This is HCD – Human-Centered Design, UX & Service Design Thinking Podcast

If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Join our Community: https://circle.thisishcd.com/Join-CommunityIn this episode of This is HCD, Gerry Scullion sits down with Thea Snow, Director at the Center for Public Impact, to explore the powerful intersection of systems, imagination, and justice in reimagining government.We dive into why imagination matters in government, how systems shape agency, and the role of design in justice and social cohesion. Thea shares practical stories from Australia, New Zealand, and beyond—covering topics like:The hidden connections that make systems workWhy government is not just about doing but also about beingHow physical spaces and design decisions influence justice and community wellbeingLinkslinkedin.com/in/thea-snow?originalSubdomain=auIf you care about systems change, design, and creating governments that truly serve people—this conversation is for you.Like what we do? Make a Tip. Or Leave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdSponsor links10x your service design offering with Smaply. Take 20% off your order with ''ThisisHCD20off'Sign up https://auth.smaply.app/sign-upCheck out This is HCD x Sutsu range. Gerry wears and endorses Sutsu ethical clothing. Get 10% off ScenarioCards.org when you used our link https://scenariocards.org/HCD10Click here to watch a video of this episode. Creators & Guests Gerry Scullion - Host Thea Snow - Guest Serdar Mele - Editor

If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Join our Community: https://circle.thisishcd.com/Join-CommunityWhat do you do when the external noise is too loud, and your system wants to shut down? This episode helps you stay open without getting overwhelmed.This series is a starting point. Liminal Coaching works with individuals and organizations using guided relaxations, short-format coaching, and high-impact interventions to help people return to clarity and direction fast.Explore more at: https://liminalcoaching.comTry the free reset moment: https://bit.ly/limhawkGet in touch: info@liminalcoaching.comLike what we do? Make a Tip. Or Leave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdSponsor links10x your service design offering with Smaply. Take 20% off your order with ''ThisisHCD20off'Sign up https://auth.smaply.app/sign-upCheck out This is HCD x Sutsu range. Gerry wears and endorses Sutsu ethical clothing. Get 10% off ScenarioCards.org when you used our link https://scenariocards.org/HCD10Creators & Guests Mike Parker - Host

If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Join our Community: https://circle.thisishcd.com/Join-CommunityIn this episode of This is HCD, Gerry Scullion talks with Steven Puri, who has lived in two extreme worlds: producing Oscar-winning visual effects for Hollywood blockbusters and raising $20 million in venture capital to run multiple startups. Steven opens up about the unsustainable grind of film culture, the pain of startup failures, and the practices that helped him rebuild with intention. From redefining productivity to finding clarity in yoga and flow states, this is a powerful conversation about designing a sustainable life.Key takeaways:✅ Hustle culture without intention leads to burnout and emptiness✅ Productivity is about outcomes, not hours under fluorescent lights✅ Well-being practices like yoga and flow states are survival tools, not luxuriesLinkshttps://www.thesukha.co/Get 20% off with the code 'GETFOCUSED'Note: I use The Sukha daily, so if you DO join, come and look for me inside :-)Like what we do? Make a Tip. Or Leave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdSponsor links10x your service design offering with Smaply. Take 20% off your order with ''ThisisHCD20off'Sign up https://auth.smaply.app/sign-upCheck out This is HCD x Sutsu range. Gerry wears and endorses Sutsu ethical clothing. Get 10% off ScenarioCards.org when you used our link https://scenariocards.org/HCD10Creators & Guests Gerry Scullion - Host Steven Puri - Guest Serdar Mele - Editor Click here to watch a video of this episode.

If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Join our Community: https://circle.thisishcd.com/Join-CommunityFrom solo consultant to scaling a design talent powerhouse—Sara Fortier (CEO of Outwitly) reveals what it really takes to grow, hire, and thrive in today’s design economy. Whether you’re a designer eyeing contracting or a leader scaling teams, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.In this episode, Gerry Scullion speaks with Sara Fortier, CEO and founder of Outwitly, about her journey from being a hands-on designer to leading a 20+ person team and connecting contractors with organisations across North America.Sara shares lessons on contracting, client relationships, hiring, leadership growth, and how AI is reshaping the design industry. If you’re a designer considering contracting, or a leader thinking about scaling your practice, this conversation is full of insights.Preorder Design Research Mastery: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Design-Research-Mastery-Buy-Products/dp/9063699549Learn more about Outwitly - Your Trusted UX Partners ™ for building high-impact teams.http://outwitly.com/Connect with Sara Fortier on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sarafortier/Like what we do? Make a Tip. Or Leave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdSponsor links10x your service design offering with Smaply. Take 20% off your order with ''ThisisHCD20off'Sign up https://auth.smaply.app/sign-upCheck out This is HCD x Sutsu range. Gerry wears and endorses Sutsu ethical clothing. Get 10% off ScenarioCards.org when you used our link https://scenariocards.org/HCD10Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript. Creators & Guests Gerry Scullion - Host

