All Things Design

Joe Woodham

Welcome to ”All Things Design”—the podcast that unpacks how design is driving digital transformation. Each episode dives into the crossroads of design, business, and tech, sharing practical insights on how design thinking, UX, and collaboration fuel real change. Join us as we chat with industry experts on aligning design with business goals, streamlining processes, and igniting innovation. Whether you’re a designer, product manager, or business leader, ”All Things Design” delivers actionable takeaways to power your digital transformation and Transformation Experience (TX)

  1. Designing for Impact: Brendan Donoghue on ROI, Bold Leadership & Human-Centered Change

    05/10/2025

    Designing for Impact: Brendan Donoghue on ROI, Bold Leadership & Human-Centered Change

    This week on All Things Design, I sat down with Brendan Donoghue — Head of Digital and Customer Experience at UniSuper — to explore how design leaders can prove ROI and translate creativity into real business outcomes.   Brendan shares his 25+ year journey across Optus, Telstra, NAB and now UniSuper, where he’s led outcome-driven transformations like shrinking a 12-week onboarding process to just 90 seconds and lifting digital engagement from 25% to over 85% — including 87% of members aged 60+.   We dive into how he reframes “no” into “show me how,” builds executive buy-in through prototypes and storytelling, and why understanding how the business makes money is non-negotiable for designers who want influence.   🔍 Key Topics Covered • Why designers must translate creativity into business language • How to build ROI-driven business cases for design • The story behind reducing onboarding from 12 weeks to 90 seconds • Lifting digital engagement across all ages (including over 60s) • The four traits of influential creative leaders: craft, leadership, business acumen, and entrepreneurial behavior • How to pitch bold ideas without self-censoring • Why relentlessness and risk-taking are essential for design leaders • Building trust with executives through prototypes, metrics, and storytelling   —   Resources: — Connect with Brendan Donoghue on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendandonoghue/?originalSubdomain=au   — Connect with Joe Woodham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-woodham-torii-uxdesign/   —   Timestamps: (00:49) — Introduction (00:50) — From Telstra to UniSuper: Brendan’s career journey (06:02) — The ROI of Design (10:24) — Why Designers Must Understand Business (15:48) — Relentlessness: The Trait Designers Need in Corporates (21:16) — Cutting Account Setup from 12 Weeks to 90 Seconds (29:33) — Owning Risk and Building Influence as a Leader (33:52) — Measuring ROI: Engagement, Cost to Serve, and Growth (42:04) — Selling Change with Storytelling and Prototypes (46:02) — Building Metrics That Matter to Executives (51:19) — Turning Prototypes Into Funding (52:11) — The Mindset Every Designer Needs to Create Impact (55:07) — Closing Reflections: Boldness, AI, and the Future of Design (58:26) — Outro: Solving Problems, Not Chasing AI   #designleadership  #uxdesign  #businessimpact  #digitaltransformation  #ROIofDesign #customerexperience  #humancentereddesign  #designthinking  #creativeleadership  #AllThingsDesign #JoeWoodham #BrendanDonoghue

    59 min
  2. From Industrial Design to AI Research: Scaling User Insights with Juno | Michelle

    01/09/2025

    From Industrial Design to AI Research: Scaling User Insights with Juno | Michelle

    In this episode of All Things Design, I sit down with Michelle, co-founder of Juno, an AI-powered research platform that transforms how companies conduct qualitative user interviews. We explore her journey from industrial design and global field research to building a digital clone of herself—designed to evaluate interviews at scale with unmatched accuracy. Michelle shares her perspective on the costliest mistake companies make—listening to the loudest voice instead of the user’s voice—and explains how AI research is making customer understanding faster, cheaper, and more reliable than ever. We dive into the myths of user research, why startups avoid it, how AI is democratizing insights, and why being proven wrong can be the most valuable outcome of all.    Key Topics Covered: Michelle’s journey from industrial design to AI-driven research Why ignoring user research costs more than doing it Building a digital clone: scaling subject-matter expertise with AI How AI research reduces cost from $1200 to $20 per interview The psychology of founders avoiding research (fear vs. budget) How user insights directly connect to ROI and product success Common mistakes in user research (and how to fix them) Why AI + domain expertise beats traditional research teams The future of research and its role in product development  Resources: — Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellejoygilmore/ — Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-woodham-torii-uxdesign/   #UserResearch #AIResearch #UXDesign #FutureOfResearch #AIinBusiness #ProductDevelopment #StartupInsights #DesignLeadership #CustomerCentric #MichelleJuno #AIandUX

    55 min
  3. Navigating the Future of Design: Don Norman on UX, AI, and Design Leadership

