

This is HCD – Human-Centered Design, UX & Service Design Thinking Podcast
Gerry Scullion
Welcome to This is HCD – Human-Centered Design, UX & Service Design Thinking Podcast, the global show for designers, innovators, and changemakers who want to create better products, services, and experiences.
Hosted by Gerry Scullion, with over 1-million downloads worldwide.
Each episode dives into conversations with leading voices in service design, UX design, interaction design, customer experience, and design strategy. Together, we explore the methods, mindsets, and real-world stories that bring human-centered design and design thinking to life.
Whether you’re a UX researcher, service design practitioner, product manager, or design leader, you’ll find actionable insights, practical tools, and inspiration to elevate your practice and drive meaningful change.
Tune in and join the global human-centered design community — learn how to design with purpose, create inclusive solutions, and shape a more thoughtful future.
Hosted by Gerry Scullion, with over 1-million downloads worldwide.
Each episode dives into conversations with leading voices in service design, UX design, interaction design, customer experience, and design strategy. Together, we explore the methods, mindsets, and real-world stories that bring human-centered design and design thinking to life.
Whether you’re a UX researcher, service design practitioner, product manager, or design leader, you’ll find actionable insights, practical tools, and inspiration to elevate your practice and drive meaningful change.
Tune in and join the global human-centered design community — learn how to design with purpose, create inclusive solutions, and shape a more thoughtful future.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 14, 2024 • 37min
Democratising Map-Making: A Conversation with Loren Baxter from Felt
If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Leave a review (+ help us grow): https://ratethispodcast.com/hcd. We chatted with Loren Baxter, a product designer at Felt, about their innovative mapping software. Felt aims to make map-making accessible to everyone, moving beyond just GIS experts. Loren shared how Felt simplifies the process of creating maps, making it easy for users to handle geospatial data and collaborate seamlessly.We discussed Felt's impactful role in disaster response and humanitarian efforts, showcasing how accessible mapping can make a real difference. Loren also explained the challenges government organisations face with specialised mapping and how Felt addresses these issues.We delved into the exciting potential of AI in enhancing mapping experiences and the design challenges of creating a product for both novices and experts. Loren highlighted Felt's free option for personal use, emphasising their commitment to accessibility.Overall, Felt is making significant strides in democratising map-making, and it was inspiring to hear about their journey and vision for the future.linkedin.com/in/lorenbaxterCreators & Guests
Gerry Scullion - Host
Stef Murphy - Producer
Like what we do? Make a Tip.OrLeave 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

22 snips
May 24, 2024 • 50min
Levelling Up Skills: Trauma-Informed Design Research with Jenny Winfield
Jenny Winfield, a user researcher specializing in taboo topics and trauma, discusses the importance of trauma-informed design research and shares practical tips for researchers. She highlights the significance of belongings, setting boundaries, and self-care. Jenny reflects on her experience working in a trauma-informed organization and navigating sensitive conversations in a supportive manner.

May 21, 2024 • 22min
Following the Service Design Journey with Arun Martin
If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Leave a review (+ help us grow): https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdIn today's episode we're joined by Arun Martin, a Service Designer based in Canada who made a transition into service design while working at IBM several years ago. We delve into his journey navigating this transition within IBM and how he managed to expand his knowledge in a field that was entirely new to service design. This experience resonates with many professionals who encounter similar challenges in their careers, and we explore the various obstacles Arun faced along the way.Arun is recognised for his significant contributions to the service design field, regularly sharing insights through articles and LinkedIn posts, which is actually how we connected a number of years ago.He is valuable member of the Circle community on thisishcd.com, where he actively participates in events and stimulates engaging discussions. It's a conversation packed with insights, so let's dive in.Unlock show insight PDF: https://www.thisishcd.com/episode/following-the-service-design-journey-with-arun-martinlinkedin.com/in/arunjmartinCreators & Guests
Gerry Scullion - Host
Stef Murphy - Producer
Like what we do? Make a Tip.OrLeave 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

