

This is HCD – Human-Centered Design, UX & Service Design Thinking Podcast
Gerry Scullion
Welcome to This is HCD – Human-Centered Design, UX & Service Design Thinking Podcast, the global show for designers, innovators, and changemakers who want to create better products, services, and experiences.
Hosted by Gerry Scullion, with over 1-million downloads worldwide.
Each episode dives into conversations with leading voices in service design, UX design, interaction design, customer experience, and design strategy. Together, we explore the methods, mindsets, and real-world stories that bring human-centered design and design thinking to life.
Whether you’re a UX researcher, service design practitioner, product manager, or design leader, you’ll find actionable insights, practical tools, and inspiration to elevate your practice and drive meaningful change.
Tune in and join the global human-centered design community — learn how to design with purpose, create inclusive solutions, and shape a more thoughtful future.
Hosted by Gerry Scullion, with over 1-million downloads worldwide.
Each episode dives into conversations with leading voices in service design, UX design, interaction design, customer experience, and design strategy. Together, we explore the methods, mindsets, and real-world stories that bring human-centered design and design thinking to life.
Whether you’re a UX researcher, service design practitioner, product manager, or design leader, you’ll find actionable insights, practical tools, and inspiration to elevate your practice and drive meaningful change.
Tune in and join the global human-centered design community — learn how to design with purpose, create inclusive solutions, and shape a more thoughtful future.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 24, 2025 • 39min
Diarmuid Gavin 'Digging into the world of Garden Design and what Service Design can learn from it'
We are building a global network of people doing human-centred work. Create an account, learn, listen, connect and network - for free → https://www.thisishcd.com/signup________________________Take the FREE Introduction to Journey Management course with Marc Stickdorn & Gerry Scullion → https://www.thisishcd.com/learning/introduction-to-journey-managementIn this episode, I speak with Irish garden designer and tv personality - Diarmuid Gavin. He has presented gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show on nine occasions from 1995 to 2016 - He has also authored or co-authored at least ten gardening-related books.For regular listeners, you will be familiar with a recent episode I did with 16-time Grammy award-winning producer, Rafa Sardina - well this episode is continuing on that trend. I am really keen to explore other disciplines to see how they work to solve complex problems and also approach their work. I see gardening and working with nature as a direct parallel to working within organisations. Thinking like this, I was excited to speak with Diarmuid to see how he explores designing for the future and chat at length about external factors that could hinder the designer's vision. Diarmuid was a great guest - and wanted to give a big shout out to his wonderful Instagram page where he answers questions regularly through his Live events. So if you are interested and getting started with anything garden related - Diarmuids yer man!Creators & Guests
Gerry Scullion - Host
Serdar Mele - Editor
Stef Murphy - Producer
________________________Discover & Connect → https://www.thisishcd.com/directoryTrain my organisation → https://www.thisishcd.com/trainingClaim partner discounts → https://www.thisishcd.com/partnersPublish an Article → https://www.thisishcd.com/blogCourses → https://www.thisishcd.com/courses________________________

Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 6min
Rooted in Innovation: The Future of Farming with Darragh McCullough from RTE's Ear to the Ground and Founder of Elmgrove Farm
We are building a global network of people doing human-centred work. Create an account, learn, listen, connect and network - for free → https://www.thisishcd.com/signup________________________Take the FREE Introduction to Journey Management course with Marc Stickdorn & Gerry Scullion → https://www.thisishcd.com/learning/introduction-to-journey-managementWhat started as a flower farm has evolved into a thriving community experience with pizza, peonies, and pick-your-own eggs. Together, they explore the deep thinking, sustainable practices, and collaborative mindset driving the farm’s remarkable transformation.Learn how Darragh blends farming tradition with human-centred principles, and discover how change-makers in any industry can be inspired by the resilience, creativity, and adaptability found in modern Irish agriculture.🔑 Key TakeawaysHow to diversify without losing focus: a masterclass in iterative business buildingWhy collaboration (not control) is essential for modern rural enterprisesThe power of customer experience in reshaping farming's role in local communitiesCreators & Guests
Gerry Scullion - Host
Serdar Mele - Editor
Stef Murphy - Producer
________________________Discover & Connect → https://www.thisishcd.com/directoryTrain my organisation → https://www.thisishcd.com/trainingClaim partner discounts → https://www.thisishcd.com/partnersPublish an Article → https://www.thisishcd.com/blogCourses → https://www.thisishcd.com/courses________________________

