In this episode, Lucy and Tracy explore the relevance of design thinking in the age of artificial intelligence.

They discuss the historical context of AI, its integration into design processes, and the importance of maintaining a humanity-centered approach.

The conversation emphasises the need for empathy, creativity, and the unique insights that only humans can provide; even as AI becomes a more prevalent tool in design thinking.

Soundbites:

7:24 - 'AI is like the Ozempic of the corporate world.'

9:10 - 'Have we been mis-using design thinking in ways AIcan now replicate easily?'

12:57 - 'How do we integrate it without losing thehuman magic? That’s the brief.'

13:49 - 'It’s amazing for breadth, but it's got jack sh*t intuition.'

23:15 - 'I basically work to the principal of AI fast, then human slow, and AI plus human intelligence is where the true magic lies.'

28:59 - 'When we test with real humans, we spot the moments AI misses - that's the stuff that matters most. Design thinking is about empathy, creativity and testing. If we skip those steps, we’re not using AI, we’re just avoiding the hard stuff.'

Key takeaways:

• Design thinking is still relevant despite AI advancements.
• AI has been in development for much longer than perceived.
• The integration of AI into design thinking should enhance, not replace, human creativity.
• Real design thinking involves messy, human processes that AI cannot replicate.
• AI can assist in initial research but should not replace human insight.
• The importance of empathy in design thinking cannot be overlooked.
• AI can help generate ideas but lacks intuition and context.
• Using AI responsibly requires understanding its limitations and biases.
• Collaboration between AI and human intelligence can lead to innovative solutions.
• Testing with real humans is essential to capture insights that AI misses.

In this episode, Lucy and Tracy delve into the critical role that empathy plays in design thinking; emphasising its importance in creating products and services that truly meet the needs of users.

They discuss the consequences of neglecting empathy, share personal anecdotes, and provide practical tools and steps for fostering empathy in design processes.

The conversation highlights the need for inclusivity and accessibility in design, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own biases and assumptions.

Key takeaways:

• Empathy is essential in design thinking.
• Designing for the average ignores diverse user needs.
• Everyday experiences highlight the need for empathetic design.
• Empathy can improve product accessibility and inclusivity.
• Tools like the Wheel of Power and Privilege help identify biases.
• Recognising your starting point is crucial for progress.
• Engaging with users directly leads to better design outcomes.
• Design should be aspirational, not just functional.
• Small tweaks can make a big difference in inclusivity.
• An empathy audit can help reflect on biases and assumptions.

Sound bites:

• "Empathy isn't just a nice to have."
• "We need to be asking them, the users."
• "Recognise where you are. Start from there"
• "Design for aspiration as well as function."

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome Back and Season Three Introduction

01:08 Understanding Empathy in Design

02:28 The Importance of Empathy in Design Thinking

03:28 The Consequences of Lacking Empathy

07:20 Empathy in Everyday Life and Design

09:41 Tools for Enhancing Empathy

14:39 Practical Steps to Foster Empathy

19:56 Empathy Audit and Conclusion