the deeply human design podcast

"People massively overestimate the amount of change that's going to happen in two years, and they underestimate the amount in five to 10 years." Summary In this episode, we explore the journey of Stuart, a psychologist who moved from cognitive research into digital transformation and is now working in government. We trace his path from the back streets of Liverpool to a PhD in human computer interaction, augmented reality research in Italy, and six years in research and design leadership at Expedia. Stuart reflects on social mobility, on the confidence and experience it buys as much as the income, and on leaving school in a year when not one of the jobs he has since done actually existed. We discuss why organisations resist AI, where he honestly lands between its promise and its threat, and the psychology of resilience when uncertainty simply cannot be researched away. This conversation is a deep dive into staying proactive rather than passive, experimenting deliberately, and treating your own career as a product you can design. Guest Stuart Booth - LinkedIn Host Danny Hearn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/ Website – http://www.dannyhearn.me Podcast – http://www.deeplyhumandesign.com Chapters 00:00 Getting to Know Each Other 01:12 Journey into Design 02:48 Personal Background and Privilege 04:18 University Experience and Social Mobility 05:02 Social Class and Education 06:26 Exclusionary Language and Corporate Spaces 09:33 Career Advice and Opportunities 10:01 Evolution of Job Roles 13:20 Identity and Role Definitions 15:22 Experience and Decision Making 17:14 Emotional Journey of Craftsmanship 19:14 Anxiety and Resilience 20:38 Dealing with Uncertainty 22:49 Strategies for Daily Practice 23:38 Embracing Change and Uncertainty 25:55 Organizational Response to AI 28:09 Personal Views on AI and Technology 30:11 Creating and Building Apps 33:20 The Future of App Development and AI 36:48 Impact of Technology on Employment and Life 41:08 Resilience and Facing Uncertainty 44:21 Applying Lean UX Canvas to Personal Development

"The pressure to move faster in the tech industry creates an environment where presence and mental well-being are often sacrificed for speed.” Summary In this episode, leadership consultant Andy Hix joins us to share insights from his interviews with 85 tech leaders on the pressures they face, what keeps them up at night, and what separates those thriving in 2026 from those burning out. Together, we unpack the intersection of tech, mental health, and well being, tackling everything from AI addiction and early adopter anxiety to how human centered leadership can bring joy back into the corporate workplace. Guest Andy Hix Web - https://andyhix.com/ LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyhix/ Host Danny Hearn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/ Website – http://www.dannyhearn.me Podcast – http://www.deeplyhumandesign.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:17 The Impact of Tech on Mental Health 04:07 Discovering Meditation and Well-being 08:16 Leadership and Presence in Tech 10:56 Challenges of Being Present in a Corporate Environment 16:00 The Struggle of Overwhelm and Stress in Tech 23:06 Implementing Well-being Practices in Corporate Settings 26:10 The Pressure to Move Faster 27:02 The Anxiety of Being an Early Adopter 28:00 The Addictive Quality of AI 29:14 The Impact on Mental Health 34:35 The Human Side of Tech Leadership 44:07 The Influence of Leadership on Culture 49:22 The Absence of Joy in Work

Reclaiming the Heart in Design “There’s so much heart in some of these things that you’re putting in heart in that space and I find it very hard to detach some of those.” Summary In this episode, we explore the creative journey of Fionn, a partner at the design futures studio Andthen . We trace his evolution from the tactile world of furniture making to leading large-scale design teams within the corporate banking sector . Fionn reflects on the emotional friction of maintaining personal values in transactional environments and the toll of multiple burnouts. We discuss his shift toward "slow decisions" and how design can be used to influence long-term policy and societal change . This conversation is a deep dive into reclaiming professional purpose and the human heart within a technical industry . Guest Fionn Tynan O'Mahony LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionntynan/ Website – https://www.studioandthen.com/ Host Danny Hearn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/ Website – www.dannyhearn.me Podcast – www.deeplyhumandesign.com Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting and the Purpose of Human Conversations 02:08 Designing the Intangible: Introducing Andthen 05:05 From DIY to Craft College: Early Practical Creativity 06:50 The Modernist Influence and the Limits of the Ego 08:32 Refocusing Life and the Discovery of Curiosity 11:49 Design as Intervention: Breaking the Routine 14:58 Reality Hits: Transitioning into Corporate Banking 16:54 The Shift from Questions to Answers 19:18 Techno-Optimism and the Moonshot Era 21:57 The Cost of Delivery Culture and Shrinking Experimentation 24:42 Navigating Burnout and Value Misalignment 29:50 The Struggle of Scaling Teams in Risk-Averse Systems 34:41 The Gift of Voluntary Redundancy 38:44 Returning to Exploration and Strategic Influencing 43:49 Pace Layering: Designing for Long-Term Impact 50:40 Redefining Success Beyond the Bottom Line

