In this episode, we explore the concept of regenerative imagination in design with Professor Delfina Van Ditmar, discussing the ecological challenges we face and the paradigm shifts needed in design practices. Delfina shares practical examples of regenerative practices, emphasising the importance of moving beyond sustainability to actively restore health to our ecosystems. The conversation also delves into the role of imagination in design, the barriers to innovation, and the need for new business models that support regenerative practices.
Links to companies mentioned in the episode 

• CoFarm app 

• Ponda 

• Shellworks 

Chapters

02:59 Ecological Challenges and the Need for Paradigm Shifts

06:39 Understanding the Anthropocene and Systemic Change

09:41 Practical Examples of Regenerative Agriculture

16:57 The Broader Impact of Regenerative Design

21:56 The Role of Regenerative Imagination in Design

26:03 Barriers to Regenerative Innovation

30:31 Navigating Economic Sustainability in Regenerative Startups

38:18 The Future of Design and Business Models
Captions generated by AI

In this episode, Saeema and Melisa engage with Dr. Sam Bailey, an innovator in the field of design and technology. They explore the intersection of invention and entrepreneurship, focusing on Sam's products like Pippa, a fire prevention device, and Yo-go, an electric vehicle aimed at reducing carbon emissions. The conversation delves into the challenges of creating markets for innovative products, the importance of data-driven design, and the necessity of understanding user needs. Sam shares insights from his experiences, including pitching at Dragon's Den, the significance of marketing and the lessons learned from real-world testing and investment strategies.

Chapters

02:16 Sam Bailey's Background and Innovations

03:04 The Development of Pippa: A Fire Prevention Device

09:39 Creating a Market for New Technologies

17:03 Introducing Yo-go: A Sustainable Urban Vehicle

20:24 Product Development and User Testing

26:37 Public Reception and User Experience

30:24 Challenges and Vandalism

31:24 Societal Acceptance and Market Creation

37:04 Insights from Dragon's Den

43:07 Marketing and Product Development Strategies

In this conversation, Melisa, Saeema, and Clive explore the evolving landscape of design, focusing on the concept of 'redesigning thinking' as a new methodology that extends beyond traditional design thinking. They discuss the importance of service design, the impact of digital technologies and AI on design practices, and the significance of empathy in creating meaningful design solutions. Clive shares insights from his Project Love initiative, emphasizing the role of design in fostering love and empathy in society. The conversation concludes with key takeaways on the value of design and the need for designers to assert their role in shaping the future.

Summary

Saeema & Melisa explore designing for the planet with guest Rachel Bronstein, Design Council. She describes the Skills for Planet Movement and the Design Council's ambition to upskill a million designers.

They explore the importance of embedding green design skills in education, the co-creation process of the Skills for Planet Blueprint, and the challenges faced in industry adoption. The conversation also touches on the needs beyond skills to make change. How can we ensure the needs of industry are met? The need for policy support and the importance of building a movement to empower designers to create positive change for the planet.

Keywords: design, sustainability, green skills, education, design council, skills for planet, environmental impact, design innovation, systems thinking, design for planet

Takeaways

• Design has evolved from industrial focus to addressing environmental challenges.
• The Skills for Planet Movement aims to upskill 1 million designers by 2030.
• There is a significant skills gap in green design skills among designers.
• Co-creation with industry leaders is essential for developing relevant skills.
• Embedding green skills in education is crucial for future designers.
• Policy changes are needed to support sustainability in design education.
• Industry adoption of green skills faces challenges due to competing priorities.
• A narrative connecting sustainability and profit is necessary for industry buy-in.
• Tools and processes must accompany skills development for effective implementation.
• Designers have the power to influence positive environmental outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 The Evolution of Design and Its Responsibilities

09:00 Green Skills for Designers: The Skills for Planet Movement

17:28 Embedding Green Skills in Education and Industry

26:26 Bridging the Gap: Profit and Sustainability in Design

28:30 The Role of Design in the Green Transition

29:54 Policy and Advocacy in Design

30:50 Exploring Vocational Levels and Design Education

32:32 Building the Skills for Planet Movement

33:35 Upskilling Designers for a Sustainable Future

39:46 Understanding Regenerative Design

44:13 The Need for Tools in Sustainable Design

46:29 AI and Its Relationship with Design for Planet

In this episode, we challenge the traditional notions of design and discuss how the world of products is evolving beyond the physical. From apps to behavioural shifts, design can take many forms.

What do you think the future of products looks like? Let’s hear your ideas!

#FutureOfDesign #ProductEvolution #DigitalDesign #InnovativeThinking #Podcast #DesignCommunity #AI #Sustainability #UserBehavior

In this inaugural episode of 'Decoded', hosts Melisa Leñero and Prof Saeema Ahmed-Kristensen explore the evolving landscape of design amidst rapid technological and societal changes. They discuss the complexities of the term 'design', the responsibilities of designers in addressing wicked problems, and the importance of a mindset that embraces ambiguity. The conversation also touches on the future of design, including the integration of AI and biomaterials, and the necessity for collaboration across disciplines to tackle pressing global challenges. Music by Alé Prada