May 15, 2024 • 48min
Designing Tomorrow: Genevieve Gaudet for Nava
If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Leave a review (+ help us grow): https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdWelcome to another episode of This is HCD. We're joined by Genevieve Gaudet from Nava. She sheds light on her role as Director of Design, which revolves around enhancing access to essential government services for the people of America. Genevieve contrasts the allure of big tech in Silicon Valley, with its potential for higher earnings and work on innovative products, against the meaningful work undertaken daily at Nava in Los Angeles. She delves into the significance of their efforts, emphasising the impactful difference they make in people's lives through their dedication to public service. Sit back, relax and enjoy this episode.linkedin.com/in/genevievegaudetCreators & Guests
Gerry Scullion - Host
Stef Murphy - Producer
Like what we do? Make a Tip.OrLeave 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

May 10, 2024 • 46min
"Creative Journeys: From Design to Storytelling with Jessica Hische"
If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Leave a review (+ help us grow): https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdWe’re thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented Jessica Hische to the Human Centered Design Podcast. Jessica, a renowned lettering artist and author, based in San Francisco, shares her journey from studying graphic design to becoming an illustrator and author of children's books. Known for her exquisite typography and eloquent visual storytelling, Jessica's work is nothing short of breathtaking.As we delve into her creative process, Jessica shares insights into the tensions and harmonies within her work, balancing the roles of writer and illustrator with grace and skill. We explore her recent ventures into children's literature with books like "My First Book of Fancy Letters", "Tomorrow I'll Be Brave" and "Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind," gaining valuable perspective on her artistic journey.Don't miss this opportunity to dive into the mind of a true design luminary and gain inspiration from her remarkable portfolio. Be sure to check out the show notes and description for a link to Jessica's captivating work — it's truly worth exploring!https://jessicahische.is/Creators & Guests
Gerry Scullion - Host
Stef Murphy - Producer
Like what we do? Make a Tip.OrLeave 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

May 1, 2024 • 53min
Visualising Complexity: with Possibilitarian Dave Gray
If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Leave a review (+ help us grow): https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdWelcome to another episode of the Human Centered Design Podcast, this time with someone I hold in the highest regards for their contribution to the world of design. It's Dave Gray, co-author of Gamestorming, and author of The Connected Company, and one of my favourite all-time books, not just design books, Liminal Thinking.Now this episode was really open and free-flowing, mainly because I think it was recorded quite late in the night for me, so we discussed lots of topics. Different topics, but mainly going to cover off some of the main points here. We talk about the power of drawing and visualisation, the influence of belief systems on reality, and the importance of finding common ground with those that we're working with.Dave shares his insights on facilitating workshops and encouraging active participation, something many of us are really struggling with. As well as nurturing creativity and challenging beliefs. This conversation really highlights the need for trust and open-mindedness. How do we get that in order to drive meaningful change?Dave also discusses his experience and how he got his first break, really creating infographics for newspapers, and then teaching others to draw to create that alignment. Now he shares the story of starting his company, XPLANE, and the power of information visualisation.We really stress the importance of creativity and design, and the challenges of that the notion that only some people are creative, something that I face many times when I'm training. Now he introduces the concept of being a possibilitarian and encourages testing assumptions and pushing boundaries.Dave also discusses his new endeavour, School of the Possible, a community that you might be interested in as it explores creative projects and cultivates positive possibilities. It's an incredible episode, Dave's incredible. Go grab a coffee, a slice of your favourite cake, or maybe a few biscuits. Sit back and enjoy.linkedin.com/in/davegrayCreators & Guests
Gerry Scullion - Host
Stef Murphy - Producer
Like what we do? Make a Tip.OrLeave 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