“Sometimes the best thing you can do is just be the kindest person in the room.” Summary In this episode, we explore the profound impact of leading with kindness and humility in the high-pressure world of design and advertising. Guest Craig Jamson joins Danny Hearn to reflect on his journey from a self-taught Flash designer in South Africa to a Creative Director at Ogilvy. They discuss the transition from a "brutal" leadership style to one focused on empowering others, drawing inspiration from the book Multipliers. The conversation dives deep into the importance of maintaining calm in "crisis mode," the challenges of the current job market, and how personal mental health practices shape professional presence. Together, they advocate for a more supportive industry culture where seasoned professionals lift up those who are most vulnerable. Guest Craig Jamieson LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-jamieson/ Website – https://craigjamieson.com/ Host Danny Hearn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/ Website – www.dannyhearn.me Podcast – www.deeplyhumandesign.com Chapters 00:00 The Power of Humility and Kindness 01:10 Journey from Art School Dropout to Digital Design 05:03 From Dictator to Genius Maker: The Multipliers Shift 08:51 Avoiding the Expert Jargon Trap 14:04 The Quiet Confidence of Seasoned Creative Directors 17:36 The Fadeaway Technique in Consultancy 26:13 Perceptions vs Reality: The Scary Guy Persona 35:40 Moving Beyond the Self and Stressful Perspectives 42:25 Presence, Calm, and the Figmification of Design 53:03 Practical Ways to Support the Design Community

“There are many, many things that AI can do, AI cannot dream, it cannot truly create, and it cannot think. And I just think the random messiness of the human spirit is just so perfect for creativity.” Summary In this episode, we dive into the career of Sienne Veit, a leader who has consistently operated at the "pointy end" of innovation. We explore her journey from studying linguistics and journalism in South Africa to spearheading the first transactional mobile website for Marks & Spencer during the dawn of the iPhone era. Throughout our conversation, we discuss the art of navigating corporate "no’s" by building resilient teams and maintaining an experimental mindset. We reflect on the importance of serendipity in the workplace and why "human messiness" remains our greatest advantage in an AI-driven future. Together, we uncover how a high tolerance for chaos and a commitment to solving real-world problems can transform enterprise design. Guest Sienne Veit LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sienneveit/ Host Danny Hearn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/ Website – www.dannyhearn.me Podcast – www.deeplyhumandesign.com Chapters 00:00 The Human Spirit vs. AI 01:29 From Lecturer to Product Leader: A Weavy Journey 04:19 Linguistics: The Foundation of Meaning and HCI 07:43 Early Mobile Adoption: From WAP to South African Banking 10:49 Sony and the Cusp of the iPhone Revolution 12:12 Building M&S’s First Mobile Transactional Site 15:01 Early Failures: QR Codes and Text-Based Loyalty 17:25 Abandoning Wireframes for Pure Design 20:36 Loving the Unknown and Multi-disciplinary Teams 23:47 The "Shit Umbrella": Protecting Team Creativity 29:29 High Tolerance for Chaos and the Capacity to Reset 34:59 Breaking Down Certainty for Stakeholders 41:56 Diversity in Tech: From "Only Woman in the Room" to STEM 44:33 Remote vs. Relational Culture: Cracking the Team Bond 47:53 Meeting Barack Obama in Sao Paulo 51:45 The Future of the Craft: Why AI Can't Dream

