As a designer, Scott Doorley is interested in how humans create the world around them. It’s a conversation, he says, that starts with the question: What kind of world do we want?

Doorley is the creative director of the Stanford d.school and co-author of the book, Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future. In designing everything from a device to an app to a building, “People get excited about what it can do,” he says, “but what should it do? What do we want? What's the desirable outcome that we want in the world?”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Doorley and host Matt Abrahams discuss how applying design thinking to communication can help us connect more with each other, better understand the world, and create meaningful change.

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford d.school Profile: Scott Doorley 
• Stanford d.school 
• Scott’s Book: Assembling Tomorrow
• Ep.61 Courage, Belonging, Ambiguity and Data: How to Design Your Communication for Success Website / YouTube 
• Ep.70 Keep ’Em Coming: Why Your First Ideas Aren’t Always the Best Website / YouTube 

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Scott Doorley, creative director of Stanford’s d.school.

(00:01:07) What is Design?

The broad scope of design at Stanford's d.school and the role of intention in bringing ideas to life.

(00:02:16) The Design Process

The design process, emphasizing desirability and externalizing ideas to understand them better.

(00:03:32) Communication in Design

The vital role of communication in all aspects of design.

(00:05:09) Mistakes in Spatial Design

The biggest mistake people make when arranging spaces for communication and interaction.

(00:06:47) Runaway Design

The concept of runaway design and its implications in the modern world.

(00:09:29) Intangibles and Actionables

The distinction between actionables and intangibles, and how these concepts can be applied beyond design.

(00:12:47) Using Stories in Design

How storytelling helps envision and communicate future impacts of design.

(00:16:20) Emotion in Innovation

The role of emotions in driving innovation, communication, and design.

(00:19:03) The Final Three Questions

Scott shares what he is currently designing, a communicator he admires, and his ingredients for successful communication.

(00:23:17) Conclusion