    27/07/2025

    Navigating the Future of Design: Don Norman on UX, AI, and Design Leadership

    In this episode of All Things Design, I sit down with Don Norman, the godfather of UX, to explore his journey from coining the term "user experience" at Apple to his pioneering work at the Nielsen Norman Group. We delve into the evolving role of designers in the age of AI, discussing how AI might reshape the design process and where designers can add true value in business.   Don shares insights on everything from the history of UX design to his latest book on creating a better world through design. He offers invaluable advice for designers looking to bridge the gap between design craft and business leadership.   🔑 Key Topics Covered:   The history and evolution of UX design   AI’s impact on design jobs and how designers can remain relevant   The importance of understanding business operations for designers   How to navigate the challenges of transitioning from specialist to generalist   Don Norman’s legacy and what the future holds for UX design   📚 Resources:   🔗 Resources: — Connect with Don Norman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnorman/   — Connect with Joe Woodham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-woodham-torii-uxdesign/   ⏱️ Timestamps: — Introduction to Don Norman — Don's journey to coining the term "user experience" — The evolution of UX at Apple and beyond — The role of designers in a world dominated by AI — Designing for sustainability and the future — Don's new book and vision for a better world — The importance of interdisciplinary knowledge for designers — The future of AI in design and the role of human designers — How to advocate for design in the business world — Don’s thoughts on his legacy and future endeavors — Wrapping up: What’s next for UX and AI   🎯 Hashtags: #UXDesign #AIInDesign #DesignLeadership #UserExperience #AIandDesign #FutureOfDesign #SustainabilityInDesign #DonNorman #DesignForAGreaterWorld #DesignThinking #HumanCenteredDesign #TechForGood #DesignEvolution #AIInBusiness

    1h 9m
  4. Jakob Nielsen on the Future of Design: Embracing AI and Agency

    06/07/2025

    Jakob Nielsen on the Future of Design: Embracing AI and Agency

    In this episode, Jakob Nielsen, one of the original pioneers of usability and user-centered design, shares his thoughts on the future of design in the age of AI. With 42 years of experience, Jakob discusses the rapid evolution of design systems, how AI is changing the way we work, and the critical importance of agency in design. He stresses the need for designers to embrace new technologies, evolve with the times, and play an active role in shaping the future of design.   Jakob also dives into the concept of the "pancake effect"—how AI is shrinking teams, boosting productivity, and reshaping hierarchies in the workplace. He warns of the risks of AI denial within the design community and explains why it’s essential for designers to adapt to these technological advancements to stay relevant.   Whether you're a designer, product leader, or AI enthusiast, this conversation offers invaluable insights on the role of agency in the design process, the importance of keeping up with AI, and how AI will influence design jobs in the future.   🔑 Key Themes:   Jakob Nielsen's journey in design and usability   The evolution of design from mainframes to AI-driven systems   How AI will impact team sizes and productivity   The risks of AI denial and embracing change   The future of design agency in an AI-enabled world   The importance of adapting to AI to stay relevant in design   AI’s role in shaping the future of design careers   Productivity and creativity boosts with AI in design   The shift from command-based to intent-based design with AI   Why AI is not replacing designers but empowering them   🔗 Resources: — Connect with Jakob Nielsen on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakobnielsenphd/   — Connect with Joe Woodham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-woodham-torii-uxdesign/   ⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Jakob Nielsen’s Journey in Design 01:31 - The Early Days: From Mainframes to the Web Revolution 06:58- AI’s Impact on Productivity: The "Pancake" Effect 13:12 - The Future of Design Teams: Efficiency, AI, and Organizational Changes 18:01 - The Evolution of Design: AI’s Impact on Efficiency, Teams, and Tools 28:00 - AI for Career Growth and Shaping the Future of Design 34:10 - Embracing AI, Flattening Hierarchies, and the Role of Agency 38:48 - The Evolving Role of Design and Agency in the Age of AI 42:12 - Jakob’s Vision for the Next 5 to 10 Years in Design 50:09 - Where to Follow Jakob Nielsen and Stay Updated on UX Trends   #JakobNielsen #aiindesign  #Usability #designsystems  #AIRevolution #designagency  #futureofdesign  #techindesign  #designinnovation  #designcareers  #aiimpact  #UsabilityInDesign #designthinking  #designleadership  #AIAndUsability #PioneersInDesign #digitaltransformation  #AgencyInDesign #aifordesigners  #ProductivityInDesign #designcommunity

    51 min
  5. From Psychology to Design: Renuja Marshall Talks UX Strategies for Business Success

    29/06/2025

    From Psychology to Design: Renuja Marshall Talks UX Strategies for Business Success