“The quality of our relationships is the only factor linked to how long we live — and how well we live.” Summary In this episode, Alla Weinberg and I explore psychological safety, workplace culture, and why the quality of our relationships shapes not just how we work, but how we live. Alla shares her 20-year journey through the design industry — from information architecture to coaching — and the lived experiences that led her to write A Culture of Safety . We talk about toxic and “too nice” cultures, the pressure to “crank out” design, how unsafe environments shut down our ability to think, and what leaders can do to model honesty with kindness. We also look ahead to the AI era and why Alla is building a social health organization to help people rebuild connection, community, and human-centered ways of working. Guest Alla Weinberg Website - https://thisisharmonic.com/ Fourpercent - https://www.fourpercent.org/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/allaweinberg/ Host Danny Hearn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/ Website – www.dannyhearn.me Podcast – www.deeplyhumandesign.com Chapters 00:00 Social health, relationships, and what the research suggests 00:40 Alla’s journey through design — and why she turned to coaching 04:35 Lived experiences of unsafe culture and “crank it out” design pressure 09:20 What toxic work really communicates about people vs. profit 12:34 Hope vs. reality: why design evangelism rarely shifts power 15:14 Building a social health organisation and what it’s for 20:16 What healthy relational culture looks like (skills, repair, honesty) 22:52 Transactional vs. relational culture — especially in remote work 34:53 Mental health, trauma, and how unsafe leadership shuts us down 47:03 AI, the erosion of humanity, and choosing a different future

“What would it take for design to have its vinyl moment — and reclaim its power beyond JIRA tickets and design systems?” Summary In this episode, Danny sits down with James Box, designer, author, and co-founder of Berst - to talk about the changing shape of design careers, the realities of agency vs. product team life, and why so many designers feel trapped in “mechanistic” delivery work. James reflects on his years at ClearLeft, the culture of autonomy and learning that shaped his practice, and the role of communication and uncertainty in good design. They explore Berst’s work with startups and scale-ups, including experiments with equity-based engagements, and discuss how innovation can get dampened as companies grow. The conversation turns to AI: how it’s collapsing the gap between insight and delivery, what “AI-native” products feel like, and why designers need to hold both optimism and skepticism at once. James closes with a hopeful challenge, for designers to embrace entrepreneurship, use new tools to tackle bigger problems, and help design rediscover what it’s uniquely good at. Guest James Box Berst - https://ber.st/ LinkedIN – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbox/ Website - https://jamesbox.me/ Host Danny Hearn LinkedIN – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/ Website – www.dannyhearn.me Podcast – www.deeplyhumandesign.com Chapters 00:00 Design careers, JIRA tickets, and the fear of “factory design” 01:21 James Box’s journey: agency roots, entrepreneurship, and writing a UX book 03:52 T-shaped designers and the overlooked skill of defining the real problem 06:36 What consulting forces you to learn: adaptability + communication 08:14 Divergence vs. convergence in modern product teams 09:18 Why the agency path is disappearing — and what that means for new designers 10:18 What made ClearLeft distinctive: UX, community, events, and products 13:18 Pace, autonomy, and the “jet engine” feel of agency work 14:38 Intimidation, improvisation, and learning culture in early ClearLeft days 16:14 Anxiety and uncertainty as part of the designer’s job 21:46 A remembered moment: finding rhythm, flow, and ownership in delivery 23:59 The “black hat” approach: leaning into fears to surface truths and mitigate risk 26:57 Scale-ups and the loss of innovation energy as teams operationalise 30:07 Why “the job isn’t done” after product-market fit 32:14 Equity work with startups: incentives, “skin in the game,” and the reality check 35:58 Why the VC-style equity model doesn’t easily work for studios long-term 38:31 Keeping work close to founders and C-suite to protect impact 39:41 Optimism as a designer’s grounding belief — and how it differs from naïveté 44:09 AI as unprecedented tech: holding risks and benefits at once 47:09 Danny’s dual view: macro anxiety, micro empowerment, and moving fast with agents 51:38 “AI-native” experiences and the stages from tool → assistant → peer 56:39 Copilot Studio, enterprise adoption, and the coming wave of internal agents 1:00:50 Why problem framing still matters most, even as delivery speed collapses 1:02:39 James’s concern: shrinking design impact — and the “vinyl moment” hope 1:06:03 Designing for entrepreneurship, invention, and meaningful progress 1:07:02 Closing: Merry Christmas and the future of design

