

The Human Centered Design Podcast (Premium)
This is HCD
This is HCD: The Podcast for Human-Centered Design EnthusiastsWelcome to This is HCD, the premier podcast for human-centered design, with over 1 million downloads and hosted by Gerry Scullion.Our mission is to empower designers, changemakers, and innovators to craft a more inclusive and thoughtful future. Each episode brings you engaging conversations with leading voices across service design, UX, interaction design, product management, and more. Together, we explore the nuances of what it means to excel in human-centered design, offering insights, skills, and perspectives to elevate your practice.Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your journey, This is HCD is your destination for actionable ideas and inspiration to drive meaningful change through intentional design.Join our growing, ethically conscious design community—connect, learn, and get involved. Together, we’re building a private LinkedIn-style network for human-centered designers ready to make an impact.Tune in, get inspired, and shape the future with This is HCD!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 29, 2025 • 4min
Defining Human-Centered Design
👉 Get started with my free 5-Day Email course for changemakers: https://www.changemakersroadmap.com/OR Design Training: https://www.thisishcd.com/trainingIn this episode of Defining Human-Centered Design, Gerry Scullion shares an exciting update on the community-driven project to define what Human-Centered Design truly means.Discover how practitioners from around the world are shaping this initiative and learn how you can get involved by sharing your perspective. Head to www.humancentereddesignis.com to sign up for free and be part of this important conversation before 28th January 2025 to get involved.Let’s shape the future of Human-Centered Design – together.

Jan 29, 2025 • 42min
Designing for Equity: Reimagining Food Systems with Lucy Flores
👉 Get started with my free 5-Day Email course for changemakers: https://www.changemakersroadmap.com/OR Design Training: https://www.thisishcd.com/trainingIn this episode of This is HCD, Gerry Scullion sits down with Lucy Flores, a seasoned design strategist with a passion for advancing equity in the food system. Together, they explore the complex web of how we grow, distribute, and experience food, diving into the inequities present at every level—from production to consumption. Lucy shares her journey into design and food justice, her innovative approaches to co-designing equitable solutions, and inspiring examples of local and regional food systems driving positive change. This conversation sheds light on the power of design to create meaningful social impact, all with a good dose of humour along the way. Join us as we rethink food systems through a human-centered lens!Watch this episode and subscribe on our YouTubehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyrossflores/The Human Centered Design Network
We've just launched our free 5-Day Email course for changemakers. Subscribe
https://www.thisishcd.com/
https://www.thisishcd.com/training
https://www.thisishcd.com/community

Jan 28, 2025 • 33min
Exploring Identity Through Design with Lesley-Ann Noel
👉 Get started with my free 5-Day Email course for changemakers: https://www.changemakersroadmap.com/OR Design Training: https://www.thisishcd.com/trainingEpisode DescriptionIn this engaging conversation, Gerry Scullion speaks with Lesley Anne, a designer and author from Trinidad, about her journey from her Caribbean roots to becoming a global citizen and leader in decolonial design. They explore themes of identity, the impact of post-colonialism on design practices, and the evolution of design education at OCAD University. Lesley shares her insights on the importance of equity in design and the need for critical awareness in addressing colonial legacies within the field.Takeaways
Lesley identifies as an equity-focused designer.
Her upbringing in Trinidad shaped her strong sense of identity.
Living in various countries has given her a complex view of identity.
Designers often overlook the importance of identity in research.
People can hold multiple identities simultaneously.
Post-colonialism influences service delivery in Trinidad.
There is a need to humanize data in design research.
Lesley struggled with the ethics of design for development.
OCAD has a mandate for decolonizing the curriculum.
Critical awareness is essential in design education.
Watch this episode and subscribe to our Youtube channelConnect with LesleyLesley Ann Noel, PhD - North Carolina State University | LinkedInLesley-Ann Noel | OCAD UniversityLesley-Ann Noel (@lesleyannnoel) • Instagram photos and videos

Jan 6, 2025 • 59min
Designing for Trust in Public Health with Victor Udoewa
In this conversation, Victor Udoewa shares his journey as a service designer at the CDC, discussing the importance of human-centered design in public health, the challenges of data interoperability, and the need to build trust within communities. He emphasizes the significance of equity in health initiatives and reflects on the historical context that affects trust in public health systems. Victor also explores the role of visualization in making data accessible and actionable, and he shares insights from his personal journey into service design. In this conversation, Victor Udoewa discusses his unique cultural identity as a Nigerian American and how it shapes his perspective as a changemaker. He explores the concept of third culture kids and the advantages of having a multicultural background. The discussion transitions into participatory design, emphasizing the importance of trust and community engagement in design processes. Victor shares insights from his experiences in various projects, highlighting the significance of relationship building and asset-based methodologies in fostering trust and collaboration within communities.Watch this episode and subscribe on our YouTubeConnect with Victorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/udoewa/The Human Centered Design Links
We've just launched our free 5-Day Email course for changemakers. Subscribe
https://www.thisishcd.com/
https://www.thisishcd.com/train-your-team
https://www.thisishcd.com/community

Nov 27, 2024 • 53min
Designing Resilience in Humanitarian Aid with Jocelyn Wyatt
In this episode, Gerry Scullion speaks with Jocelyn Wyatt, CEO of Alight and former CEO of IDEO.org, about designing resilience in humanitarian aid. They explore Jocelyn’s journey, insights into navigating complex political landscapes, and how co-creation and innovation are transforming the humanitarian sector. From tackling climate displacement to supporting communities in crisis, this episode delves into how design can empower displaced populations and redefine humanitarian impact.Subscribe on YouTubePodcast Links
https://www.wearealight.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelynwyatt/
The Human Centered Design Links
We've just launched our free 5-Day Email course for changemakers. Subscribe
https://www.thisishcd.com/
https://www.thisishcd.com/train-your-team
https://www.thisishcd.com/community

