The Product Design for Learning Podcast

Greg Arthur
The Product Design for Learning Podcast

Welcome to The Product Design for Learning Podcast! I’m Greg Arthur, and I’m excited to guide you through an in-depth exploration of human-centered design, leadership development, performance consulting and visual design, to create incredible learning products and experiences. Whether you're an industry professional or simply looking to refine your skills, this podcast will help you tackle the challenges of product design with practical strategies that boost engagement and foster growth. Tune in for insights that will sharpen your approach and elevate your impact in the design world

Episodes

  1. Ep. 9 Building Learning Products WITH Your Audience

    2 DAYS AGO

    Ep. 9 Building Learning Products WITH Your Audience

    Building Learning Products in Public with Laurie Barton – PDFL Podcast Episode 9Episode SummaryIn Episode 9 of the Product Design for Learning podcast, host Greg Arthur sits down with Laurie Barton, a learning product designer and community-led advocate, to discuss the concept of "building in public" and its transformative impact on learning products. Laurie shares insights into how engaging with communities and involving end-users throughout the product lifecycle can lead to more effective, authentic, and purpose-driven learning experiences. They also delve into the challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned when designing educational products collaboratively with stakeholders and learners. Guest ProfileLaurie Barton is an expert in learning product design and community-driven approaches. She currently works at The Alliance, where she oversees the development of certifications and learning products with a community-led go-to-market strategy. With a background in EdTech and customer success, Laurie is passionate about bridging the gap between users' real-world needs and the learning solutions they engage with. Key TakeawaysWhat does "building in public" mean for learning products?Laurie defines building in public as involving the community and end-users throughout the design process to create learning products that are truly impactful. This approach ensures learning solutions are relevant, user-friendly, and capable of driving real-world application. Why don’t more L&D teams adopt a product design mindset?Many learning teams fail to see themselves as product teams.Stakeholders often prioritize deadlines or preconceived ideas over audience needs.The disconnect between intention and implementation often results in underwhelming learning experiences. What are the benefits of a community-led approach?Creates more authentic learning products by integrating real-world user experiences.Builds advocacy and trust by involving users early and often.Encourages continuous improvement through user feedback and iteration. How do you decide what to include in your learning product?Laurie explains how The Alliance balances user feedback, market research, and competitive intelligence to prioritize the most impactful content. They aim for users to leave with actionable skills they can apply immediately in their roles. How does "building in public" help during MVP testing?Trusted focus groups or ambassadors are key for pre-launch refinement.Iteration with smaller cohorts prevents an overwhelming flood of opinions.Community involvement in testing ensures relevance and builds advocates for the final product. What lessons has Laurie learned about building in public?The Power of Community: Engage your audience to co-create impactful products.Let Go of Being the Expert: Facilitate learning rather than dictating it.Iteration Builds Trust: Embrace feedback and adapt continuously to create better experiences. Chapters and Time Stamps[00:00] – IntroductionGreg welcomes Laurie Barton to the podcast and introduces the topic of building learning products in public. [00:30] – Defining "Building in Public" for Learning ProductsLaurie explains what building in public means and why it’s crucial for designing impactful learning experiences. [02:20] – Why Laurie Embraces This ApproachLaurie shares her career journey and how her background in customer success informs her product-led approach to learning. [05:14] – Getting to the "Aha" MomentGreg and Laurie discuss the importance of delivering learning products that create trust and...

