D.Coded Podcast

D.coded Podcast
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Design
  • Updated fortnightly

Welcome to Dcoded, the podcast that decodes the design, technology, and experiences shaping our world and planet. Melisa Lenero and Prof Saeema Ahmed-Kristensen explore the systems, behaviours, and technologies influencing how we live, work, and connect — from human interactions to the ecosystems we are part of. Each episode is a conversation with technologists, designers, entrepreneurs, and everyday users. Join us

  1. 10 hr ago

    Episode 13: The Big Issue About Wicked Problems

    In this episode, we explore social entrepreneurship, wicked problems like homelessness, and the importance of redesigning societal thinking with Lord John Bird, co-founder of The Big Issue. Discover insights on prevention, humanising those in need, and systemic change. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship and Poverty 02:42 The Big Issue: A Solution to Homelessness 10:16 Designing a Magazine for Change 17:43 Engaging the Homeless Community 21:06 Preventive Strategies Against Poverty 28:09 Revolutionising Thinking in Social Issues 31:15 Transformative Health Interventions 35:05 Rethinking Poverty and Health 37:21 Custodial Sentences and Societal Views 45:41 Redesigning Emergency Responses 53:49 The Role of Society in Crime Prevention 58:32 Designing for a Better Future

    1hr 8min

  2. 3 Jun

    Episode 12: Defining Success in Entrepreneurship

    In this episode, John Kermath shares his extensive experience supporting startups, from superconductors to green city initiatives. The discussion covers navigating market needs, the importance of talking to customers, ecosystem development, and the value of fearless entrepreneurship. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Innovation 02:45 Challenges in Commercialising Technology 06:42 Understanding Market Needs and Customer Engagement 12:26 Identifying Market Opportunities and Co-Creation 16:43 The Role of London Green City 21:02 Navigating Pivots and Strategic Decisions 23:34 Defining Success in the Startup Ecosystem 25:03 Comparing Risk Appetite: UK vs. US 26:52 Key Components of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem 30:01 Identifying Market Needs and Entrepreneurial Opportunities 32:21 Challenges in Commercialising Technologies 37:45 Building Ecosystems: Green Town Labs and Beyond 41:43 Comparing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: Boston vs. London 43:18 Cultural Shifts: Embracing Risk and Failure 48:22 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Captions are AI-generated

    56 min

  3. 20 May

    Episode 11: Designing Healthcare Systems

    In this insightful episode, Saeema, Melisa and John Clarkson, CBE  Professor of Engineering Design, University of Cambridge discuss the integration of systems thinking and engineering design in healthcare. He shares practical approaches to understanding complex healthcare systems, engaging stakeholders, and designing patient-centred solutions. Captions are AI Generated Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Design and Systems Thinking 02:55 The Role of Systems Thinking in Healthcare 05:47 Engineering Better Care: A Systems Approach 08:54 Raising Awareness and Building Systems Leadership 11:35 The Improvement Canvas: Defining Problems 14:32 Engaging Stakeholders in Healthcare Design 17:50 Delight and Disgust in Palliative Care 20:36 Understanding Patient Journeys and Healthcare Pathways 23:45 The Importance of Experience in Healthcare 29:00 The Poetic Side of Design 29:58 Co-Designing with Users 34:10 Understanding the Problem 38:06 Iterative Design Process 42:31 The Role of Stories in Healthcare 50:49 Rethinking Healthcare Systems Resources:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/p-john-clarkson-42652a1/ https://www-edc.eng.cam.ac.uk/people/p-john-clarkson-cbe-freng

    58 min

  4. 6 May

    Episode 10: Inclusion in Design

    This episode explores inclusive design in transportation and urban streets, featuring experts Pat Langdon and Michael Thomas. Topics include designing for diverse needs, innovative solutions for accessible travel, and the importance of lived experience in creating inclusive environments. Chapters 02:47 Understanding Inclusive Design: Definitions and Evolution 05:59 Challenges in Aviation: Inclusion Issues in Air Travel 08:58 Designing for Accessibility: Innovations in Aircraft Design 11:55 Lived Experiences: Insights from Users with Disabilities 15:03 Prototyping Solutions: Testing and Feedback 17:53 Regulatory Challenges and Future Directions 20:48 The Role of Technology in Inclusive Design 23:50 Conclusion and Future of Inclusive Design 29:25 Exploring the Experiences of Disabled Users 31:49 Addressing Gaps in Data and Research 32:37 The Importance of Inclusive Design in Engineering 36:46 Transportation Accessibility and Its Broader Implications 37:48 Designing Inclusive Urban Spaces 45:18 Capturing Lived Experiences for Better Design 49:42 The Role of Attitudes in Accessibility 52:35 Understanding Optimal Curb Heights 54:59 The Importance of Detection Methods 57:12 Challenges in Urban Design for Accessibility 59:23 Conflicting Requirements of Different Users 01:02:16 Inclusive Design: A Broader Perspective 01:03:08 The Role of Empathy in Design 01:03:39 Future Research Directions in Urban Design 01:05:05 The Impact of Design on User Experience