Nov 20, 2024 • 41min
Designing Workplaces & Companies with Alicia Grimes
Gerry Scullion speaks with Alicia Grimes, co-founder of The Future Kind, a UK-based culture consultancy that focuses on designing “company operating systems” to align strategy and culture. The discussion explores how organizations can create better experiences for their people, fostering collaboration, alignment, and innovation to ultimately deliver exceptional products and services.Subscribe on YouTubePodcast Links
https://www.thefuturekind.co/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciagrimes/
The Human Centered Design Links
https://www.thisishcd.com/
https://www.thisishcd.com/train-your-team
https://www.thisishcd.com/community

Oct 28, 2024 • 43min
From Music to Medicine: Avril Copeland's Journey of Passion and Innovation
In this insightful episode, Avril Copeland discusses her unique career path, moving from Dublin to Nashville and transitioning from the music industry to the fields of physiotherapy and health technology. She shares her experiences as an entrepreneur, founding TickerFit with Co-Founder Greg Balmer, and HACA Health, and highlights the importance of resilience and human-centered design in creating innovative healthcare solutions. Avril emphasises the need for passion in her work, focusing particularly on improving chronic condition management through technology-driven approaches. This conversation offers valuable lessons on adaptability and the future of healthcare innovation.
linkedin.com/in/avrilcopeland
avrilcopeland.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tickerfit/
This episode is sponsored by Smaply https://www.smaply.com/?thisishcd
Become a member: https://www.thisishcd.com/landing/circle-a-community-for-ethically-conscious-designers-changemakersBook a Coaching Chemistry Call: https://calendly.com/gerryscullion/coaching-chemistry-call😀 Follow/Like Us Socially 😀Instagram - /thisishcdTwitter - /thisishcdYouTube - /thisishcd#HealthcareInnovation #Resilience #Entrepreneurship

Oct 21, 2024 • 51min
Turning Conflict into Opportunity: Emma Lynch
In this episode, Emma Lynch shares her journey from academia to the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting the importance of effective communication and personal growth. She discusses the challenges women often face in professional settings, particularly around self-promotion and handling conflict. Emma emphasises the value of understanding internal communication and fostering collaboration within teams. She also reflects on her parenting approach, focusing on instilling strong values and encouraging open dialogue with her children. Additionally, Emma talks about her entrepreneurial journey, addressing the issue of critical medicine shortages and her commitment to making a positive impact in healthcare.
linkedin.com/in/emmalyncheqv
This episode is sponsored by Smaply https://www.smaply.com/?thisishcd
Become a member: https://www.thisishcd.com/landing/circle-a-community-for-ethically-conscious-designers-changemakersBook a Coaching Chemistry Call: https://calendly.com/gerryscullion/coaching-chemistry-call😀 Follow/Like Us Socially 😀Instagram - /thisishcdTwitter - /thisishcdYouTube - /thisishcd#ConflictResolution #DramaTriangle #PersonalGrowth

Oct 15, 2024 • 1h 5min
Empathy-Driven Service Design: Building Collaboration and Leading Change with Kate Tarling
Welcome to another episode of This is HCD. In this episode, Kate Tarling discusses her experiences in service design, focusing on the importance of user research, empathy, and fostering collaboration within organisations. She explores the evolution of service design in the UK, particularly in government services, and offers practical advice for driving organisational change. Kate emphasises the role of leadership in promoting a human-centered approach and cautions against focusing solely on cost-cutting. She highlights the importance of metrics for measuring success and the value of community building to enhance teamwork and innovation.
linkedin.com/in/kate-tarling-6b43b19
theserviceorg.com
This episode is sponsored by Smaply https://www.smaply.com/?thisishcd
Become a member: https://www.thisishcd.com/landing/circle-a-community-for-ethically-conscious-designers-changemakersBook a Coaching Chemistry Call: https://calendly.com/gerryscullion/coaching-chemistry-call😀 Follow/Like Us Socially 😀Instagram - /thisishcdTwitter - /thisishcdYouTube - /thisishcd#ServiceDesign #HumanCenteredLeadership #EmpathyInAction

Sep 18, 2024 • 33min
Charles Street on Digital Transformation, Adventure, and Empowering Communities
In this episode, I reconnect with Charles to reflect on our past experiences working together and the lessons we've learned from challenging situations. It’s fascinating to hear how Charles has evolved, now leading digital transformation at a bank in Australia. He shares his inspiring journey, launching a project called Inkwazi, which combines adventure with a mission to make a difference in South Africa. Listening to him navigate the complexities of registering Inkwazi, his organisation, as a business instead of a charity, and how they partnered with a registered charity to meet their goals, was enlightening. What stood out to me the most was hearing about the life-changing impact of providing bicycles to children in remote South African communities. It's incredible to see how this initiative has boosted education and empowered these kids, with Charles detailing how he closes the loop with donors by sharing the tangible results of their support.It’s a powerful conversation about leadership, transformation, and creating meaningful change.
linkedin.com/in/streetcharles
https://www.inkwaziadventures.com.au/
This episode is sponsored by Smaply https://www.smaply.com/?thisishcd
Become a member: https://www.thisishcd.com/landing/circle-a-community-for-ethically-conscious-designers-changemakersBook a Coaching Chemistry Call: https://calendly.com/gerryscullion/coaching-chemistry-call😀 Follow/Like Us Socially 😀Instagram - /thisishcdTwitter - /thisishcdYouTube - /thisishcd#DigitalTransformation #CommunityEmpowerment #AdventureLeadership