    57 min
  2. Ep. 8 Great Marketing Tells Great Stories

    FEB 6

    Ep. 8 Great Marketing Tells Great Stories

    Navigating Market and Release in Learning and Development with Alice ThompsonEpisode SummaryIn this insightful episode of the Product Design for Learning (PDFL) Podcast, host Greg Arthur welcomes Alice Thompson, Development Partner at M&S. Together, they explore the intricacies of marketing and releasing learning products within a global organization. Alice shares her expertise in training international teams and emphasizes the importance of storytelling, audience understanding, and relationship building in effective learning product promotion. Guest ProfileAlice Thompson serves as a Development Partner at M&S, focusing on the international side of the business. With years of experience in learning and development, Alice is passionate about designing efficient training systems, leveraging internal expertise, and addressing the unique challenges of delivering high-quality learning experiences in diverse global markets. Key TakeawaysThink Like a Marketer Early On: Start considering your audience and marketing strategy from the initial stages of product design.Storytelling as a Superpower: Craft compelling narratives to make your learning initiatives resonate and drive engagement.Leverage Data and Insights: Use audience behavior and feedback to refine your approach continually.Build Relationships: Networking and maintaining open dialogue with stakeholders are key to understanding needs and building trust.Test and Iterate: Start small, gather feedback, and scale up effective ideas. Questions Explored in This Episode"Can you explain your role as a Development Partner at M&S?"Alice outlines her work with global teams to create efficient training methods. She emphasizes collaboration with franchise partners and owned markets to address challenges in delivering a consistent customer experience. "Why is the market and release phase so critical?"Alice highlights this phase as the bridge between strategy and execution, focusing on delivering relevant content through the right channels to the right people. "What are common mistakes in L&D marketing?"Alice reflects on her early missteps, such as overloading audiences without understanding their needs, and stresses the value of relationship building and audience alignment. "How can storytelling improve learning product marketing?"Alice explains how storytelling can create emotional connections and communicate the value of learning initiatives effectively. "What advice do you have for someone starting in this phase?"Alice recommends understanding your audience, leveraging the right channels, and continuously learning from both successes and failures. Chapters and Time Stamps[00:00] – Introduction to the EpisodeGreg introduces Alice and sets the stage for a conversation about marketing and releasing learning products. [01:04] – Alice’s Role at M&SAlice explains her work with international teams and the skills required to deliver impactful learning globally. [03:46] – The Importance of Market and ReleaseAlice discusses why this phase is essential for ensuring learning initiatives succeed. [07:00] – Audience Insights and Challenges in L&DA deep dive into the value of understanding audience needs and habits. [17:18] – Tips for Marketing Learning ProductsAlice offers practical advice for professionals new to the market and release phase. [36:33] – Lessons from Past MistakesAlice shares a candid account of a marketing misstep and the lessons learned. [43:47] – Tools and Techniques for SuccessAlice reveals her go-to tools and...

    54 min
  3. Ep. 7 You Say You Want an L&D Revolution

    JAN 17

    Ep. 7 You Say You Want an L&D Revolution

    Leadership in Learning: The Future of Impactful L&D – Episode 7 with David JamesEpisode SummaryIn Episode 7 of the Product Design for Learning Podcast, host Greg Arthur welcomes David James, Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning and host of The Learning and Development Podcast. The episode dives deep into the concept of "Leadership in Learning," exploring how L&D professionals can move beyond process-driven approaches to become strategic partners driving real impact within organizations. David shares insights on redefining leadership in L&D, addressing skills gaps, and combating the "conspiracy of convenience" that undermines the function's potential. Guest ProfileDavid James is a seasoned L&D leader with over 25 years of experience. As Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, he focuses on enabling organizations to close skills gaps effectively. He also hosts the popular Learning and Development Podcast, where he engages with thought leaders to challenge conventional approaches and inspire transformation in the industry. Key TakeawaysLeadership in Learning: True leadership in L&D requires recognizing the limitations of the status quo and driving change toward impactful practices that align with organizational goals."Conspiracy of Convenience": The entrenched status quo often leads to ineffective learning programs. Breaking this cycle requires L&D leaders to challenge stakeholders and push for meaningful change.Purpose-Driven L&D: Defining a clear purpose and aligning strategies with organizational priorities is essential for building credibility and achieving results.Earning Credibility: Unlike other C-suite roles, L&D leaders must actively prove their worth through measurable impact, moving beyond popularity metrics.Future of L&D: The shift toward skills-based learning and internal mobility highlights the importance of proactive, strategic L&D leadership to address evolving workplace demands. Questions AskedWhat does "leadership in learning" mean to you?David emphasizes that leadership in L&D is about moving beyond the expected and requested roles to set a vision that inspires stakeholders. It involves recognizing where the organization is, knowing what needs to be done, and taking strategic actions to benefit employees, teams, and the company. What are common barriers to implementing impactful L&D strategies?David introduces the concept of the "conspiracy of convenience," where stakeholders cling to ineffective models like traditional training because they’re easy to understand and implement. Breaking this pattern requires courage, analysis, and a willingness to challenge the norm. Why is L&D often seen as a "popular but not credible" function?David explains that many L&D functions focus on popularity metrics—like attendance and satisfaction surveys—that don’t demonstrate true impact. To earn credibility, L&D must focus on measurable outcomes such as skills development and business results. What differentiates successful L&D leaders?Successful leaders redefine their role by building partnerships, focusing on skills development, and aligning their strategies with organizational goals. Persistence, strategic consulting, and influencing stakeholders are key traits of impactful leaders. How can L&D professionals overcome execution challenges?David suggests starting with self-reflection on purpose and assessing organizational readiness. L&D professionals should focus on areas they can influence, use data to measure success, and communicate their impact to stakeholders effectively. Chapters and Time Stamps[00:00] – Welcome and...

