This time, we discuss the fascinating concept of 'Thoughtless Acts'—simple, everyday innovations people make to adapt to their environment without even thinking about it. From hanging tea bags on mug handles to hanging shirts on a washing machine door, we explore how unnoticed behaviours can inspire better design and usability. We also delve into the origins of the term inspired by the work and book from human factors researcher, Jane Fulton Suri and her work at IDEO. Once again, the team come prepared with buckets full of examples of Thoughtless Acts they've caught themselves doing or have observed in others - unsurprisingly, Tom brings ups dishwashers again! Join the conversation and share your own examples of thoughtless acts by emailing hello@sketchplanations.com or by leaving us a voice note here. Don't forget to check out the episode artwork and visit sketchplanations.com for more insightful sketches!Timeline of Topics Discussed00:00 Introduction to Thoughtless Acts01:53 Defining Thoughtless Acts03:24 Origins of the Concept05:58 Examples of Thoughtless Acts08:20 Degrees of Thoughtlessness11:12 Importance in Design12:40 Personal Hacks and Innovations15:27 Observations in Design21:26 Coffee Mugs and Shopping Trolleys22:19 Observing Daily Interactions24:04 Designing for Better Usability26:14 Everyday Improvisations32:02 Signalling and Subtle Messages33:58 Accidents and Tool Design37:17 Listener Engagement and ConclusionAll music on this podcast series is provided by the extremely talented Franc Cinelli. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is jam-packed with personal anecdotes and examples from real life of where we've fallen foul of Hanlon's Razor - wrongly attributing malice to a situation. The most recognisable is possibly in the car when someone cuts you up or pulls out in front of you. We cover a whole heap of other examples including misunderstandings during endurance swimming events, misplaced anger or frustration at home, and accidental mishaps in public places. We explore how acknowledging Hanlon's Razor can help reduce unnecessary stress and improve patience and understanding in everyday life. The episode wraps up with reflections on human nature, individual conditioning, and the importance of giving others the benefit of the doubt. Jono also shares related sketches and humorous laws from Murphy's Law book - where if something can go wrong, it will. You can send examples of your own stories and experiences of Hanlon's Razor in action to hello@sketchplanations.com OR leave us a voice note on the podcast website.We reference the following in the podcast: + Jono's Sketchplanation on Fundamental Attribution Error+ Murphy's Law Book 1 & Murphy's Law Book 2+ Jono's sketch on Narrative Bias+ William of Ockham and Occam's Razor.+ The previous podcast episode on The Peter Principle.Timeline of topics discussed:00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes00:57 Hanlon's Razor Explained05:27 Examples of Hanlon's Razor in Action14:33 Philosophical Discussion on Human Nature22:09 Clearing Up the Confusion About Hanlon's Razor22:32 The Origin and Meaning of Occam's Razor24:27 Misunderstandings and Miscommunications26:10 More Real-Life Examples of Hanlon's Razor33:54 The Importance of Giving Others the Benefit of the Doubt38:21 Fun and Thought-Provoking Rules from Murphy's Law Book40:34 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsAll music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inspired by Sports Psychologist, Justin Ross on the Løw Tide Bøyz Podcast, this episode explores the metaphors of 'anchors' and 'tugboats' to illustrate the impact of negative and positive self-talk on our mental state and performance. We discuss how negative thoughts can anchor us down, whereas positive thinking acts as a tugboat, pulling us forward. We delve into examples from sports psychology, personal professional experiences, parenting and everyday scenarios to highlight the importance of being aware of our inner dialogue. The conversation also touches on the role of friends, the significance of small changes like having a snack, and practical tips for reframing negative thoughts. Join us as we navigate these concepts, and provide practical advice for turning your mental anchors into tugboats that propel you forward.We reference the following in the podcast: + Jono's Sketchplanations on The Stages of Competence Framework+ David Goggins' Book: Can’t Hurt me. + Jono's sketch on Complaining at the Weather+ Jono's Paradox of Choice sketch+ Tommy's positive manifestations of "There will be a parking space" - as popularised by Paul McKennaTimeline of topics discussed:00:00 Understanding the Power of Self-Talk00:57 Introducing Anchors and Tugboats02:11 