" As soon as tools exist that don’t require Figma’s learning curve, a very large number of designers will find themselves out of work " Summary Today I’m sharing a wide-open, deeply honest conversation with Andy Budd — designer, founder, conference creator, coach, investor, and one of the most quietly influential forces behind the UK design and product community. If you’ve worked in UX anytime in the last two decades, you’ve almost certainly felt Andy’s impact: Clearleft, UX London, dConstruct, Leading Design, CSS Mastery, the Brighton Digital Festival… the list is long for a reason. In this episode, we dig into the questions so many designers are quietly wrestling with; Have we already passed “peak designer”? And what does a meaningful, sustainable design career look like on the other side? We explore why 2020–21 marked the high-water point for UX hiring, how AI and automation are reshaping the work, and why “Figma operator culture” was always a dead end. Andy maps the design chaos from identity crisis many designers are feeling, the discomfort of reinvention, and why embracing uncertainty is now a core skill. We also journey through his experiences with the early web, Clearleft, building communities, leadership — and the ongoing search for new personal S-curves. If you’re feeling energised, anxious, confused, optimistic (or all of the above) about where design is heading, this one will resonate deeply. Guest Andy Budd LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/andybudd/ Website – https://andybudd.com/ Book – https://andybudd.com/book Website – https://seedcamp.com/ Host Danny Hearn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/ Website – www.dannyhearn.me Podcast – www.deeplyhumandesign.com Chapters 00:00 Have We Reached “Peak Designer”? The Hiring Boom and Slowdown 01:08 Introducing Andy — Designer, Founder, Investor, Pilot, Diver, “Shark Wrangler” 01:42 Origin Story — Geeky Kid, Early Web, and Falling in Love with the Internet 04:35 From Dive Instructor in Asia to Self-Taught Web Designer 07:26 Discovering UX and Helping Bring User Experience Design to the UK 10:34 Meeting Rich and Jeremy, Web Standards, and the Birth of Clearleft 18:43 Inside Clearleft — Culture, Community, and a Different Way to Run an Agency 22:15 Burberry, “Hyper-Alignment,” and How Clearleft Actually Worked Day to Day 32:24 UX London, Leading Design, and the “Accidental Design Leader” 47:16 Broken Web, AI, the Future of Design — S-Curves, Uncertainty, and Learning to Flow

“ What does it mean to recruit in a turbulent UX market — and where is the industry heading? ” Summary In this episode, Danny speaks with long-time UX and design recruiter Nick Grantham about the realities of today’s hiring landscape. Nick shares his journey from studying design to becoming a specialist design recruiter, the emotional side of matchmaking candidates and teams, and why the last few years have reshaped expectations for designers, hiring managers, and recruiters alike. They discuss the impact of interest rates, AI, internal talent teams, CV myths, candidate overwhelm, and how to stay resilient while navigating a challenging market. Nick brings clarity, honesty, and grounded optimism to a conversation many designers need right now. Guest Nick Grantham Nick is an Associate Director at Zebra People, who are a long-standing, digital specialist recruitment agency. Nick himself has been leading UX and product design recruitment across start-ups, scale-ups, and major brands for the past 15 years. With deep experience shaping design teams and advising on hiring strategy, Nick brings a no-nonsense approach to his trade and had even started his career in design before switching to recruitment. LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickgrantham/ Website – https://zebrapeople.com/ Host Danny Hearn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/ Website – www.dannyhearn.me Podcast – www.deeplyhumandesign.com Chapters 00:00 Why bring a recruiter into a design podcast 02:02 Nick’s journey from transport design to UX recruitment 08:27 What recruiters actually do (and how matchmaking really works) 10:14 The human side of recruitment, emotions, and life-changing moves 13:51 “Champagne and razor blades”: the highs and lows of placements 23:22 Why this downturn feels different: interest rates, budgets, and AI 30:21 Adapting as a designer: UX, product, research, and service design 35:26 Specialising, doubling down on strengths, and applying strategically 38:33 Tasks, process design, and the impact on diversity and inclusion 54:17 The future of recruitment, AI, and cautious optimism for the market

