16 Insightful Design Thinking Podcasts For Digital Product Leaders In 2024
Design thinking is a mindset, and there's no better way to get into that mindset than by plugging into a fascinating design thinking podcast episode. These podcasts are creative rocket fuel for design teams, startups, and anyone passionate about business innovation. From the nuances of service design to the strategies of design leadership, each episode has something valuable to offer.
Fire up your favorite streaming service—here's the list!
Best Design Thinking Podcasts Shortlist
Dive into these top 16 design thinking podcasts for expert insights:
- Design Better Podcast with Eli Woolery and Aarron Walter
- The Design of Business | The Business of Design with Jessica Helfand and Ellen McGirt
- Design Matters with Debbie Millman
- High Resolution with Bobby Ghoshal and Jared Erondu
- Design Thinkers Podcast with Ben Crisp
- The Crazy One with Stephen Gates
- Design Details with Brian Lovin and Marshall Bock
- UX Podcast with James Royal-Lawson and Per Axbom
- Creative Confidence Podcast with Coe Leta Stafford and Suzanne Gibbs Howard
- Clever with Amy Devers
- The Big Question: an IDEO Podcast with Detria Williamson
- Design Mind Frogcast with Elizabeth Wood
- Design Thinking 101 with Dawan Stanford
- A Beginners Guide to Design Thinking: A-Z with Lucy Patterson and Tracy Sharp
- Conscious Design Podcast™ with Ian Peterman
- Think Like A Game Designer with Justin Gary
Best Design Thinking Podcasts Overview
1. Design Better Podcast with Eli Woolery and Aarron Walter
Summary:
Design Better Podcast focuses on exploring how design impacts business, innovation, and technology, bringing in-depth conversations with industry leaders.
What You'll Learn:
This podcast covers a range of topics including user experience, product design, and how design thinking influences business and technology.
Why You Should Listen:
Eli Woolery and Aarron Walter offer unique insights and experiences, making the podcast a vital resource for anyone in the design industry.
Best Episode:
“OK Go: Making the Impossible Possible”- This episode featuring Tim and Damian from OK Go is a standout due to its search into the creative process behind their groundbreaking music videos. Their unique approach to idea generation and problem-solving makes this episode particularly inspiring and informative, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to push the boundaries of creativity.
Links To Listen:
About The Hosts:
Eli Woolery, a design educator and practitioner, and Aarron Walter, a design leader and author, both bring extensive experience in user experience and product design.
- Find Eli Woolery on LinkedIn
- Find Aarron Walter on LinkedIn and Personal Website
Listener Review:
This is a very well-produced show. They have great guests and amazing topics. Keep up the great work! - MondoMan
2. The Design of Business | The Business of Design with Jessica Helfand and Ellen McGirt
Summary:
This podcast bridges the gap between design and business, offering listeners a deeper understanding of how design shapes business strategies.
What You'll Learn:
Listeners will explore integrating design principles into business decisions, corporate culture, and innovative practices.
Why You Should Listen:
Jessica Helfand and Ellen McGirt bring a unique blend of design theory and business acumen to the table, providing valuable insights for professionals at the intersection of these fields.
Best Episode:
“S10E12: Decolonizing Design” - The episode is exceptional for its depth, addressing the need for inclusivity and diversity in design. It offers listeners a unique and essential perspective on how design can be a tool for cultural justice and institutional change.
Links To Listen:
About The Hosts:
Jessica Helfand, a designer and author, and Ellen McGirt, a senior editor at Fortune, offer perspectives on design's impact in the business world.
Listener Review:
Each podcast is a different designer with a different approach to different problems. The thing I love about this podcast it’s not just “wow that is a great design” the host try to peel away the layers of the design process so we can all learn. - WarrenBenton
3. Design Matters with Debbie Millman
Summary:
Design Matters is a pioneering voice in the design world, offering deep dives into the creative process and insights from leading designers.