    52 min
  4. Ep. 6 The Art Formerly Known as Production

    JAN 6

    Ep. 6 The Art Formerly Known as Production

    Mastering Production in Learning Design: Insights from Matt Ash of ChangeablyEpisode SummaryIn this episode of The Product Design for Learning Podcast, host Greg Arthur delves into the nuances of production with Matt Ash, founder of Changeably and a seasoned expert in learning design. Together, they explore how to streamline production processes while maintaining creativity and quality, even when faced with challenging projects like compliance training. Matt shares lessons from his career, including award-winning projects and insights on balancing innovation with client expectations. Guest ProfileMatt Ash is a consultant, strategist, and founder of Changeably. With a background in learning design, Matt has spearheaded creative, award-winning projects, including films recognized at the Cannes Corporate Film Festival and New York Film Festival. He is an advocate for using agile methodologies in learning design to improve efficiency and elevate content quality. Key TakeawaysBalancing Creativity and Structure: Production thrives on creative freedom but demands clear scope, deadlines, and budget to avoid pitfalls.Client Collaboration: Effective communication and stakeholder involvement at every stage are key to navigating changes and ensuring alignment with project goals.Agile Production: Iterative approaches, rooted in discovery and regular review, can prevent scope creep and enhance output quality.Challenging Compliance Norms: Even compliance projects can be engaging and innovative when approached with an audience-focused mindset. Questions ExploredWho is Matt Ash, and what’s his approach to production in learning design?Matt shared his journey from creating early-stage e-learning to scaling an agency team and pioneering agile methodologies. His production philosophy focuses on consistency, audience-centric creativity, and aligning with business goals. How do you manage a multidisciplinary production team?Matt discussed the importance of giving filmmakers, developers, and designers creative freedom while aligning their outputs with project goals. This approach fosters innovation even in traditionally rigid fields like compliance. How can compliance learning be exciting and impactful?Using an audience-centric approach, Matt transformed compliance content into compelling narratives, earning prestigious awards. His work exemplifies how purpose-driven storytelling can elevate even the most mundane subjects. What are the essential pre-production elements for success?Matt emphasized the need for clearly defined scope, deadlines, and budgets. He advised conducting a robust discovery phase and identifying key goals to prevent misalignment during production. How do you handle mid-production changes?Flexibility and open communication are crucial. Matt shared how referencing agreed-upon goals and involving all stakeholders early on helps mitigate costly scope creep. What advice would you give to someone struggling with production?Matt recommended following the same structured processes you advise clients to use—pausing to reflect, sharing challenges, and seeking alternative perspectives to resolve issues effectively. Chapters and Time Stamps[00:00] – IntroductionGreg introduces Matt Ash and the episode’s focus on the art and science of production in learning design. [01:34] – Matt Ash’s JourneyMatt recounts his career highlights, including agile experimentation and managing award-winning creative teams. [04:43] – Making Compliance CreativeThe shift from dull compliance content to engaging, award-winning films is explored. [09:32] – Overcoming Creative Challenges with ClientsMatt shares...