What happens when creativity, community, and technology collide? Summary In this episode, I catch up with Sol Rogers, my old next-door neighbour from Totnes who’s now the Global Director of Innovation at Magnopus and founder of the award-winning immersive studio Rewind . Sol’s career has spanned VR, film, and emerging tech for Disney, Jaguar, and Meta, and he’s earned an honorary doctorate for his impact on the industry. We talk about his unconventional start as a new-age traveller, the realities of success, ADHD, fatherhood, and what it means to build communities that truly support people. Sol shares stories of breakthroughs, burnout, and staying grounded in a fast-moving world — including how a VR demo for Jaguar unexpectedly reshaped car design. A thoughtful, open conversation about creativity, purpose, and time. Guest Dr Solomon Rogers LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/solrogers/ Magnopus – https://www.magnopus.com/ Host Danny Hearn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/ Website – www.dannyhearn.me Podcast – www.deeplyhumandesign.com Chapters 00:00 Childhood Connections and Early Influences 03:41 Career Journey and Professional Achievements 06:34 Defining Success: Personal Perspectives 09:29 The Role of Community in Personal Growth 12:31 Navigating Privilege and Opportunity 15:11 The Impact of ADHD on Life and Work 18:23 Building a Culture of Community in Business 21:09 The Intersection of Friendship and Leadership 34:05 The Emotional Complexity of Team Dynamics 36:43 Navigating Business Challenges and Personal Growth 40:08 The Intersection of Technology and Design 46:36 The Evolution of Virtual Reality in Automotive Design 50:41 The Future of Digital Twins and Immersive Experiences 56:46 Cultivating Healthy Relationships with Technology

“What happens when design grows up?” Summary In this episode, Julia and I explore what happens when design grows up — as systems thinking, organisational politics, and industry shifts reshape what it means to do meaningful work. Julia Petretta, an experienced Product Design Leader, has shaped digital experiences across startups and global consultancies — from Welltech and Plum to Accenture, Infinity Works, and Meta’s Oversight Board. With a background spanning UX, service design, and strategy, they’ve led teams, built design practices, and driven AI-powered, user-centred innovation across complex products and services. We talk about finding your voice, designing relationships (not just interfaces), and challenging the myth that design always “makes the world better.” From the disintegration of UX to the rise of product thinking, it’s an honest look at where our craft stands — and how to stay grounded through art, nature, and reflection. Guest Julia Petretta – LinkedIN Dave Stewart — The Work Is Never Just the Work Basecamp — https://basecamp.com/shapeup https://medium.com/design-bootcamp/thinking-paradigms-in-ux-feec562324ee (systems thinking in design) Host Danny Hearn – linkedIN Chapters 00:00 Intro + the “design helps people” myth 01:01 Finding a voice on stage 07:37 Systems thinking (interrelated parts & loops) 12:16 Why product: constraints that focus the work 16:47 NHS co-design example (multi-actor journey mapping) 21:05 Monday-morning application: boundaries & x-functional views 25:26 Culture/politics: hard conversations vs quick fixes 31:40 Industry shifts & AI waves 37:05 Airbnb ripple effects, scale distortion & reviews 42:22 Generalists, Figma polish, and AI “taste” 48:05 Cautious hope: shaping from the inside 49:13 Grounding practices: dog, nature, yoga, art

“What happens when your UX career stops fitting the life you want — and you decide to rewrite the story?” Summary In this powerful episode, Amy Santee joins me to unpack the realities of building a career in UX — beyond the glossy titles and job descriptions. With a background spanning childhood development, healthcare innovation, and UX strategy at eBay and Civic Software Foundation, Amy has spent over a decade exploring how people, systems, and products connect. Today, as a Design Researcher and Career Strategist, they coach UX professionals through burnout, career change, and the messy realities of the industry. Together, we dive into the emotional and systemic challenges of UX work, the shifting job market, and how to reclaim agency and meaning in your career. We talk about identity, community, and the courage to redefine success on your own terms. Guest Amy Santee Website – https://thejawbreaker.beehiiv.com LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysantee/ Host Danny Hearn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/ Website – www.dannyhearn.me Podcast – www.deeplyhumandesign.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Amy's Journey 03:50 Navigating Corporate Culture as an Anthropologist 06:52 The Challenges of UX Research 09:46 The Jaded UX Professional 12:37 Identity and Job Market Uncertainty 15:33 The Rigged Job Market for Tech Workers 18:46 The Shared Struggles of Workers 21:34 The Future of UX and Worker Rights 29:59 The Fight for Workers' Rights 32:45 Acknowledging the Bleak Reality 35:09 Embracing the Unconventional Career Path 37:20 Navigating Uncertainty and Identity 40:37 Redefining Value Beyond Productivity 43:38 Diversifying Income Streams 46:09 Finding Fulfillment in Unexpected Places