Jun 27, 2025 • 48min
Facilitate Like a Pro: Why Designers Must Step Up with Adam B. Cochrane
We are building a global network of people doing human-centred work. Create an account, learn, listen, connect and network - for free → https://www.thisishcd.com/signup________________________Take the FREE Introduction to Journey Management course with Marc Stickdorn & Gerry Scullion → https://www.thisishcd.com/learning/introduction-to-journey-managementIn this episode of This is HCD, Gerry Scullion speaks with Adam B. Cochrane, an experienced design leader currently at Staffbase in Berlin. Together, they explore the often-overlooked power of facilitation in design—and why it’s a crucial skill for any designer hoping to make a meaningful impact. From working at Lufthansa and Zalando to his current role, Adam shares lessons learned about enabling teams, the value of psychological safety, and how even introverts can become brilliant facilitators.Creators & Guests
Gerry Scullion - Host
Serdar Mele - Editor
Stef Murphy - Producer
________________________Discover & Connect → https://www.thisishcd.com/directoryTrain my organisation → https://www.thisishcd.com/trainingClaim partner discounts → https://www.thisishcd.com/partnersPublish an Article → https://www.thisishcd.com/blogCourses → https://www.thisishcd.com/courses________________________

Jun 18, 2025 • 46min
Shape of Play: Insights from Mattel's Global Research Study with MADO's Jaclyn Suzuki
We are building a global network of people doing human-centred work. Create an account, learn, listen, connect and network - for free → https://www.thisishcd.com/signup________________________Take the FREE Introduction to Journey Management course with Marc Stickdorn & Gerry Scullion → https://www.thisishcd.com/learning/introduction-to-journey-managementIn this episode of This is HCD, Gerry Scullion is joined by Jaclyn Suzuki, co-founder of MADO and former creative director at Ziba, to explore the findings from a groundbreaking global study on play — commissioned by Mattel and involving over 33,000 people across seven countries. Jaclyn shares insights into the six emerging play personalities, the growing need for play across all ages, and how brands like Mattel are translating research into real-world impact. From cultural differences in China, Finland and the US, to the tension between digital and physical play, this conversation uncovers how play connects, heals and transforms.MADO website: https://www.lookwithmado.com/Connect with Jaclyn via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclyn-suzuki/Key Takeaways:🌍 Play is Universal: It transcends age, borders, and background.🤖 Digital vs Physical: The nuances of screen-based vs real-world play.🎯 Future of Play: How brands are reimagining connection through play.Creators & Guests
Gerry Scullion - Host
Serdar Mele - Editor
Stef Murphy - Producer
________________________Discover & Connect → https://www.thisishcd.com/directoryTrain my organisation → https://www.thisishcd.com/trainingClaim partner discounts → https://www.thisishcd.com/partnersPublish an Article → https://www.thisishcd.com/blogCourses → https://www.thisishcd.com/courses________________________

Jun 17, 2025 • 5min
Why We Made Our Design Community Invite-Only (and Why That Matters)
Gerry shares exciting news about transforming a design community into an application-only model to foster genuine connections. This intentional shift prioritizes member engagement and alignment over mere growth. Members enjoy exclusive access to premium courses, personal coaching, and real-time support through live sessions. The community is built on values of transparency and impact, creating a low-noise environment for learning. It's an invitation to explore a thoughtfully crafted space for human-centered design practitioners.

Jun 2, 2025 • 36min
Experience the Power of Liminal Coaching with Mike Parker
We are building a global network of people doing human-centred work. Create an account, learn, listen, connect and network - for free → https://www.thisishcd.com/signup________________________Take the FREE Introduction to Journey Management course with Marc Stickdorn & Gerry Scullion → https://www.thisishcd.com/learning/introduction-to-journey-managementIn this episode of This is HCD, I speak with Mike Parker about Liminal Coaching — a practice grounded in cognitive science that uses intentional daydreaming to help people unlock clarity, creativity, and direction.We explore the role of the default mode network in the brain and how it becomes active during daydreaming — something most of us were taught to avoid, but that might actually be key to problem-solving and breakthrough thinking.There’s also a special live session led by Mike — a short guided liminal moment — designed to help you feel more grounded and clear in just a few minutes. If you’re working in a high-pressure environment or navigating complex challenges, this is one to try.Creators & Guests
Gerry Scullion - Host
Serdar Mele - Editor
Stef Murphy - Producer
________________________Discover & Connect → https://www.thisishcd.com/directoryTrain my organisation → https://www.thisishcd.com/trainingClaim partner discounts → https://www.thisishcd.com/partnersPublish an Article → https://www.thisishcd.com/blogCourses → https://www.thisishcd.com/courses________________________