    38 min
  5. Ep. 5 Agency 007: Partnerships

    12/13/2024

    Ep. 5 Agency 007: Partnerships

    Navigating the Agency and In-House Dynamic: Insights from Jess AndrewsEpisode SummaryIn this episode of the Product Design for Learning Podcast, host Greg Arthur sits down with Jess Andrews, a seasoned learning and development professional with experience on both the agency and in-house sides of the table. Jess shares insights into the nuanced relationships between agencies and internal teams, the challenges of making an impact in learning and development (L&D), and how to foster collaboration for successful projects. Guest ProfileJess Andrews Jess is a learning and development expert who recently transitioned to an in-house role at Multiverse after an impactful career working agency-side. She brings a wealth of experience in managing creative projects, building strong client relationships, and implementing innovative L&D solutions. Key TakeawaysWhy Do Internal Learning Teams Use External Agencies?Logistical Support: Small teams often need help with scalability and quick turnarounds.Creativity and Industry Expertise: Agencies bring fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and cross-industry insights. Differences Between Agency and In-House WorkAgency Work: Offers end-to-end control and responsibility but can be overwhelming due to multitasking.In-House Work: Requires letting go of control in some areas and focusing on influencing internal stakeholders. What Makes an Agency-In-House Relationship Successful?Clear Communication: Regular check-ins and transparent discussions about goals and challenges.Relationship Building: Understanding each other's work styles and stress points fosters collaboration.Alignment on Goals: Both parties must be clear about the ultimate objectives to avoid misaligned priorities. Challenges in Achieving ImpactMisalignment on goals or poor initial scoping can derail projects.Agencies need to balance challenging their clients with respecting internal constraints. Chapters and Time Stamps[00:00] – IntroductionGreg Arthur introduces the podcast and welcomes Jess Andrews to discuss the relationship between internal teams and agencies. [04:30] – Why Internal Teams Use AgenciesJess explains the dual reasons of logistical support and creative innovation for seeking external help. [07:20] – Transitioning from Agency to In-HouseJess shares her experiences adjusting to the in-house mindset and managing internal stakeholders. [14:24] – Building a Successful Agency-In-House RelationshipDiscussion on the importance of understanding communication styles, stressors, and shared goals. [22:05] – What Does It Mean to Make an Impact?Jess highlights the role of agencies in helping organizations achieve quick, measurable outcomes. [25:09] – When Agency Use Can Hinder GoalsExploration of how poor scoping and internal biases can undermine a project’s success. [33:15] – Managing Differing Opinions and Data ConflictsJess and Greg share strategies for reconciling conflicting recommendations between teams. [42:59] – Advice for Agencies and Internal TeamsJess offers practical advice for strengthening collaboration and overcoming challenges. [47:41] – The Future of Agencies and Internal TeamsJess speculates on evolving dynamics, including potential synergies with contractors and the growing marriage of design and learning. About the PodcastThe Product Design for Learning Podcast delves into the art and science of designing impactful learning solutions. Each episode features industry...