“What does it really mean to design with empathy — and how do we stay human in a system that often forgets it?” Summary Caro shares her journey from scientific research in New Zealand to becoming a Senior Service Designer in London. She reflects on navigating ambiguity, embracing imposter syndrome, and finding confidence in her own voice. We talk about authenticity in the tech industry, the realities of consultancy, teaching systems thinking, and her passion for empowering young women in tech. Guest Caro McElroy Host Danny Hearn Website – www.dannyhearn.me Podcast – www.deeplyhumandesign.com Chapters 00:00 From genetics to discovering service design 01:54 Early career: labs, Toastmasters, facilitation & Westpac 04:52 Service design as a generalist’s dream & loving ambiguity 10:06 Why divergence feels “unproductive” (and why it matters) 12:42 Good vs hard clients, trust, and being treated as part of the team 15:50 Imposter syndrome and learning to say “I don’t know” 21:32 Teaching systems thinking & why consultancy accelerates growth 24:14 Tech for good and empowering young women in tech 31:50 Finding your voice, language, and not shrinking at work 40:36 Bias, ownership, and learning to claim credit for your impact

“What happens when ambition collides with authenticity — and how do we stay grounded while leading others?” Summary In this episode, I sit down with Joe Knowles to explore his career journey, where he grappled with the challenges of a fast-paced UX career. We reflect on his "Icarus moment"—the point where his professional climb led to a personal re-evaluation—and discuss the honest struggles of UX leadership. Joe opens up about the intersection of introversion and authenticity, and the power of being vulnerable in an industry that can often feel like a performance. This conversation is for anyone navigating their own path and seeking a more human-centered approach to their work. Guest Joe Knowles LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-knowles-41a80a20/ Host Danny Hearn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/ Website – www.dannyhearn.me Podcast – www.deeplyhumandesign.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:33 The Icarus Metaphor: Balancing Career and Personal Life 06:26 The Weight of Responsibility in Leadership 09:34 Navigating Job Security and Market Anxiety 12:26 Authentic Leadership in Uncertain Times 15:40 The Challenges of Introversion in Leadership 18:28 Vulnerability and Its Impact on Team Dynamics 21:33 Burnout: Understanding and Addressing It 24:32 Reflections on Personal Experiences with Burnout 32:12 The Human Element in Work Relationships 34:32 Motivation and Ownership in Work 38:06 Identity and Career Choices 39:36 Public vs. Private Sector Dynamics 42:40 Long-term Commitment in Public Sector Work 44:43 Impact Measurement in Public Sector Projects 48:57 GDS Methodology: Pros and Cons 52:42 Navigating Constraints in Public Sector Design 55:30 The Importance of Adaptability in Design Careers

Gavin Elliott , a senior design leader, shares his personal struggles, sharing his vulnerability, and how he has navigated his own journey with autism while building a long and demanding career in design. Gavin is currently Chief Design Officer at Scrumconnect , where he leads user-centred design across major government and private-sector programmes, including the £19m MHCLG account. Previously, he was Senior UX Manager at Shopify , overseeing multiple UX teams and helping deliver key product launches such as Domains and Hydrogen 2.0. Before that, Gavin headed UX at UK Health Security Agency , leading design for the NHS COVID-19 app and related services during the pandemic recovery phase. At Department for Work and Pensions , he progressed from Interaction Designer to Head of Service Design, managing more than 70 designers across 40+ projects, including Universal Credit. His career also spans Traveljunction, Sky, UserZoom, and Stats Perform, alongside founding Industry Conf . All of this rests on an unexpected early foundation as a British Army mechanic and gaming editor. Together, we explore topics ranging from AI and the future of design to the more personal realities of the industry, including mental health, vulnerability, and the importance of support. Gavin speaks candidly about the often-overlooked need for personal and professional care, particularly for those early in their careers. We also discuss how to create environments that genuinely foster growth and what it might take to make the design industry more humane and sustainable for everyone. Gavin Elliot Web - https://gavinelliott.co.uk/ LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-elliott-x/ Danny Hearn Substack - https://deeplyhumandesign.substack.com Web - https://www.dannyhearn.me LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/ Chapters 00:00 Have We Reached “Peak Designer”? The Hiring Boom and Slowdown 01:08 Introducing Andy — Designer, Founder, Investor, Pilot, Diver, “Shark Wrangler” 01:42 Origin Story — Geeky Kid, Early Web, and Falling in Love with the Internet 04:35 From Dive Instructor in Asia to Self-Taught Web Designer 07:26 Discovering UX and Helping Bring User Experience Design to the UK 10:34 Meeting Rich and Jeremy, Web Standards, and the Birth of Clearleft 18:43 Inside Clearleft — Culture, Community, and a Different Way to Run an Agency 22:15 Burberry, “Hyper-Alignment,” and How Clearleft Actually Worked Day to Day 32:24 UX London, Leading Design, and the “Accidental Design Leader” 47:16 Broken Web, AI, the Future of Design — S-Curves, Uncertainty, and Learning to Flow