May 23, 2025 • 1h
Rethinking Professionalism: Unleashing Authenticity in the Workplace with Myriam Hadnes
In this engaging conversation, Myriam Hadnes, a facilitator and author of *Unprofessionalism*, explores the value of authenticity in the workplace. She shares her journey of moving away from traditional professionalism to embrace radical honesty, promoting healthier team dynamics. The discussion covers the significance of setting boundaries, fostering genuine connections, and simplifying communication for more meaningful engagement. Myriam challenges outdated norms, advocating for an approach that nurtures personal expression and promotes well-being in professional environments.

May 15, 2025 • 55min
Unlocking the Power of Introversion in Leadership & Workplaces with Tim Yeo
We are building a global network of people doing human-centred work. Create an account, learn, listen, connect and network - for free → https://www.thisishcd.com/signup________________________Take the FREE Introduction to Journey Management course with Marc Stickdorn & Gerry Scullion → https://www.thisishcd.com/learning/introduction-to-journey-management🎙️ Dive into an insightful episode with Gerry Scullion as he discusses leadership, introversion, and the invisible emotional toll of workplace dynamics with Tim Yeo, the author of 'The Quiet Achiever'. 👥 Tim shares his journey of self-discovery and challenges the extroverted ideal in leadership, paving the way for more inclusive and diverse workplace environments.🔑 Key Takeaways:💡 Introversion vs. Shyness: Discover how energy management is crucial for introverts in today’s work environments.🗣️ Inclusive Leadership: Leadership doesn't have a single voice. Learn about creating diverse teams with varied strengths. 📅 Practical Tools for Introverts: From meeting preparation to strategic energy recovery, find actionable insights from Tim's journey.Creators & Guests
Gerry Scullion - Host
Serdar Mele - Editor
Stef Murphy - Producer
________________________Discover & Connect → https://www.thisishcd.com/directoryTrain my organisation → https://www.thisishcd.com/trainingClaim partner discounts → https://www.thisishcd.com/partnersPublish an Article → https://www.thisishcd.com/blogCourses → https://www.thisishcd.com/courses________________________

May 8, 2025 • 46min
Designing Through the Storm: Architecture, Activism & Audio Histories with Lee Moreau
We are building a global network of people doing human-centred work. Create an account, learn, listen, connect and network - for free → https://www.thisishcd.com/signup________________________Take the FREE Introduction to Journey Management course with Marc Stickdorn & Gerry Scullion → https://www.thisishcd.com/learning/introduction-to-journey-managementIn this unfiltered and deeply reflective episode, Gerry Scullion speaks with Lee Moreau – architect, educator, and founder of Other Tomorrows – about the state of design amidst global turbulence. From their shared love of architecture to podcasting as a tool for oral history, Lee opens up about why designers must brace for impact, embrace discomfort, and use their skills to care for one another. Together, they discuss the intersection of politics, design education, and the urgency of building alternative futures.3 Key Takeaways:Design isn’t just about outputs; it’s our human response to change and uncertainty.Podcasting is a form of oral history, especially vital in documenting human-centred design.The next wave of designers must be politically awake, resilient, and community-driven.Creators & Guests
Gerry Scullion - Host
Serdar Mele - Editor
Stef Murphy - Producer
________________________Discover & Connect → https://www.thisishcd.com/directoryTrain my organisation → https://www.thisishcd.com/trainingClaim partner discounts → https://www.thisishcd.com/partnersPublish an Article → https://www.thisishcd.com/blogCourses → https://www.thisishcd.com/courses________________________

Apr 23, 2025 • 43min
Marc Stickdorn 🌟 Unlocking Service Design in 2025 for all: Insights from the Experts!
In this engaging conversation, Marc Stickdorn, a veteran service design practitioner and author, delves into the persistent issue of organizational misalignment. He discusses the importance of translating goals into metrics relevant to each role and emphasizes the need for leadership to take ownership of alignment. Stickdorn critiques the overreliance on NPS, urging teams to focus on qualitative insights instead. He also highlights the transformative power of journey maps, making them vital tools for bridging silos and enhancing team collaboration.