Apr 29, 2024 • 49min
”AI Insights: Ethics, Trust, and Branding with Graham Nolan”
If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Leave a review (+ help us grow): https://ratethispodcast.com/hcd In today's episode, I'm diving into conversation with Graham Nolan, the Head of Design for Accenture Song in Ireland. We're going to be discussing an Accenture Trends Report, which as many of you know, is an annual report that's been created for the last 16 or 17 years, I believe. And we're particularly going to be focusing on the role of generative AI. And we're exploring both the benefits and the challenges. From responsible data usage to governance. So we'll discuss how organisations and individuals can benefit from having their own localised AI.Now, we highlight the critical importance of understanding AI's impact on trust, ethics, and brand creation. It's fascinating to see how AI is transforming tasks like search, turning traditional search bars into something that's a little bit more efficient, and also that gives us the power of having some conversational tools.We're going to try to understand revolutionising customer service and the interactions that surround both customer service and interaction touch points. Now, despite the fears of AI replacing jobs, we discuss what it's more likely to do in terms of automating tasks, freeing the employees for better use of their time and more strategic and creative efforts, which most businesses out there are really interested in doing.Another interesting point in this conversation, is the apparent lack of customer obsession in many organisations. That was identified in the trends report. And this is reflected in practices like shrink inflation, reduced staffing and surge pricing, pushing the boundaries of customer forgiveness.Now, Accenture Ireland is always on the lookout for talented designers and hosts. It's a vibrant design chapter connecting designers across the company. The trends report is now available to download digitally and encourage you to connect with Graham on LinkedIn for more insights.Stay tuned to The Human Centered Design Network Podcast as we unpack the evolving trends and discuss what organisations like yourselves need to design and create a better future for all.linkedin.com/in/grahamnolanCreators & Guests
Gerry Scullion - Host
Stef Murphy - Producer
Like what we do? Make a Tip.OrLeave 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

Apr 18, 2024 • 40min
"Designing for Social Impact: A Conversation with Jenni Parker"
If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Leave a review (+ help us grow): https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdToday on the show, we're joined by Jenni Parker, a passionate designer from Humaly in the UK, specialising in social impact. Jenni comes highly recommended by my very good friend Rachel Dekas.In this episode, we delve into the realm of impactful work, exploring Jenni's perspective on what it entails and what it doesn't. We discuss the criteria Jenni uses to select projects, offering valuable insights for anyone eager to make a difference.Jenni's insights are truly inspiring, and I'm incredibly grateful for her time and wisdom. I'm certain you'll find our conversation enlightening, so let's jump straight in!linkedin.com/in/jenniparkerdesignhumanly.com{chapters}}Creators & Guests
Gerry Scullion - Host
Stef Murphy - Producer
Like what we do? Make a Tip.OrLeave 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

Apr 12, 2024 • 58min
"From Advertisements to Empowerment: Michael Rios's Journey Towards Social Entrepreneurship"
If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Leave a review (+ help us grow): https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdToday on the show we have Michael Rios from the UN and more specifically the UNDP. Now Mike is Head of DigitalX and based in Cambodia and in this episode we explore Mike's own journey that has led him from all over the world pretty much but we drill down into the projects that he's most proud of, which includes projects within the social impact space.From working in creative advertising for companies like Nike and Coca-Cola to ultimately finding fulfilment in social entrepreneurship in Cambodia. Mike shares pivotal moments, including a radical intervention from a mentor that led him to Thailand, teaching at a rural school, and experiencing the stark realities of poverty and the power of social enterprises. His journey prompts reflection on the true meaning of success and fulfillment beyond consumerism and materialism.I know you're going to love this episode so let's jump straight in.linkedin.com/in/mikeriosCreators & Guests
Gerry Scullion - Host
Stef Murphy - Producer
Like what we do? Make a Tip.OrLeave 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

Apr 1, 2024 • 34min
"Emerging Talent: Inside the Service Design Network's Young Talent Board"
If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Leave a review (+ help us grow): https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdHey Everyone and welcome to another episode of This is HCD. Today in the show, we have two of the board members from the Next Gen SDN Conference, Lea Sevšek and Jihee Hwang.We discuss the Young Talent Board’s role in bridging education and professional practice in service design, promoting diversity, and organising inclusive conferences. We speak about the upcoming event in April 2024.We explore why this event coming up in April is so powerful for supporting the next wave of emerging service design talent globally. We highlight volunteer opportunities, global reach and efforts to engage young talent. It’s a great one. Let’s jump straight in.https://sdn-youngtalentboard.org/conferencehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jiheehwang/Creators & Guests
Gerry Scullion - Host
Stef Murphy - Producer
Like what we do? Make a Tip.OrLeave 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