the deeply human design podcast

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...

“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 transit...

“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 journal...

“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...

“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 re...

" 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...

“ 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...

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...

“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, Infini...

“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 spen...

“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 realit...

“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...

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, h...

“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 shift...

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 econom...

“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 abou...

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 - ...

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 balanc...