What if design isn’t just about making things look good, but about holding everything together?

I’m joined by Nick Cawthon in this week’s episode of Building Thinkers to talk about something that impacts all of us whether we realize it or not.. design. Nick has such a unique way of framing design as the glue that holds organizations together, and we dig into what that really looks like in practice.

We also talk about the fear that comes with change (because let’s be real, we’ve all felt it), and why keeping humans in the loop matters more than ever in a world that’s moving fast with AI. Nick shares his thoughts on what we hope our kids are learning, the value of trying and failing, and how our definitions of success shift over time.

This conversation left me thinking about how I define success for myself, and I think it’ll do the same for you.

Key Takeaways:

Building consensus is crucial in design processes to mitigate risks and enhance collaboration.

Fear can hinder adaptation to new technologies and processes in design.

The human element in design is essential for understanding emotions and user experiences.

Learning agility is vital for adapting to rapid changes in the design landscape.

Success is not just about big names but also about personal fulfillment and boundaries.

Creation should be prioritized over consumption to foster critical thinking and innovation.

Resources Mentioned:

Take the AI Maturity Assessment Here: ⁠https://retrain.gauge.io/⁠

Connect with Nick:

Website: ⁠gauge.io⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcawthon-ux-digital-agency-product-design-leadership/⁠

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.