Episode 03: The importance of collaborative design

In this episode of the Thinking through Design podcast, host Adam Fromme sits down with Liz Sanders and PJ Stappers.  


“I think one of the interesting things of design is that the product, the outcome, carries a lot of knowledge, but you have to point out what knowledge that is.” PJ Stappers


Their conversation focuses on design’s shift from product-centric approaches to inclusive, collaborative problem-solving methodologies. Their discussion offers insights into design education, the dynamic evolution of design, its impact on societal challenges and the growing importance of participatory approaches in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future.

Liz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Design at Ohio State University, bringing a wealth of industry experience in design research. A pioneer in human-centered design methods, she has championed participatory design across disciplines, conducting workshops globally and contributing to prominent journals while co-founding MakeTools, an innovative design exploration company catering to major industry players. 

Pieter Jan is a Professor of Design Techniques in Industrial Design Engineering at Delft University of Technology. PJ’s research path led from human perception, spatial imagery and VR to design tool sand participatory design techniques. His specialization is in ‘research through design’, especially tools and techniques for the early phases of design (early concept prototyping, ‘experiential prototypes’ and context-mapping). In 2012, Liz and PJ published Convivial Toolbox: generative research for the front end of design.


View episode Transcript

Available on Apple Podcast