What You'll Learn:
The podcast covers a broad range of design-related topics, from graphic design to branding, and features
interviews with renowned personalities in the design world.
Why You Should Listen:
Debbie Millman's expertise and engaging interview style make this podcast a must-listen for anyone interested in the stories and ideas that shape the design community.
Best Episode:
“Best of Design Matters: Jessica Nordell” - In this compelling episode, Jessica Nordell, a renowned science and cultural journalist, discusses the transformative power of changing ingrained thought patterns to combat unconscious bias. Her insightful exploration of creating a more equitable world through mindful changes in perception and behavior makes this episode a standout. It's celebrated for its in-depth approach to a significant societal issue, blending science and culture in a thought-provoking dialogue.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Debbie Millman is a highly respected designer, author, educator, and brand strategist. She is renowned for engaging and insightful conversations with influential figures in the design world. Find Debbie Millman on LinkedIn.
Listener Review:
I enjoy soaking in every podcast I get a chance to listen to. Thank you for the design inspiration and most importantly, being such a lovely human being. - hbvunrfvirjfvmriv
4. High Resolution with Bobby Ghoshal and Jared Erondu
Summary:
High Resolution is a series of conversations with leaders in the design industry, focusing on the process and principles of design within companies.
What You'll Learn:
The podcast covers design methodology, team collaboration, and the role of design in business decision-making.
Why You Should Listen:
Bobby Ghoshal and Jared Erondu offer unique insights by interviewing top design leaders, providing valuable knowledge for those in or entering the design field.
Best Episode:
“PREVIEW #23: The two most important areas of focus for your career, also what inexperienced designers should think about” - In this insightful episode, Judy Wert, co-founder of Wert & Company, shares her expertise in design career development. She pinpoints the two most crucial areas for professional growth and offers valuable advice for the new generation of designers. Her unique perspective, drawn from years of experience in executive search within the design industry, makes this episode particularly valuable for both emerging and established designers, marking it as one of the best in providing clear, actionable career guidance.
Links To Listen:
About The Hosts:
Bobby Ghoshal is a well-known figure in design, known for his expertise in user experience and product strategy. Jared Erondu is a celebrated design leader and entrepreneur.
- Find Bobby Ghoshal on LinkedIn and his Personal Website
- Find Jared Erondu on LinkedIn and his Personal Website
Listener Review:
Thank for the depth. No fluff. A rare value in this space. - Tamisha Francois
5. Design Thinkers Podcast with Ben Crisp
Summary:
The Design Thinkers Podcast explores the world of design thinking, bringing insights and experiences from a variety of creative professionals.
What You'll Learn:
Listeners will learn about practical applications of design thinking, problem-solving creativity, and innovative design approaches.
Why You Should Listen:
Ben Crisp brings a fresh perspective to design thinking, making the podcast an excellent resource for those looking to integrate creative strategies into their work and life.
Best Episode:
“How to lift people out of poverty using Design Thinking” - This episode features Lloyd Wamai from the Africa Alliance of YMCAs, who shares his ambitious goal of using Design Thinking to lift one million people out of poverty in Africa by 2026. The episode stands out for its inspiring use of Design Thinking in a real-world, impactful context, highlighting the transformation of an organization and its mission. Wamai's story of revitalizing the YMCA's relevance and his strategic approach to addressing poverty make this episode particularly compelling and a prime example of Design Thinking's potential for social change.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Ben Crisp is an experienced design thinker and educator, known for his ability to translate complex design concepts into understandable, applicable ideas. Find Ben Crisp on LinkedIn.
Listener Review:
A really informative series that brings to life all the different sides to Design Thinking. Well worth a listen! - HattieCamp
6. The Crazy One with Stephen Gates
Summary:
The Crazy One is an in-depth exploration of creativity, leadership, and design, offering personal insights and professional development tips.