    52 min
  6. Ep. 4 MVPs - Success in Disguise

    12/02/2024

    Ep. 4 MVPs - Success in Disguise

    Mastering MVPs: Insights on Testing and Validation in Product Design with Patrick MullarkeyEpisode SummaryIn this episode of the Product Design For Learning Podcast, host Greg Arthur sits down with Patrick Mullarkey, Senior Leadership Development Manager at Staffbase, to discuss the pivotal role of Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) in the product design process. From idea validation to scalability, Patrick shares his expertise in creating learning strategies that drive meaningful outcomes. This engaging conversation highlights the importance of feedback, iteration, and humility in both product design and leadership development. Guest ProfilePatrick Mullarkey is the Senior Leadership Development Manager at Staffbase and an accomplished learning and leadership professional. With over 12 years of experience, he specializes in designing strategies that empower leaders and teams to excel. Passionate about bridging the gap between concept and execution, Patrick brings a wealth of knowledge on MVPs and their role in fostering innovation. Key TakeawaysMVPs as Testing Grounds: MVPs are essential for moving ideas from theory to practice, allowing teams to validate concepts and uncover user needs.The Value of Feedback: Accepting constructive criticism and iterating on it leads to better, user-aligned solutions.Scaling with MVPs: By testing early, teams can address scalability issues and resource requirements before full implementation.Leadership Training Through MVPs: Creating impactful, emotionally engaging scenarios in leadership programs is key to fostering behavioral change. Key Questions and InsightsHow would you summarize the MVP phase? MVPs are a critical "moment of truth," transitioning ideas into practical tests to validate whether they solve real user problems. What are examples of good and bad MVPs? Good: Quickly sketching ideas for immediate feedback and collaboration.Bad: Overly polished prototypes that discourage user engagement or fail to address alignment issues early. How basic can an MVP be? An MVP should go beyond static presentations to interactive prototypes that allow users to experience and engage with the concept. Why is an MVP phase essential? Without MVPs, teams risk wasting resources on unvalidated solutions. MVPs provide clarity on direction, scalability, and feasibility. How do you incorporate leadership development into MVPs? Using scenarios that evoke emotional responses helps participants practice skills in a realistic, impactful way, leading to better retention and application. What if an MVP fails? Failure in MVPs isn’t a setback but a learning opportunity. Acting on feedback and having a clear plan for the next steps builds trust and ensures progress. What tools or advice can help with MVPs? Embrace ambiguity and view it as a sign of progress.Focus on the process rather than the final product.Use frameworks that prioritize iterative feedback and flexibility. Chapters and Time Stamps[00:00] – Introduction and WelcomeGreg introduces the episode and guest Patrick Mullarkey, setting the stage for a deep dive into MVPs. [02:13] – The MVP Phase: Moving from Idea to RealityPatrick explains the role of MVPs in bridging the gap between concepts and practical application. [05:16] – Real-World MVP ExamplesPatrick shares lessons from both successful and less effective MVPs, emphasizing the importance of alignment and feedback. [09:54] – Overcoming Common RoadblocksThe discussion highlights challenges like over-polished...

    47 min
  7. Ep. 3 The End of L&D?

    11/18/2024

    Ep. 3 The End of L&D?

