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This podcast has
18 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
D.coded PodcastExplicit
No
Date created
2025/12/09
Latest episode
2026/10/07
Average duration
46 min.
Release period
17 days
Description
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
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Check latest episodes from D.Coded Podcast podcast
Design as a Driver of Economic Growth
2026/10/07
In this episode, we explore the transformative role of design in driving the green transition, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and shaping the future of work amidst AI advancements. Featuring Professor Christopher Smith, we delve into how large-scale investment, participatory research, and systemic design can create impactful societal change.Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest
03:01 The origins and motivations behind the Future Observatory
07:22 Lessons learned from interdisciplinary collaboration
10:11 The importance of participatory and community-driven research
13:24 The challenge of measuring impact and creating durable infrastructure
18:03 Embedding design across UK regions and sectors
24:42 Cultural influence and the role of arts in societal change
28:46 Challenges and opportunities of AI in society
32:36 Designing trust and authenticity in AI environments
35:57 The moral and ethical dimensions of future design
55:17 The power of hope in design and societal change
56:59 Advice for aspiring designers and future generations
Best of Season 1 - Social Design: Putting People First
2026/09/30
Saeema & Melisa in conversations with Lord John Bird, co- founder of The Big Issue, discussed how we tackle poverty & homelessness. Other discussions spanned from designing with wheelchair user for wheelchair users in transport, bridging anthropology and a human-centred approach in a world with AI.
Prof John Clarkson, described a systems approach to ensuring the right problems are tackled for the people using and providing healthcare services.
Episode10 Inclusion in Design Prof Pat Langdon & Michael Thomas
Episode 13 The Big Issue About Wicked Problems Lord John Bird MBE Co-founder of the Big issue.
Episode 8 Bridging Anthropology & Design Dr Caitlin Robinson
11 Designing Healthcare Systems Prof. John Clarkson CBE (Cambridge University)
Best of Season 1: Global Challenges, Skills for the Planet
2026/09/11
Saeema & Melisa in conversations with the Design council, and Prof Delfina Van Ditmar and creative technologist Jude Pullen.
We talked about the skill we need to design for the planet, and how can we do more than just less harm to the environment, through understanding design role in regeneration of the planet, cultures and biodiversity
Episode 3 Designing for our Planet Rachel Bronstein (Design Council)
Episode 6 Design | Regenerative Imagination Prof. Delfina Van Ditmar
Episode 7: Creative Technology & Nature Jude Pullen
Best of Season 1 Design Beyond Products
2026/09/02
Saeema & Melisa explore- and through their conversations with Clive Grinyer, one of the founders of Tangerine, and creative technologist Jude Pullen - how design and it methods and thinking provides value beyond design products and service, but also reframing thinking and how we teach materials and nature to children.
Episode 1 Why Design Matters: An Introduction Co-host Melisa Leñero & Prof. Saeema Ahmed-Kristensen
Episode 2 Design Beyond Products co -host Melisa Leñero & Prof. Saeema Ahmed-Kristensen
Episode 4 Lipstick on the Pig & Project Love Clive Grinyer (service design)
Best of Season 1 - Entrepreneurship & Innovation
2026/08/26
Saeema & Melisa in conversations with entrepreneur Dr Sam Bailey and the co-founders of See.sense, Irene McAleese & Philip McAleese . We talked about how we can identify key problems from data, using AI in products to prevent fires, and using reusing data for behaviour change. London Green City co-founder John Kermath talked through what is needed for start-ups to scale drawing upon his experience from US.
This season 1 compilation includes:
Episode 5: Data-Driven Entrepreneurship Dr Sam Bailey (SKYRAD)
Episode 9: The Value of Data in Cycling Irene McAleese & Philip McAleese (See.Sense)
Episode 12: Defining Success in Entrepreneurship John Kermath (London Green City)
Episode 13: The Big Issue About Wicked Problems
2026/06/17
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
Episode 12: Defining Success in Entrepreneurship
2026/06/03
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
Episode 11: Designing Healthcare Systems
2026/05/20
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
Episode 10: Inclusion in Design
2026/05/06
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
Episode 9: The Value of Data in Cycling
2026/04/22
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
Episode 8: Bridging Anthropology & Design
2026/04/08
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
Episode 7: Creative Technology & Nature
2026/03/25
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
Episode 6: Design | Regenerative Imagination
2026/03/11
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
Episode 5: Data-Driven Entrepreneurship
2026/02/28
In this episode, Saeema and Melisa engage with Dr. Sam Bailey, an innovator in the field of design and technology. They explore the intersection of invention and entrepreneurship, focusing on Sam's products like Pippa, a fire prevention device, and Yo-go, an electric vehicle aimed at reducing carbon emissions. The conversation delves into the challenges of creating markets for innovative products, the importance of data-driven design, and the necessity of understanding user needs. Sam shares insights from his experiences, including pitching at Dragon's Den, the significance of marketing and the lessons learned from real-world testing and investment strategies.
Chapters
02:16 Sam Bailey's Background and Innovations
03:04 The Development of Pippa: A Fire Prevention Device
09:39 Creating a Market for New Technologies
17:03 Introducing Yo-go: A Sustainable Urban Vehicle
20:24 Product Development and User Testing
26:37 Public Reception and User Experience
30:24 Challenges and Vandalism
31:24 Societal Acceptance and Market Creation
37:04 Insights from Dragon's Den
43:07 Marketing and Product Development Strategies
Episode 4: Lipstick on the pig & project love
2026/02/11
In this conversation, Melisa, Saeema, and Clive explore the evolving landscape of design, focusing on the concept of 'redesigning thinking' as a new methodology that extends beyond traditional design thinking. They discuss the importance of service design, the impact of digital technologies and AI on design practices, and the significance of empathy in creating meaningful design solutions. Clive shares insights from his Project Love initiative, emphasizing the role of design in fostering love and empathy in society. The conversation concludes with key takeaways on the value of design and the need for designers to assert their role in shaping the future.
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