What You'll Learn:
Listeners will gain insights into creative thinking, leadership in design, and personal growth strategies within the creative industry.
Why You Should Listen:
Stephen Gates provides a unique blend of personal experience and professional advice, making the podcast a valuable tool for creative professionals.
Best Episode:
“Ep 99 Career: The 8 Habits of Successful People” - In this notable episode, Stephen Gates searches into the eight habits that distinguish successful creatives and leaders. Drawing from his extensive experience in coaching, Gates breaks down these key characteristics and how they contribute to sustained success. The episode is especially valuable for its actionable insights, making it a top pick for those seeking practical advice on career development and personal growth in the creative industry.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Stephen Gates is a highly respected design community voice known for his expertise in creative leadership and design thinking. His approach is both personal and professional, offering a wealth of knowledge to his listeners. Find Stephen Gates on LinkedIn.
Listener Review:
Thank you Stephen Gates for such inspiring, empowering, and tough love design and creativity advice. - Easyslider
7. Design Details with Brian Lovin and Marshall Bock
Summary:
Design Details is a podcast that dives into the details of design work, from UI/UX design to product development, offering insights from leading designers in the tech industry.
What You'll Learn:
Listeners will learn about UI/UX design best practices, and product design processes, and hear stories and experiences from top designers in the field.
Why You Should Listen:
Brian Lovin and Marshall Bock's conversations are insightful and relatable, making complex design concepts accessible to both professionals and enthusiasts.
Best Episode:
“457: How to Find Focus” - This episode stands out for its relevance to all designers, from beginners to seasoned professionals, offering practical advice on focusing their learning and professional development in a meaningful way.
Links To Listen:
About The Hosts:
Brian Lovin is a product designer known for his work in the tech industry, while Marshall Bock brings extensive experience in UI/UX design. Find Brian Lovin on LinkedIn and his Personal Website.
Listener Review:
listening to deep dives about programming and design is amazing, and the hosts manage to keep it fun and refreshing every episode - paperfairy17
8. UX Podcast with James Royal-Lawson and Per Axbom
Summary:
UX Podcast focuses on enhancing user experience and design, featuring discussions on usability, digital design, and user behavior.
What You'll Learn:
The podcast offers insights into user experience design, digital strategy, and how to create user-centric products and services.
Why You Should Listen:
James Royal-Lawson and Per Axbom combine deep expertise in UX with an engaging conversational style, providing actionable insights for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Best Episode:
“Lost History with Zoë Rose” - This episode stands out for its unique historical perspective, offering a deep dive into the roots of these essential concepts. It's a must-listen for designers seeking to understand the evolution of the tools and processes they use daily, making it a highly informative and engaging episode in the series.
Links To Listen:
About The Hosts:
James Royal-Lawson, a web strategist and UX designer, and Per Axbom, a digital coach and UX designer, both have a wealth of experience in user experience design.
- Find James Royal-Lawson on LinkedIn and his Other Links
- Find Per Axbom on LinkedIn and his Personal Website
Listener Review:
This podcast is a great resource on UX and anything design and tech. James, Per and their guests provide awesome insight and tips. - Marisa J2
9. Creative Confidence Podcast with Coe Leta Stafford and Suzanne Gibbs Howard
Summary:
Creative Confidence Podcast explores the role of creativity and design thinking in innovation, business, and education, featuring interviews with leaders in these fields.
What You'll Learn:
Listeners will discover insights on applying design thinking and creativity in various domains, from organizational leadership to personal development.
Why You Should Listen:
Coe Leta Stafford and Suzanne Gibbs Howard bring a unique perspective, combining academic rigor with practical experience in design thinking and innovation.
Best Episode:
“Leading Change: Deirdre Cerminaro and Bryan Walker” - This episode features Deirdre Cerminaro and Bryan Walker discussing the crucial role of people in driving change. They offer practical tools and strategies to make individuals the catalysts for transformation. The episode stands out for its focus on the human aspect of change management, making it particularly valuable for leaders and change-makers seeking to inspire and implement effective change in their organizations or communities.