If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Join our Community: https://circle.thisishcd.com/Join-CommunityWelcome, Mike! This is a short guest series from Mike Parker. I've received incredible benefits from learning about the techniques from Mike's work. It's allowed me to find increased clarity around my work as a result. So I'm delighted to welcome Mike to run a free 3 episode liminality session for you - our wonderful listeners of This is HCD! Sit back and enjoy the session.What is Liminal Breaks?Liminal Breaks is a three-part podcast mini-series offering practical, immersive audio experiences designed to reset your nervous system, sharpen your focus, and restore your inner clarity in just a few minutes a day.Developed by Liminal Coaching, these episodes are more than ideas, they’re doorways. Each episode includes a short talk and a guided experience known as a Moment, helping you shift from overload to presence without needing willpower or meditation skills.Whether you're overwhelmed, distracted, burned out, or just craving space to think clearly, this series is a gentle but powerful starting point.Who is this for?- Professionals carrying too much, too fast- Creatives and knowledge workers struggling to focus- Leaders who can’t afford burnout but don’t know how to stop- Anyone seeking grounded, non-performative helpNo spiritual fluff. No jargon. Just felt relief and a path back to yourself.What You’ll Experience in Each EpisodeEach episode includes:- A short, focused introduction to a common psychological or emotional challenge (overload, overwhelm, stuckness)- A 6-minute guided Moment you can repeat daily- Integration guidance to help you understand what just shifted and how to use itWhat you’ll need:- Headphones- A quiet place where you can lie or sit comfortably- Ideally, close your eyes and allow the Moment to do the work no effort neededHow to Use This Series- These Moments are most effective when used daily, even for just a week- You don’t need to understand or try hard, simply listen and let go- The guidance starts fresh each time, but if returning, feel free to skip ahead using the timestamps in the episode notesWhat Issues Does This Help With?The series and the wider Liminal Coaching approach addresses:- Overload, overwhelm, and burnout- Loss of focus or creativity- Emotional shutdown or dysregulation- Decision fatigue and life-direction fogLike what we do? Make a Tip. Or Leave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdSponsor links10x your service design offering with Smaply. Take 20% off your order with ''ThisisHCD20off'Sign up https://auth.smaply.app/sign-upCheck out This is HCD x Sutsu range. Gerry wears and endorses Sutsu ethical clothing. Get 10% off ScenarioCards.org when you used our link https://scenariocards.org/HCD10Click here to watch a video of this episode. Creators & Guests Mike Parker - Host

If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Join our Community: https://circle.thisishcd.com/Join-CommunityWhat happens when women with lived experience of addiction, prison, and recovery sit down with a former judge and a senator? In this powerful episode, Gerry Scullion brings together Senator Aubrey McCarthy, former Judge Gillian Hussey, and four remarkable women — Ruthann Barry, Bronagh McBrien, Edie Donohoe, and Jenny Harris — who have navigated Ireland’s systems of addiction, justice, and recovery.In an extraordinary twist, Judge Gillian Hussey once sentenced three of the women at the table to the Dóchas Centre, Ireland’s women’s prison. Now, years later, they sit side by side, reflecting on that journey, the systemic barriers still in place, and the possibilities for real change.This is a conversation about resilience, compassion, and the power of lived experience to shape a more humane justice system.https://www.tiglin.ie/ie.linkedin.com/in/senatoraubreymccarthyClick here to watch a video of this episode. Creators & Guests Gerry Scullion - Host Serdar Mele - Editor Like what we do? Make a Tip. Or Leave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdSponsor links10x your service design offering with Smaply. Take 20% off your order with ''ThisisHCD20off'Sign up https://auth.smaply.app/sign-upCheck out This is HCD x Sutsu range. Gerry wears and endorses Sutsu ethical clothing. Get 10% off ScenarioCards.org when you used our link https://scenariocards.org/HCD10