    In this episode, Renuja Marshall, Experience Design Lead at IDP Education, shares her expertise in aligning user needs with business goals. She discusses her journey combining psychology with design and how it shapes the user experience. From the importance of thorough UX planning to working within business constraints, Renuja reveals the strategies and techniques that drive success in complex environments. Learn how to navigate between quick wins and sustainable design solutions while maintaining a focus on customer experience.   Whether you're a designer, product leader, or business strategist, this conversation provides invaluable insights on aligning design with business objectives and understanding the broader impact of design decisions.   🔑 Key Themes   Aligning UX with business strategy   Understanding customer needs through research   Balancing quick wins with long-term solutions   The importance of design systems for consistency   Overcoming business constraints to innovate   Educating the business on the value of UX   Building cross-functional collaboration   Designing for sustainability in business   How UX can drive product success   🔗 Resources — Connect with Renuja Marshall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renuja88marshall/   — Connect with Joe Woodham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-woodham-torii-uxdesign/   ⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 - Intro: Renuja's Design Journey 01:38 - Balancing Quick Wins vs. Thorough UX Planning 04:36 - Aligning Strategy, Stakeholders, and Design for Successful Projects 07:26 - Focus on the Customer: Build Personas Based on Real Insights 9:18 - Make Time for UX: Why Research Shouldn't Be Rushed 14:20 -Understanding the 'Why': Unlocking Deep Insights for Better Product Design 18:05- Ask the Right Questions, Not Just 'What' – Digging Deeper into User Needs 21:24 - Communication Over UX Jargon: Making Your Message Clear for All 23:35 - From "User" to "Customer" - The Key Shift in Design 25:24 - Connect with Renuja: LinkedIn for Direct Access   📌 Tags #uxdesign  #businessstrategy  #productdesign  #designsystems  #designleadership  #customerresearch  #stakeholdercommunication  #userexperience  #businessgoals  #designthinking  #sustainabledesign  #UXInnovation #designstrategy  #CrossFunctionalCollaboration #productsuccess

    26 min
  6. How to Build Trust, Secure Funding & Prove Design’s Value in Business | Bonnie Mooney

    23/06/2025

    How to Build Trust, Secure Funding & Prove Design’s Value in Business | Bonnie Mooney

    In this episode, Bonnie Mooney, Head of Design at McMillan Shakespeare, shares her journey from hospitality to leading design in large enterprise environments. We dive deep into how designers can bridge the gap between customer needs and business goals. Bonnie discusses how to earn trust, secure funding, and prove design’s strategic value — even in high-stakes environments. Plus, insights into building a mixed team, aligning design with business needs, and leading teams to think like business leaders.   🔑 Key Themes   Bridging business goals with customer outcomes   Earning trust and securing budget for design   Building a team that works cross-functionally   Proving design's strategic value in high-stakes environments   The importance of educating stakeholders on design   Navigating design’s role during budget restrictions   Designing for customers and internal teams   How to get a seat at the table as a designer   Using design to help teams achieve business goals   Designing for impact, not just aesthetics   🔗 Resources — Connect with Bonnie Mooney on LinkedIn:      / bonniemooney     — Connect with Joe Woodham on LinkedIn:      / joe-woodham-torii-uxdesign     ⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 - Intro: Bonnie Mooney’s Design Journey 10:39 - Choosing the Right Project to Pitch for Design Impact 14:13 - Aligning Design with Business Goals for Greater Impact 19:26 - Securing Funding and Understanding Business Needs 22:29 - The Key to Sustaining Design in Challenging Times 24:11 - Balancing Design Quality with Business Constraints 29:54 - Designing for Both Customers and Internal Teams 34:11 - Upskilling and Empowering Designers for Success 40:25 - Building Trust and Relationships to Drive Successful Design Projects 48:25 - Empowering Teams to Champion Design 51:20 - Turning Design into a Strategic Asset 53:23 - Where to Connect with Bonnie Mooney   📌 Tags design leadership, design strategy, business design, design in business, product design, customer-centric design, design thinking, business outcomes, design education, cross-functional design teams, design for business success, design value, design mindset, stakeholder engagement, design for impact, design and business alignment, enterprise design, Bonnie Mooney, McMillan Shakespeare design, business goals, design for customer experience, enterprise design thinking

    54 min
  7. Designing the Future with AI – Christina (CJ) Jones on GenAI ⁨@canva⁩ , Simplicity & Team Leadership

    15/06/2025

    Designing the Future with AI – Christina (CJ) Jones on GenAI ⁨@canva⁩ , Simplicity & Team Leadership