    The End of L&D? Reimagining Learning and Development in a Changing WorkplaceEpisode SummaryIn this episode of the Product Design for Learning Podcast, host Greg Arthur is joined by Toby Kheng to discuss the provocative topic, "The End of L&D." They explore the challenges, limitations, and future possibilities of Learning and Development (L&D) as it currently operates within organisations. Toby argues for a systemic overhaul, where L&D evolves into a more holistic "employee experience design" function, integrating insights from HR, internal communications, and beyond. Key themes include the role of data, the value of product and service design in learning, and the imperative to break down silos for more effective and engaging employee solutions. Guest ProfileToby Kheng With over 14 years in L&D, Toby is a thought leader passionate about transforming organisational learning. He co-founded Freeformers, focusing on innovative, human-centred approaches to employee experience design. Toby’s expertise spans L&D, internal communications, and organisational strategy. Key TakeawaysWhat is wrong with the traditional L&D model?L&D often functions in a silo, designing training that validates its existence rather than addressing broader organisational needs. This narrow focus leads to duplication, inefficiency, and missed opportunities to impact engagement, productivity, and profitability. How can L&D adopt a product and service design mindset?Treat employment as a product, designing for the entire employee journey.Borrow frameworks from customer experience design, such as human-centred design and design thinking.Break down silos between HR, internal communications, and recruitment to create cohesive employee experiences. What is the role of data in the future of L&D?Toby highlights the need for consistent, meaningful data collection across departments to inform decision-making. Without integrated insights from recruitment, HR, and internal comms, L&D operates in an informational vacuum. Why is collaboration across departments critical?Getting stakeholders like HR, recruitment, and communications into one room can reveal overlaps, reduce duplication, and spark innovative solutions. The future of L&D lies in its ability to lead this integration. What’s next for L&D in the next 10-20 years?By 2030: Incremental improvements with AI and tech adoption but largely within the current framework.By 2040: Transformation driven by small-to-medium businesses adopting holistic employee experience models, influencing larger corporations to follow suit. Chapters and Time Stamps[00:00] – Introduction: The Clickbait TitleGreg introduces the podcast and Toby, setting the stage for the discussion on the potential "end" of L&D. [01:00] – What’s Broken in L&D?Toby shares his critiques of traditional L&D models and the limitations of siloed functions. [02:30] – Evolution or Revolution?Greg and Toby debate whether the future of L&D is a gradual evolution or a complete overhaul. [05:30] – Applying Product and Service Design to L&DToby explains how frameworks like human-centred design and the double diamond can transform learning initiatives. [12:00] – The Role of Data in Employee Experience DesignHow can L&D leverage data from across the business to create better solutions? [20:00] – Breaking Down Silos: Why...

    1h 22m
  8. Ep. 2 L&D Data Rock: Key Strategies for Real Impact

    11/04/2024

    Ep. 2 L&D Data Rock: Key Strategies for Real Impact

    Product Design for Learning Podcast: L&D Data Rock: Key Strategies for Real Impact | Ep. 2Episode SummaryIn this episode of Product Design for Learning, host Greg Arthur talks with Bo Duery, Impact Lead at Lepaya, about the pivotal role of data in designing and measuring learning programs. Bo shares insights from his journey from chemical engineering to Learning & Development (L&D), discussing why data should be an integral part of the design process. From setting actionable goals to using qualitative and quantitative methods, Bo shares strategies to help L&D professionals gather, analyze, and leverage data effectively. Guest ProfileName: Bo Duery Title: Impact Lead at Lepaya Background: Bo’s career began in chemical engineering and operational improvement before transitioning into L&D, where he emphasizes data-driven decision-making for soft skills training and performance enhancement. His approach combines analytical rigor with empathy for the learner experience, advocating for data that both informs and inspires impactful learning solutions. Key TakeawaysUnderstanding Data’s Role: Data isn’t just numbers; it’s a tool for deeper insights into learner needs and program effectiveness.The Value of Observation: Observing people in their work environments provides context beyond raw data, uncovering practical challenges and learning gaps.Setting Realistic Goals: Establishing three key levels—organizational goals, audience needs, and program specifics—ensures clear alignment from the start.Balancing Qualitative and Quantitative Data: Combining surveys and interviews creates a balanced view, capturing both measurable outcomes and nuanced experiences.Iterative Analysis: Regular reflection on data helps teams adapt quickly, making data analysis a continuous, rather than a one-time, process.Using Gut Feeling Cautiously: While instincts can be valuable, they should be backed by data, especially in team settings where opinions vary. Questions AskedWhat led you to focus on data in the field of learning and development?Bo shares his journey from operational improvement in industries like manufacturing and healthcare to his current role in L&D. He discusses how his experiences underscored the importance of tracking and measuring performance, which led him to advocate for data-informed learning strategies. How do you define the role of data in the product design process?Bo describes data as the investigative phase in design, where stakeholders align on questions, gather evidence, and distill insights. He emphasizes that data is essential in building a strong foundation, guiding teams before solutions are even considered. How do you suggest approaching data collection in a learning project?Bo recommends starting with a clear understanding of organizational goals, the audience’s needs, and program objectives. He advises a tiered approach that explores organizational impact, individual behaviors, and specific program details, using both qualitative and quantitative methods for a complete view. What methods do you use for gathering data and understanding learning behaviors?Bo emphasizes the value of in-person observation, shadowing, and direct interaction with learners to contextualize data. He advocates for exploring qualitative insights before relying solely on quantitative metrics, balancing the numbers with real-world context. How can teams know if they have gathered “enough” data?Bo advises balancing data collection with time and budget constraints. He suggests that confidence in presenting findings, especially to...