The Origin of Anchors and Tugboats03:49 Applying the Metaphor to Sports and Life05:09 Awareness and Self-Talk06:00 The Role of Friends and Environment10:45 Personal Examples and Practical Tips18:33 Swimming and Self-Talk25:08 Understanding the Brain's Tactical Advantage25:35 The Accountability Mirror Technique26:12 The Importance of Eating for Energy28:03 Personal Experiences with Energy and Focus33:01 The Power of Positive Self-Talk36:04 Anchors and Tugboats: A Metaphor for Self-Talk40:49 The Role of Mental Training in Sports42:38 Toxic Language and Self-Talk46:27 Concluding Thoughts and SummaryAll music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Rob, Tom and Jono discuss a compelling quote from American internet entrepreneur Reid Hoffman (who is also the founding host the Masters of Scale podcast), which compares starting a company to jumping off a cliff and assembling a plane on the way down. Tom and Jono share their personal experiences and insights into the chaos and exhilaration of entrepreneurship. We also explore the deeper meanings behind such journeys, offering advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and relating to various iconic metaphors. Highlights include the challenges and rewards of starting a business, the importance of having a supportive team, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. They also bring up Wallace and Gromit's hilarious train track scene and share insights into psychological and logistical hurdles faced while building a business.Other links to references made in the podcast include:+ A video of a lone dancer in a field at a festival who starts a craze - a very uplifting watch demonstrating the different roles of leadership and first follower.+ The Sketchplanations The Podcast episode on Optimism Bias - referencing a typical character trait of entrepreneurs.+ The Sketchplanation on The Twin Engines of Altruism and Ambition+ Big Ideas, Little Pictures: The Sketchplanations book where you can see the Starting a Company sketch with even more detail and on a double page spread.+ American writer Ray Bradbury and his wonderful quote about missing life if you don't jump off cliffs and build your wings on the way down.02:16 The Chaos of Starting a Company04:48 The Role of Money and Support in Entrepreneurship06:50 The Importance of Team and Adaptability10:05 The Reality of Entrepreneurial Risks and Rewards18:36 The Power of Early Adopters and Team Dynamics21:16 Wallace and Gromit: A Metaphor for Entrepreneurship23:14 Navigating Business Challenges23:52 Growth and Expansion Strategies24:18 Facing New Market Requirements25:34 Building a Supportive Team26:09 The Reality of Running a Business29:01 The Role of Optimism in Business33:53 The Rewards of Entrepreneurship37:16 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs41:13 Closing Thoughts and ReflectionsAll music in this series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever had your order or instructions (for a cake or otherwise) go hilariously awry? Oh dear... How funny. Never mind eh?!? I'm sure there's a lesson in these somewhere. In this episode, we discuss the phenomenon of 'Cake Wrecks,' where instructions for creating something go hilariously wrong, and how this applies broadly to miscommunication in product development. The conversation is joined by John Cutler, a prolific writer and ("on second") thought leader in digital product development. We delve into the importance of clear communication, prototypes, and iterative understanding in avoiding these 'wrecks' in both hardware and software realms. As always, we also touch on real-world examples, the role of user experience, and the necessity of involving all team members in the design process to ensure a shared and accurate understanding of project goals.Stay tuned for practical advice on improving clarity and collaboration in your projects.Topics Covered. 00:00 Introduction to Cakewrecks00:57 Everyday Essentials and the Magic of Three01:44 The Versatile Bic Four Colours Pen02:17 Reminiscing About Handwriting and Notes05:31 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest05:39 Exploring Cake Wrecks and Misinterpretation06:29 John Cutler's Journey and Insights13:47 Challenges in Product Development20:07 The Illusion of Fixing Decisions20:28 Challenges in Hardware Manufacturing21:13 The Importance of Clear Communication22:44 Prototyping and Specification23:46 Avoiding Misunderstandings in Projects25:20 Participatory Design and User Experience28:18 Embracing Diverse Perspectives34:48 The Role of Sketching in Communication37:55 Concluding Thoughts and ResourcesGet in TouchHave you ever had your instructions result in something way more literal than intended? Or did you mis-interpret the orders of someone else? Let us know:email us: hello@sketchplanations.comOR leave us a voice noteReference LinksIn this episode we also reference:YouTube clip of John's first digital product development project; the computer bar tending game, Last CallJen Yates' amusing blog on Cake WrecksJeff Patton's book; User Story MappingSpinal Tap's Cake Wreck moment when they accidentally order an 18" tall model of Stonehenge in stead of an 18' model. Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner's book, How Big Things Get DoneAll music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Doesn't it feel good to be told something positive about yourself and vice versa if you notice something positive about others?So why wouldn't we compliment each other more often?In this episode, what with it being nearly Christmas, we use the metaphor that compliments are gifts - and not one you'd pick out of a lucky dip. These gifts have been made and wrapped especially for you. There's your name on the label and everything!Not only do we offer advice on noticing when you could give compliments more regularly, we discuss the etiquette in receiving compliments and make Tom feel very awkward with a little complimentary experiment!We apply our theories to the usual work, home and play scenarios and ponder why compliments from our parents mean so much.Get in TouchHow do you feel about compliments? Regular giver or a bit shy? How well do you receive a compliment?And if you want to rise to the challenge laid out in this episode and give 5 compliments you wouldn't have given otherwise in the next 2 weeks, then let us know how you get on.email us: hello@sketchplanations.comOR leave us a voice noteReference LinksIn this episode we also reference:Previous Podcast Episodes: 5 Ways to Wellbeing and Words & Language sketches compilation (@48m25 Compliment v Complement)Jono's sketch on how to Accept ComplimentsJono's sketch on Giving gifts others can giveJono's sketch on Extrinsic motivationAll music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you have a story to tell, a presentation to pitch, or a product to sell; in this episode on The Golden Circle, we explore the importance of focussing on the why before you expand into the how and the what.There's the old mantra that people do business with people and there's something a lot more human and emotive about explaining why you want to do or have done something, than just saying what you've done.Our guest for this discussion is the co-founder of Marloe Watch Company, Ollie Goffe. Along with his co-founder and business partner Gordon Fraser (our guest for the episode on Only Dead Fish Go With The Flow) they design and make watches. And boy, do these guys always have a beautifully compelling WHY behind each of their watch designs.As business leaders Ollie and Tom explain how crucial it is to instil the WHY behind a business into every employee but how much of a challenge that can become as the number of staff grows.We offer up a number of examples in brands, in sports and in family life of when the WHY is kept crystal clear to great effect.We talk how purpose-driven work can sometimes be exploited.And how sometimes the WHAT and the HOW are so compelling that we allow ourselves to ignore the WHY - even if we're sometimes a little embarrassed by it - think buying cheap products off Amazon.Get in TouchAre you conscious of the WHYs that drive your work or activities?What examples can you share with us where you've been seduced by someone's WHY?Let us know:email us: hello@sketchplanations.comOR leave us a voice noteReference LinksIn this episode we also reference:Simon Sinek's TED Talk - How Great Leaders Inspire ActionPatagonia founder, Yvon Chouinard's book: Let my people Go SurfingNike founder, Phil Knight's book: Shoe DogTeam GB Rowing's Ben Hunt-Davis & Harriet Beveridge's book: Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?All music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is another episode where we were all a little sheepish about telling stories of when we've observed The Bystander Effect in our own behaviour.Between us, we had lots of examples of where it's been observed in others. Of course we did.We discuss theories of why this is a human phenomenon and even examples of when we've been at the sharp end of it.The most innocuous and probably most common example was the WhatsApp Group chat.Who in your group is the one to take charge and suggest actual dates for things rather than the very non-committal "yeah - we should do that"?Jono describes solid works of research using CCTV footage that backs up the hypothesis and we ponder whether the effect is different in cultures and societies other than our own.Tell