    1hr 6min

  5. 22 Apr

    Episode 9: The Value of Data in Cycling

    This episode explores the innovative journey of Irene McAleese and Philip McAleese, co-founders of See.Sense, a company transforming cycling safety and urban mobility through smart sensor technology and data insights. Discover how their product evolved from a simple bike light to a data-driven system that enhances city planning, safety, and behavioral change. Chapters 01:47 The Birth of See.Sense and Its Products 04:52 Entrepreneurship Journey and Initial Challenges 07:55 Design-Centric Approach and User Feedback 11:04 Evolution of the Product and Data Utilization 23:54 Enhancing Cyclist Safety Through Data 28:40 Navigating Data Challenges with Cities 34:27 Behavior Change and Cycling Initiatives 49:42 The Evolution of See.Sense and Co-Creation Resources See.Sense Official Website - https://seesense.cc LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/irenemcaleese/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipmcaleese/ Captions are AI generated

    54 min

  6. 8 Apr

    Episode 8: Bridging Anthropology & Design

    In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the role of anthropology in design is more vital than ever. As AI and data-driven methodologies expand, understanding the human behind the data remains a cornerstone for impactful innovation. This post unpacks the insights from a compelling discussion involving social anthropologist and design researcher, Dr. Caitlin Robinson, who shares how blending anthropology and design can create richer, more ethical, and human-centered outcomes. Whether you’re a designer, researcher, or curious professional, this exploration clarifies how ethnographic methods, synthetic personas, and AI partnership can transform how we understand and serve people in digital and physical spaces. Let’s dive into the key ideas that bridge social insights, innovative design, and responsible technology. Chapters 02:29 The Role of Anthropology in Design 05:39 Ethnography and Its Application in Design 08:27 The Transition from Anthropology to Design 11:22 Integrating Technology with Ethnographic Methods 14:20 Balancing Data and Empathy in Design 17:18 The Future of Design Thinking with AI 21:34 The Role of Human Insight in AI Innovation 24:13 Understanding Synthetic Personas 27:25 The Intersection of Design and Behavioral Science 29:53 The Value of Design in Complex Systems 37:01 Engaging Clients in the Design Process   Resources Caitlin Robinson's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cpdrobinson/ Daniel Kahneman's Thinking, Fast and Slow Book

    42 min

  7. 25 Mar

    Episode 7: Creative Technology & Nature

    In this episode, Jude Pullen, an award-winning creative technologist, explores the intersection of AI, ethics, sustainable design, and innovative problem-solving. Discover how design mindset shapes AI applications, the importance of local data processing, and the potential for inclusive design to create societal impact. Chapters 03:20 Exploring the Intersection of Design, creativity and AI 08:41 The Role of AI in Sustainable Packaging Solutions 14:52 Data Challenges in AI Implementation 19:46 Balancing Profit, Planet, and People in AI Usage 26:23 Public Perception and Responsibility in AI Adoption 29:32 Navigating AI's Role in Society 34:01 Understanding Provenance in AI and Nature 39:54 The Intersection of Nature and Technology 46:07 Data, Knowledge, and Geopolitics 49:50 Designing for Individuals: The Case of Josh 01:00:42 The Business Case for Inclusive Design Resources Big Life Fix (BBC) - https://www.judepullen.com/big-life-fix Jude Pullen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/judepullen/ River Clay Project - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKn0FKbi_Ig Yuval Noah Harari - Sapiens (book) - https://www.amazon.com/Sapiens-Humankind-Yuval-Noah-Harari/dp/0062316117

    1hr 4min

  8. 11 Mar

    Episode 6: Design | Regenerative Imagination

    In this episode, we explore the concept of regenerative imagination in design with Professor Delfina Van Ditmar, discussing the ecological challenges we face and the paradigm shifts needed in design practices. Delfina shares practical examples of regenerative practices, emphasising the importance of moving beyond sustainability to actively restore health to our ecosystems. The conversation also delves into the role of imagination in design, the barriers to innovation, and the need for new business models that support regenerative practices.Links to companies mentioned in the episode  CoFarm app  Ponda  Shellworks  Chapters 02:59 Ecological Challenges and the Need for Paradigm Shifts 06:39 Understanding the Anthropocene and Systemic Change 09:41 Practical Examples of Regenerative Agriculture 16:57 The Broader Impact of Regenerative Design 21:56 The Role of Regenerative Imagination in Design 26:03 Barriers to Regenerative Innovation 30:31 Navigating Economic Sustainability in Regenerative Startups 38:18 The Future of Design and Business ModelsCaptions generated by AI

    49 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Dcoded, the podcast that decodes the design, technology, and experiences shaping our world and planet. Melisa Lenero and Prof Saeema Ahmed-Kristensen explore the systems, behaviours, and technologies influencing how we live, work, and connect — from human interactions to the ecosystems we are part of. Each episode is a conversation with technologists, designers, entrepreneurs, and everyday users. Join us

Information

  • Creator
    D.coded Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © D.coded Podcast
  • Show Website
    D.Coded Podcast