“Chris and I dig into the shifting shape of design roles — and what it means for inclusive leadership.” Summary In this insightful episode, we delve into the evolving landscape of design roles and the increasing specialisation within the industry. Join Chris Compston and me as we explore the dynamics of inclusivity in design leadership, reflecting on personal experiences and the subtle power shifts in remote meetings. Discover how these changes are shaping the future of design and the importance of taking action to foster a more inclusive environment. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges the status quo and inspires reflection on our roles within the design community. Guest Chris Compston Substack – https://chriscompston.substack.com/ Website – https://chriscompston.com/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscompston/ Host Danny Hearn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/ Website – www.dannyhearn.me Podcast – www.deeplyhumandesign.com Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Chris Compston 05:07 The Evolution of UX Design 12:00 The State of Product Design Today 20:00 AI's Impact on Design and Product Management 25:49 Navigating Change in the Design Landscape 27:14 The Value of Human Contribution in a Capitalist Society 28:57 Defining Personal and Organizational Values 30:25 The Importance of Inclusivity in Innovation 32:21 The Shift in Hiring Practices and Candidate Experience 36:23 Rethinking Interview Processes for Inclusivity 43:33 Understanding Product Operations 48:00 Building Confidence as a Consultant 52:00 Creating Psychological Safety in Teams

In this conversation, Carmen and I explore the evolution of UX design, the importance of user research, and the challenges faced in the current job market. They discuss the impact of AI on the industry, the role of imposter syndrome, and the significance of outcomes in design. Carmen shares her insights on the changing landscape of product design and the need for innovation in a challenging economy, emphasising the value of research in shaping successful products.

“What does it really mean to design with empathy — and how do we stay human in a system that often forgets it?” Summary In this episode, Kirtika and I explore the layered world of UX design — from discovery and research to empathy and growth. She shares her journey from graphic design to UX, the power of curiosity, and the ongoing challenge of balancing user needs with business goals. We talk about company culture, interviews, autonomy, and what it really takes to keep growing creatively and professionally in this field. Guest Kirtika B Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/dirtykirti/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/bkir/ Host Danny Hearn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:51 Understanding UX Design 05:59 The Role of a UX Designer 09:00 The Importance of Discovery 11:54 Diverging vs. Converging in Design 15:00 The Evolution of UX Roles 18:04 Balancing Business and User Needs 21:04 Research Methodologies in UX 23:59 The Impact of Dyslexia on Design Thinking 26:52 Cultivating a Supportive Design Culture 28:21 Empowerment and Support in the Workplace 30:15 The Importance of Autonomy and Trust 32:40 Problem-Solving Mindset in Design 34:54 The Art of Listening and Communication 38:14 Navigating Workplace Dynamics 41:05 The Value of Experience and Portfolio 45:03 The Illusion of Job Security 48:09 Pursuing Passion and Overcoming Fear

Welcome to the deeply human design podcast. In this short introduction, I invite you to explore the heart and soul of working in design. My aim is to create a space for authentic conversations about the messy, inspiring, and very human side of our work. Join me as we uncover the stories and insights that make design a truly human experience. Substack - https://deeplyhumandesign.substack.com Web - https://www.dannyhearn.me LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/

In this first episode, I sit down with Gavin, a designer, builder and creator of Figma plugins downloaded over 600,000 times. We talk about the messy, emotional side of design: instinct, burnout, psychological safety and how our environments shape the work we do. Gavin shares his journey from Rolls Royce to government projects to building tools for designers, and we explore what it takes to balance empathy, pragmatism and craft in today’s shifting UX landscape. Gavin's figma plugins https://www.figma.com/@gavinmcfarland Gavins website https://gavinmcfarland.co.uk/