us your stories or examples of The Bystander Effect:hello@sketchplanations.comOR leave us a voice noteIn the episode we reference the following which you might like to read more into:The Whose Job Is It poem sketchThe Accountability Ladder podcast episode and sketchThe Ask The Question At Talks sketchAnd in the Listener Comments section at the end of the show we talked about:The Gartner Hype Cycle sketchThe Long Nose of Innovation sketchThe Learning Pit sketchThe Optimism Bias podcast episode and sketchThe Dunning-Kruger Effect sketch is exclusively in Jono's book Big Ideas, Little PicturesThe Hofstadter's Law sketchThe Cat-filter lawyer zoom call that went viral during Covid as an example of a Human Risk fail.All music expertly provided by Franc Cinelli. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the morning of your company's massive online shop launch, the only person who knows the crucial password misses their alarm, sleeps in and everyone's left waiting.Oh dear.In this episode we speak with the tireless behavioural scientist and Human Risk expert, Christian Hunt who tells us about the fundamental elements of human risk and how to avoid it; with plenty of juicy examples to bring this topic to life. Whilst the majority of the episode focuses on Human Risk in the professional environment, we also talk about how we all experience it in our day-to-day personal and family lives too; in Christian's own words, we all do stupid things every now and then.When Christian talks with companies about their Human Risk and how to mitigate it, he talks about "getting people to do what you want without p*ssing them off" - which we do reference a fair bit in the podcast. [potty mouths].Get in TouchYou will definitely have examples of Human Risk in your own personal or professional lives, and we'd love to hear about them. Anonymous submissions very welcome :-)email us: hello@sketchplanations.comOR leave us a voice noteReference LinksIn this episode we also reference:Jono's sketch on PhishingAbsolute carnage at the Oscars when the wrong film was read out for Best Picture. Kinda funny. Hugely awkward.In our Listener Comments at the end of the episode we reference an awesome inforgraphic on "The Emotion of Colour" in reference to our episode with Lucia Fraser on The Basic Colour Wheel. It's well worth a look.Guest ProfileChristian Hunt has over 27 years of experience in Financial Services, working in Investment Banking, Asset Management and a Family Office. His work benefits from the unique perspective of having held senior roles as both a Regulator and Risk & Compliance Officer.You can find more information about Christian and his services and his book, Humanizing Rules at www.human-risk.comYou can peruse his collection of amusing "Compliance in the Wild" spotting on LinkedIn.You can also listen to the Human Risk Podcast. All music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you like the thought of heading off on an adventure but don't really have the time to see it through?Why not try a MicroAdventure?They're smaller, achievable, won't break the bank and will go a long way to scratching that itch you might never have reached anyway.In this episode we speak with the charming and inspirational Al Humphreys about adventures in his life, before focussing on the smaller, more achievable things we could all fit into our busy lives to keep our thirst for fun, physical activity and spiritual reward truly quenched. Al is the author of 14 books to date, is an accomplished and entertaining public speaker, podcaster and general all-round good guy. Our conversation is packed full of ideas for things you can do from your own doorstep that will ensure you have some great stories (and maybe photos) to share with friends and family - in fact, why not share your MicroAdventures with them too?I know for a fact that since this conversation, Tommy climbs a tree near his office once a month during his lunch break!Amongst many topics, we talk about the character traits of someone who enjoys adventure and adversity, what drives us to seek adventure and the legal & moral wrangling of responsible wild camping.Get in TouchHow important is adventure in your life?Do you have examples of your own MicroAdventures?Let us know:email us: hello@sketchplanations.comOR leave us a voice noteReference LinksIn this episode we also reference:Custom Made Ordnance Survey MapsThe Fun Scale podcast episodeSmall Little People TRIZ Tool podcast episodeThe book "As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning" by Laurie LeeExample of a simple Bivvy BagHow to find the halfway point between you and others to define the perfect place to meet.All music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.