Check out the episode guide.
The define phase is where design thinking shifts from collecting information to making it usable. In this episode of Idea Work, we explore how to synthesise research, identify themes, and create actionable insights. Learn practical techniques like affinity mapping, digital and in-person tools, and ways to ensure your findings survive past the workshop.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Castbox | Goodpods | iHeart | Pocket Casts
Resources Mentioned
Design Kit – methods library (filter by ideation)
Timestamps
0:02 – Introduction
Welcome back to Idea Work. Michael sets up today’s focus on the Define phase and why synthesis is the bridge from research to action.
0:41 – What the Define phase does
Clarifies that the Double Diamond isn’t linear, and explains moving from messy research to usable insights that guide ideas.
2:40 – Affinity mapping: turning data into themes
Team captures quotes, stats and observations as full-sentence Post-its, then clusters them into themes to surface patterns and insights.
4:10 – Working digitally and capturing insights
Using Miro/Mural to co-synthesise, label themes, and photograph boards. Emphasis on giving this stage time and avoiding a rush to shiny solutions.
6:54 – Personas (done responsibly)
How to build data-informed personas without stereotyping. What to include (demographics, needs, quotes, behaviours) and how they guide decisions.
8:39 – Keep a critical mindset
Frameworks are abstractions with flaws. Learn them, use them, critique them, and evolve an approach that fits your context.
9:30 – Crafting “How might we” questions
Purpose of HMW, with Tom and David Kelley’s framing of “how,” “might,” and “we.” Aim for an open, optimistic prompt for ideation.
11:34 – Calibrating scope: bad vs good HMW
Examples of questions that are too similar, too narrow or too broad, and a “just right” version that enables multiple solution paths.
15:01 – Choosing the problem holder and refining HMW
Sometimes the focus shifts (e.g., supporting university staff to market services). Allow time to iterate the question and draw from research.
16:47–16:54 – Wrap up and sign off
Recap of the Define phase and a handover to the next episode on ideation.
Michael Walter is an educator, writer, academic, founder, improviser, and musician. He explores the intersections of creativity, technology, innovation, and social justice, always with a deep curiosity about how humans grow and connect.
In this episode of Idea Work, we explore the discover phase of design thinking, the stage where you dive deep into the problem space, challenge assumptions, and gather insights that shape effective solutions. Learn how to “rip the brief”, plan meaningful research, navigate ethics, and know when to stop gathering data.Resources mentioned
Design Kit – methods library (filter by inspiration)
Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Castbox | Goodpods | iHeart | Pocket Casts
Timestamps
0:02 – Introduction
Welcome to Idea Work. Michael sets up the episode’s focus on the Discover phase of the Double Diamond and why deep research matters before jumping to solutions.
0:42 – Moving from client brief to discovery
Explains the reverse brief process, aligning expectations, and starting team research to understand the problem space without bias.
1:34 – Ripping the brief and mapping key terms
Breaks down broad terms like “health” and “international students” into subtopics using mind mapping and Post-it notes to reveal hidden assumptions.
3:58 – Developing a research plan
Covers blending qualitative and quantitative methods, choosing what’s realistic, and crafting clear research questions.
5:14 – Building a stakeholder map
Identifies key interviewees, emphasises diversity, and offers the principle that any research is better than none.
6:15 – Ethics, consent, and sensitive topics
Outlines how to create information statements, consent processes, and securely store de-identified data.
8:08 – Crafting and testing interview questions
Shares tips for semi-structured interviews, active listening, adapting questions, and using silence effectively.
11:24 – Selecting tools for research
Recommends recording, transcription, survey, and collaboration platforms, with advice on managing online tools like Miro.
14:01 – Secondary research and team coordination
Highlights reputable sources for background data, and how to divide research tasks effectively across a team.
16:09 – Knowing when to stop researching
Explains data saturation, project deadlines, and the natural blend between the Discover and Define phases.
18:24 – Wrap up and sign off
Reinforces the importance of deep discovery work and previews the upcoming episode on the Define phase.