Links To Listen:
About The Hosts:
Coe Leta Stafford, a Managing Director at IDEO U, and Suzanne Gibbs Howard, the Founder and Dean of IDEO U, are both highly respected for their contributions to design thinking and innovation.
Listener Review:
It’s obvious that the IDEO team puts extraordinary effort into covering salient topics and finding guests that center creativity and impact in all that they do. The insights they offer consistently resonate with me! Highly recommend tuning in - it’s an excellent listen. 🙌 - ArlieLP
10. Clever with Amy Devers
Summary:
Clever is a podcast that dives into the heart of design, exploring the unique stories, processes, and personalities of renowned designers and creatives.
What You'll Learn:
Listeners will learn about the personal journeys of designers, their creative processes, and the experiences that have shaped their careers and designs.
Why You Should Listen:
Amy Devers offers intimate and insightful conversations with design luminaries, providing a deeper understanding of the human side of design.
Best Episode:
“Ep. 201: Clever Extra - Shifting Values, Evolving Leadership” - This episode is particularly compelling for its practical strategies and the emphasis on integrating humanity into leadership, making it an invaluable resource for current and aspiring leaders in any field.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Amy Devers is a designer, artist, and Emmy Award-winning television personality. Her extensive knowledge and passion for design make her an engaging and insightful host. Find Amy Devers on LinkedIn and his Personal Website.
11. The Big Question: an IDEO Podcast with Detria Williamson
Summary:
The Big Question: an IDEO Podcast explores pressing questions and challenges in the design world, featuring IDEO’s innovative approaches and solutions.
What You'll Learn:
Listeners will gain insights into design thinking, problem-solving, and IDEO's unique perspective on tackling complex design challenges.
Why You Should Listen:
Detria Williamson offers a fresh, inquisitive approach, bringing light to various aspects of design thinking and innovation.
Best Episode:
“How Might We Build A Food System That Is Healthy For People & The Planet? With Sudhanshu Sarronwala, INFARM Chief Impact Officer & Axel Unger, IDEO Partner” - This episode stands out for its blend of expert insights and practical approaches, making it a crucial listen for anyone interested in the intersection of design, sustainability, and global food systems.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Detria Williamson is a seasoned marketer and brand strategist with a passion for design thinking and innovation. Her leadership at IDEO brings a unique perspective to the podcast. Find Detria Williamson on LinkedIn.
12. Design Mind Frogcast with Elizabeth Wood
Summary:
Design Mind Frogcast is a platform for exploring diverse ideas and perspectives on design, innovation, and strategy from the minds at Frog Design.
What You'll Learn:
The podcast offers insights into the latest trends in design, tips on design strategy, and perspectives on how design shapes our world.
Why You Should Listen:
Elizabeth Wood hosts engaging discussions with experts, providing valuable knowledge for anyone interested in design and innovation.
Best Episode:
“Shaping the World for Good” - This episode features Inna Lobel, an award-winning designer and leader at Frog's New York studio, discussing the role of industrial design in shaping the future and humanizing technology. With her rich background, including work at Apple and the MIT Media Lab, Inna shares insights on creating impactful physical products.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Elizabeth Wood is a seasoned communicator and strategist in the design industry. Her expertise and passion for design make her an inspiring host, guiding conversations that are both informative and thought-provoking. Find Elizabeth Wood on LinkedIn.
Listener Review:
so much thought goes into each episode you learn so much! - Benjamin 2190
13. Design Thinking 101 with Dawan Stanford
Summary:
Design Thinking 101 serves as a deep exploration into the world of design thinking, tackling its application in various sectors and its role in problem-solving and innovation.
What You'll Learn:
Listeners will learn the fundamentals of design thinking, its practical applications, and strategies for implementing design thinking processes in various environments.