    45 min
  9. Ep. 1 Understanding The Understanding Phase

    10/24/2024

    Ep. 1 Understanding The Understanding Phase

    Understanding the 'Understand Phase' in Product Design Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Product Design for Learning Podcast, host Greg Arthur speaks with Arash Mazanani, a dynamic learning leader from Aggreko, about the critical Understand Phase in product design, particularly in the context of learning solutions. They dive into the importance of this phase, which involves thoroughly exploring problems and defining requirements before moving into solution-building. Arash shares his insights on how to guide stakeholders, ask the right questions, and ensure that learning products meet both business objectives and employee needs. Arash Rezeai-Mazanani ProfileArash Rezeai-Mazanani is a learning professional with over a decade of experience in FTSE 100 and private equity companies. He specialises in leadership development, global transformation, and human-centred design. His approach centres on experimentation and disruptive thinking to create meaningful, business-aligned solutions that address employee challenges. Key Take-AwaysThe Understand Phase serves as a North Star, helping guide teams by clarifying project goals and focusing efforts.Asking the right questions during this phase is critical to uncovering the real problem behind requests.Arash stresses the importance of curiosity and using techniques like the Toyota "5 Whys" to dig deep into stakeholders' needs.Starting with what people need to do rather than what they need to know ensures that learning solutions are practical and impactful.Stakeholder management is key: defining who should be involved and why helps streamline projects and avoid late-stage derailments.Don’t rush the Understand Phase; it's vital to get a comprehensive understanding before moving to the next phase. Questions AskedWhat is the Instagram vs Reality version of your professional bio?Arash explains how everyone has a "swanky" version of their job title but emphasises the daily challenges professionals face, including doubt and striving for improvement. How would you summarise the Understand Phase and why is it important?Arash describes the Understand Phase as a guiding force that provides direction and clarity. Without defining the problem, projects risk scope creep or lack of focus. How do you approach vague project requests or specific demands?Arash emphasises curiosity and asking lots of questions to really get to the heart of the problem. Understanding assumptions and the true drivers behind requests is essential. What happens when stakeholders come in late to a project?Arash advises avoiding this by ensuring key stakeholders are involved from the start. He shares strategies for addressing late-stage interventions if they occur. How do you manage stakeholder expectations and involvement?Arash discusses the importance of identifying stakeholders with clear roles and responsibilities. Keeping stakeholder groups tight helps avoid unnecessary delays and misalignment. How do you ensure you’ve covered everything in the Understand Phase before moving forward?Arash stresses the importance of asking whether all aspects of the problem have been fully explored, using the "think, feel, do" model to make sure no stone is left unturned. How do you prevent people from jumping to solutions too early?Arash suggests encouraging stakeholders to share all their ideas upfront, then parking those ideas until the appropriate phase. This allows for a more focused problem-solving approach. What advice would you give to someone struggling with the Understand Phase?Arash recommends staying curious, enjoying the journey, and making the Understand Phase a non-negotiable...

    52 min

About

Welcome to The Product Design for Learning Podcast! I’m Greg Arthur, and I’m excited to guide you through an in-depth exploration of human-centered design, leadership development, performance consulting and visual design, to create incredible learning products and experiences. Whether you're an industry professional or simply looking to refine your skills, this podcast will help you tackle the challenges of product design with practical strategies that boost engagement and foster growth. Tune in for insights that will sharpen your approach and elevate your impact in the design world

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