating Corporate Dynamics
• 14:51 Creative Problem Solving at Macy's
• 18:07 The Importance of Storytelling in Design
• 20:55 Understanding Organizational Behavior
• 24:04 Risk-Taking and Innovation
• 27:03 The Impact of Human Nature on Business
• 30:10 Lessons Learned from Macy's Experience
• 32:36 Navigating Technological Change
• 35:12 The Shifting Landscape of AI and Design
• 37:33 Designing for Humans in an AI World
• 41:26 The Future of Design and Accessibility
• 44:05 The Role of Designers in Business
• 50:43 Learning from Experience and Adapting
• 55:37 Recommended Readings and Resources

Books Referenced

⁠The Ten Faces of Innovation⁠

⁠⁠Red Team⁠⁠

⁠Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World⁠

⁠The Art of War Visualized: The Sun Tsu Classic in Charts and Graphs⁠

⁠The Innovator's Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail⁠

Keywords

Podcast, design thinking, corporate politics, AI, systems thinking, organizational behavior, communication, design roles, Macy's, technology