    In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving relationship between AI and design with Christina (CJ) Jones from Canva. We explore how AI is transforming workflows, empowering designers, and reshaping how products are built and used. From upskilling teams, experimenting with tools, and driving innovation, to making AI feel invisible and intuitive for users — this is a masterclass in future-proofing design.   Whether you’re a designer, product leader, or AI enthusiast, this conversation is packed with insights on how to lead with curiosity, adopt the right tools, and build responsibly in the AI era.    🔑 Key Themes -Empowering design teams to experiment with AI tools -Balancing deep focus with rapid tool evaluation -Creating intuitive AI experiences inside Canva -Using LLMs for critique, ideation & research -Shifting designer mindsets from fear to curiosity -Building responsibly with data privacy in mind -Multimodal interfaces as the future of design -Adapting workflows around AI strengths and limits -How AI is shaping the future of design careers -Designing for invisible AI that feels natural   🔗 Resources   — Connect with Christina (CJ) Jones on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjonesish/ — Connect with Joe Woodham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-woodham-torii-uxdesign/   ⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 - Intro: CJ's role at Canva 02:42 - Major AI innovations: Canva AI & Canva Code 03:32 - Making AI-powered experiences simple and useful for everyone 07:36 – Learning from user feedback: Lightweight editing before full design 09:45 - Upskilling through shared knowledge 11:56 – Creating space for focused AI exploration without burnout 14:43 - Structure for evaluating tools efficiently 16:17 - Canva’s internal AI Everywhere initiative 22:47 – Why AI won’t replace designers: Mindset shifts & creative partnership 25:31 – Designing invisible, intuitive AI that meets users where they are 31:14 – The future of prompting: From text to multimodal interfaces 33:35 – How to upskill as a designer in the AI era 37:37 - Using LLMs for critique and ideation 43:35 – Where designers should focus next in the AI era 45:07 – Will design teams shrink or evolve? 48:12 - Final thoughts & where to connect with CJ 📌 Tags #AIUX #DesignLeadership #GenAIDesign #Canva #ProductDesign #DesignCulture #AIProductDevelopment #CreativeLeadership #DesignStrategy #InclusiveDesign

    49 min
  8. From Solo Designer to Leading 40+ - Steve Packham on Building Design Culture

    09/06/2025

    From Solo Designer to Leading 40+ - Steve Packham on Building Design Culture

    This week on All Things Design, I sat down with Steve Packham — Chief Design Officer at Macquarie Group — to dive deep into how to build a thriving design team from the ground up.   We explored what it takes to scale from a solo designer to leading a 40+ person team, the mindset shifts required to lead with empathy, and how to embed feedback, play, and psychological safety into your team’s culture.   Whether you're just starting out in design leadership or scaling a team in a complex organization, this episode is packed with insights on what makes design teams truly thrive.   🔍 Key Topics Covered   • Growing a design team from 1 to 40+   • Leading without a traditional design background   • Using design thinking to guide leadership decisions   • Building a culture of play, safety, and feedback   • Overcoming impostor syndrome   • The power of iteration over perfection   🔗 Resources   — Connect with Steve Packham on LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-packham-63a82999     — Connect with Joe Woodham on LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-woodham-torii-uxdesign/     ⏱️ Timestamps   (00:00) — Introduction - Steve’s journey into design (01:25) — Building a strong culture in a design team (03:57) — Prototyping everything: a mindset for leadership (05:14) — The leadership is facilitation in slow motion (05:50) — Embracing Imposter Syndrome: Why It Means You’re Growing (07:40) — Why Feedback Culture Is the Backbone of Great Design Teams (17:54) — Why a Culture of Play Drives Creativity and Team Bonding (20:29) — Building Inclusive Team Culture and Fostering Collaboration (21:42) — Fostering a Collaborative Team Environment (26:49) — Creating a Culture of Continuous Learning & Growth (34:08) — Balancing Excellence with Progress & Building Culture from Scratch (36:31) — How Designers Can Drive Change Without Authority (40:16) — Earn Trust First, Evangelize Design Later       🏷 Hashtags   #DesignLeadership #TeamCulture #UXDesign #FeedbackCulture #CreativeLeadership #AllThingsDesign #JoeWoodham #StevePackham #ProductDesign #DesignThinking #PsychologicalSafety

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
223 Ratings

About

Welcome to ”All Things Design”—the podcast that unpacks how design is driving digital transformation. Each episode dives into the crossroads of design, business, and tech, sharing practical insights on how design thinking, UX, and collaboration fuel real change. Join us as we chat with industry experts on aligning design with business goals, streamlining processes, and igniting innovation. Whether you’re a designer, product manager, or business leader, ”All Things Design” delivers actionable takeaways to power your digital transformation and Transformation Experience (TX)

Information

  • Creator
    Joe Woodham
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Joe Woodham
  • Show Website
    All Things Design