Michael Walter is an educator, writer, academic, founder, improviser, and musician. He explores the intersections of creativity, technology, innovation, and social justice, always with a deep curiosity about how humans grow and connect.
In this episode of Idea Work, I explore the preparation phase of a design thinking project, the often-overlooked stage that sets everything up for success. Learn how to run your first team meeting, set expectations, prepare for client conversations, and use tools to keep everyone aligned. We’ll also look at the value of reverse briefs and why client engagement is part of your product. Whether you’re leading a project or joining one, these tips will help you start strong.
Resources mentioned
Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Castbox | Goodpods | iHeart | Pocket Casts
Timestamps
0:02 – Introduction
Welcome to Idea Work. What the show covers and who it’s for.
0:39 – Episode aim
What to do before starting a design thinking project. Why strong setup matters for any complex project.
1:28 – Case study setup
Hypothetical brief: a small design team helps a university improve international students’ access to on‑campus health services.
2:37 – Team foundations
Roles, responsibilities, communication norms, and when to seek external support. Setting expectations early to avoid problems later.
4:33 – Tools and platforms
Choosing collaboration and project tools (e.g. digital whiteboards, comms, and task managers) so the team can work smoothly.
5:20 – Preparing for the client meeting
Do background research on the organisation and problem space. Map stakeholders. Arrive with thoughtful questions rather than a sales pitch.
9:00 – Scoping and expectations
Clarify deliverables, feedback points, timelines and budget. Manage expectations, especially if outcomes are exploratory.
13:08 – Reverse brief and approval
Turn the discussion into a clear plan with scope, responsibilities and schedule. Share for sign‑off.
14:01 – Client engagement is part of the product
Professional, transparent process builds trust and referrals. From approval to action and next steps.
17:07–17:14 – Wrap up and sign off
Invitation for comments, subscribe reminder, and thanks to listeners.
Michael Walter is an educator, writer, academic, founder, improviser, and musician. He explores the intersections of creativity, technology, innovation, and social justice, always with a deep curiosity about how humans grow and connect.
Design has layers, from communication and product design to UX/UI, service, strategic and systemic design. In this episode, I use a music analogy and a fast‑food case study to show how these disciplines connect, where architecture and interior design fit, and why the goal isn’t hierarchy but fit for the problem. You’ll learn the focus of each layer, how skills transfer across them, and how to spot the right level of design for your challenge. Perfect if you’re new to design or explaining your work to colleagues.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Castbox | Goodpods | iHeart | Pocket Casts
Resources Mentioned
Timestamps
0:02 – Introduction
Show open and what the series explores: the people, skills, and mindsets behind innovation.
0:42 – Why “design layers” matter
Setting up the episode goal: clarifying what different designers do, and why the same core skills can scale from pages to experiences.
1:40 – Design is like music
A relatable analogy for disciplines and craft: shared foundations across “genres,” but different depths of skill and craftsmanship.
4:34 – From print to products
Communication design (layout, branding, making the complex simple) and the evolution to product/industrial design (ergonomics, tools, 3D modeling/printing).
7:12 – UX vs UI, then service design
How user experience and interface design differ—and how service design stitches channels, spaces, and touchpoints into an end-to-end journey.
9:36 – Strategy, systems, and the built environment
Design at policy/organizational scale (strategic/systemic design), alongside architecture/spatial design as a parallel domain.
11:19 – McDonald’s walkthrough: one experience, many layers
A concrete case study following a customer from app notification to kiosk, seating, packaging, and store flow—showing how multiple design layers work together.
17:01 – Beyond the store: co-design, circularity, strategy
Designing training and inclusion with stakeholders, thinking circular for materials, and using systemic/strategic lenses to steer complex programs.
20:07 – How layers collaborate (and careers move)
Why no layer is “higher”—they’re different scopes that interlock, and skills can transfer between them over a career.
21:02 – 21:09 – Wrap up and sign off
Closing thanks and subscribe reminder.
Michael Walter is an educator, writer, academic, founder, improviser, and musician. He explores the intersections of creativity, technology, innovation, and social justice, always with a deep curiosity about how humans grow and connect.