Why You Should Listen:
Dawan Stanford's expertise in design thinking education and practice makes this podcast an invaluable resource for anyone from beginners to experienced practitioners.
Best Episode:
“Thinking, Solving & Transformative Communication: Design + Visualization with Hazel White — DT101 E113” - This episode stands out for its unique exploration of visual communication in design thinking, making it especially valuable for those looking to integrate visual elements into complex problem-solving and communication.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Dawan Stanford is a design thinking consultant and educator. His experience in teaching and applying design thinking principles provides listeners with practical and actionable insights. Find Dawan Stanford on LinkedIn and his Personal Website.
Listener Review:
Full disclosure: I have known Dawan for a good while and his many positive qualities shine in these podcasts. - Burkejames
14. A Beginners Guide to Design Thinking: A-Z with Lucy Patterson and Tracy Sharp
Summary:
This podcast offers a comprehensive A-Z guide on design thinking, perfect for those new to the concept, covering everything from the basics to advanced applications.
What You'll Learn:
Listeners will get a thorough understanding of design thinking principles, and methodologies, and how to apply them in real-world scenarios.
Why You Should Listen:
Lucy Patterson and Tracy Sharp provide clear, concise, and engaging discussions, making complex topics accessible to beginners.
Best Episode:
“X Marks the Spot” - The engaging discussion demystifies how to effectively identify and articulate problems, making it a standout episode for its clear, practical guidance on a pivotal step in design thinking. It's particularly valuable for beginners seeking a deep understanding of how to accurately frame design challenges.
Links To Listen:
About The Hosts:
Lucy Patterson and Tracy Sharp, both experienced in the field of design thinking, bring a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to each episode.
- Find Lucy Patterson on LinkedIn and his Other Links
- Find Tracy Sharp on LinkedIn and Personal Website
15. Conscious Design Podcast™ with Ian Peterman
Summary:
Conscious Design Podcast focuses on the intersection of design and sustainability, exploring how design can be a force for positive change in the world.
What You'll Learn:
Listeners will gain insights into sustainable design practices, eco-friendly strategies, and how design can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Why You Should Listen:
Ian Peterman's expertise in sustainable design and his vision for a better world through conscious design choices make this podcast a must-listen for environmentally conscious designers and entrepreneurs.
Best Episode:
“Technology Development with Shelli Brunswick of Space Foundation” - This episode stands out for its in-depth look at the evolving space industry and Shelli's comprehensive perspective, making it a must-listen for those interested in space technology and its broader impact.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Ian Peterman is an expert in sustainable and conscious design, with a deep commitment to integrating eco-friendly practices into design thinking. His insights offer practical approaches for designing with a conscience. Find Ian Peterman on LinkedIn and his Other Links.
Listener Review:
Really really great - As12339876
16. Think Like A Game Designer with Justin Gary
Summary:
Think Like A Game Designer is a podcast that explores the art and science of game design, offering insights and stories from some of the industry's best designers.
What You'll Learn:
Listeners will learn about game design principles, the creative process behind game development, and strategies for designing engaging and successful games.
Why You Should Listen:
Justin Gary provides an insider's perspective on game design, combining personal experiences with interviews with other top game designers.
Best Episode:
“Jesse Schell — Mastering Game Design, Unveiling the Secrets of Fun, and Exploring the Gamification of Life (#3)” - This episode stands out for its comprehensive exploration of game design from a master in the field, offering invaluable insights for anyone interested in the art and science of game creation.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Justin Gary is an award-winning game designer and entrepreneur known for his expertise in the gaming industry. His experiences as a designer and insights into the world of game creation offer a unique and valuable perspective to listeners. Find Justin Gary on LinkedIn.
Listener Review:
Thank You, Justin Gary, for making this available to the public! This information is so valuable and important to any level of game designer, whether first year or fifteenth. I cannot recommend it enough! - East Atlanta Game Lab
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