If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Join our Community: https://circle.thisishcd.com/Join-CommunityEpisode overviewIn this deeply human episode, Gerry Scullion speaks with Wellington-based design researcher Rachel Knight about the emotional realities of working in social impact. From navigating trauma-informed projects to setting boundaries as a freelancer, Rachel shares powerful insights on staying grounded while doing meaningful work.This conversation is essential listening for anyone working in design research, especially those engaging with vulnerable communities or emotionally charged topics.🔑 Three Key TakeawaysResearcher well-being is non-negotiable: plan for self-care like you plan for scope.Freelancers carry unique risks—build your own emotional safety nets.Lived experience is valuable but can carry hidden costs if not properly supported.Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript. Creators & Guests Gerry Scullion - Host Serdar Mele - Editor Stef Murphy - Producer Like what we do? Make a Tip. Or Leave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdSponsor links10x your service design offering with Smaply. Take 20% off your order with ''ThisisHCD20off'Sign up https://auth.smaply.app/sign-upCheck out This is HCD x Sutsu range. Gerry wears and endorses Sutsu ethical clothing. Get 10% off ScenarioCards.org when you used our link https://scenariocards.org/HCD10

If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Join our Community: https://circle.thisishcd.com/Join-CommunityIn this powerful walking episode through Dublin, Gerry speaks with Allen Bobinac, manager of The Lighthouse Café and a man whose journey from sleeping rough in St Stephen’s Green to leading one of Ireland’s most compassionate homelessness services is nothing short of remarkable. Allen shares how lived experience shapes better services, the importance of designing for dignity, and why community is the secret ingredient in recovery. You’ll hear first-hand about Tiglin’s long-term, holistic approach to addiction, trauma, and homelessness, and the vital role of trust, leadership, and purpose in transforming lives.Key Learnings:• Lived experience in leadership ensures services truly meet people’s needs.• Designing for dignity builds trust, safety, and belonging in vulnerable communities.• Long-term, community-centred support is crucial for breaking cycles of homelessness and addiction.https://www.linkedin.com/in/allen-bobinac-ma-1188241a5/https://www.tiglin.ie/Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript. Creators & Guests Gerry Scullion - Host Like what we do? Make a Tip. Or Leave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdSponsor links10x your service design offering with Smaply. Take 20% off your order with ''ThisisHCD20off'Sign up https://auth.smaply.app/sign-upCheck out This is HCD x Sutsu range. Gerry wears and endorses Sutsu ethical clothing. Get 10% off ScenarioCards.org when you used our link https://scenariocards.org/HCD10

If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Join our Community: https://circle.thisishcd.com/Join-CommunityIn this short update episode, Gerry Scullion shares an exciting behind-the-scenes change: the Global Human-Centered Design Directory has now moved to the main This is HCD website. What started as a quiet initiative has turned into a valuable resource for connecting values-aligned practitioners across the globe.Discover how this small but intentional update improves access, strengthens the community, and could help you find your next collaborator, mentor, or team member. It’s all part of our ongoing commitment to building a more connected human-centered design ecosystem—together.3 Key Takeaways:The HCD Directory is now live at thisishcd.com/directoryIt’s free, community-driven, and built for peer connectionDesigners can use it to find collaborators globally for work, mentoring, or supportCreators & Guests Gerry Scullion - Host Like what we do? Make a Tip. Or Leave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdSponsor links10x your service design offering with Smaply. Take 20% off your order with ''ThisisHCD20off'Sign up https://auth.smaply.app/sign-upCheck out This is HCD x Sutsu range. Gerry wears and endorses Sutsu ethical clothing. Get 10% off ScenarioCards.org when you used our link https://scenariocards.org/HCD10

If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Join our Community: https://circle.thisishcd.com/Join-CommunityIn this episode, I speak with Irish garden designer and tv personality - Diarmuid Gavin. He has presented gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show on nine occasions from 1995 to 2016 - He has also authored or co-authored at least ten gardening-related books.For regular listeners, you will be familiar with a recent episode I did with 16-time Grammy award-winning producer, Rafa Sardina - well this episode is continuing on that trend. I am really keen to explore other disciplines to see how they work to solve complex problems and also approach their work. I see gardening and working with nature as a direct parallel to working within organisations. Thinking like this, I was excited to speak with Diarmuid to see how he explores designing for the future and chat at length about external factors that could hinder the designer's vision. Diarmuid was a great guest - and wanted to give a big shout out to his wonderful Instagram page where he answers questions regularly through his Live events. So if you are interested and getting started with anything garden related - Diarmuids yer man!Creators & Guests Gerry Scullion - Host Serdar Mele - Editor Stef Murphy - Producer Like what we do? Make a Tip. Or Leave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdSponsor links10x your service design offering with Smaply. Take 20% off your order with ''ThisisHCD20off'Sign up https://auth.smaply.app/sign-upCheck out This is HCD x Sutsu range. Gerry wears and endorses Sutsu ethical clothing. Get 10% off ScenarioCards.org when you used our link https://scenariocards.org/HCD10