In this episode, I break down design thinking and the Double Diamond, a powerful framework for tackling complex problems. Learn the four stages, practical tools, and how to start applying them in any role.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Castbox | Goodpods | iHeart | Pocket Casts
Resources mentioned
Timestamps
0:02 – Introduction
Welcome to Idea Work and overview of the show’s purpose — exploring what innovation professionals and designers do, and how they create change.
1:26 – Why design thinking?
Clarifying the method’s purpose, where it applies, and how it differs from solving simple, well-defined problems.
4:00 – Critiques and philosophy
Acknowledging criticisms of design thinking and viewing it as both a flexible process and a mindset.
5:56 – The Double Diamond framework
Origin, four stages (Discover, Define, Develop, Deliver), and the importance of iteration rather than a rigid sequence.
8:01 – Discover and Define
Research methods, affinity mapping, personas, and reframing challenges into “how might we” questions.
11:07 – Develop and Deliver
Brainstorming and brainwriting, evaluating ideas for viability, feasibility, and desirability, prototyping, and iterative testing.
15:49 – Real-world example
Hypothetical university case study showing the process from research to funded, ongoing programme.
16:59 – Iterating and applying
When and why to return to earlier stages, and tips for trying parts of the process in everyday work.
17:49 – 18:08 - Wrap up and sign off
Michael Walter is an educator, writer, academic, founder, improviser, and musician. He explores the intersections of creativity, technology, innovation, and social justice, always with a deep curiosity about how humans grow and connect.
In this first episode of Idea Work, I share the vision for the podcast and why I started it. I talk about my own journey from teaching and the not-for-profit sector into design and innovation, the experiences that shaped me, and what listeners can expect from the show. Whether you’re new to design or a seasoned practitioner, Idea Work is about the people, skills, and mindsets behind innovation – told through stories, interviews, and practical insights.
Resources mentioned
Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Castbox | Goodpods | iHeart | Pocket Casts
Timestamps
0:02 – Introduction
Introduction to Idea Work and who it’s for, people starting in innovation, shifting careers, or simply curious.
0:40 – Episode purpose
Exploring the vision for the show and what listeners can expect.
1:26 – Michael’s background
From teaching and not-for-profits into a PhD in design and innovation at Swinburne University.
2:34 – Early spark for collaboration research
Why cross-sector collaboration between not-for-profits and research institutions became a focus.
2:39 – Discovery of design thinking
First encounters, service design jam, Acumen Plus human-centred design course.
3:29 – Telstra Imaginarium
Learning the design thinking process deeply with other not-for-profits.
4:09 – Applying design thinking in the workplace
Using strategic/service design skills in a not-for-profit role.
4:42 – Service design course at Academy Xi
Intensive learning experience and what service design looks like in practice (bank example).
5:51 – Ongoing journey into design
Completing a Master’s, teaching design thinking and design strategy.
6:22 – Encouragement for newcomers
Reassurance that people from non-design backgrounds can succeed in design.
7:05 – Expanding into innovation
Teaching at Swinburne’s Design Factory and exploring overlap between innovation and design thinking.
7:46 – Purpose of the show
Highlighting both the ideas and the people who do “idea work”.
8:25 – Show format
Interviews, explainers, solo episodes — open to listener suggestions.
8:53 – Accessibility and jargon
Making design conversations more approachable, avoiding elitism and intimidating aesthetic culture.
9:54 – Closing
Invitation for ideas, and thanks to listeners.
Michael Walter is an educator, writer, academic, founder, improviser, and musician. He explores the intersections of creativity, technology, innovation, and social justice, always with a deep curiosity about how humans grow and connect.
Welcome to Idea Work, a podcast about building a career in innovation, design, and strategy. In this short teaser, host Michael Walter shares why this podcast exists, who it’s for, and what you can expect in upcoming episodes.
If you're curious about how people land innovation roles, build creative careers, and make new ideas work, this one’s for you.
New episodes launch soon. Hit follow so you don’t miss a thing.
