Apply Design Thinking to Solve Human Problems | David Philips | Ep. 140
Wed Feb 04 2026
In this episode of I See What You’re Saying, we explore how human-centered design and disciplined listening intersect to solve the right problems with educator and design thinking instigator David Phillips. Together, we unpack why finding problems worth solving matters more than rushing to solutions, and how curiosity, observation, and patience fuel better communication, collaboration, and innovation.
David shares practical frameworks for applying design thinking beyond product development, revealing how leaders can uncover hidden constraints, earn candid feedback, and create environments where people feel safe to think, speak, and contribute honestly. From the dangers of data delusion to the power of prototyping, beginner’s mindset, and asking better questions, this conversation highlights how listening is the foundation of meaningful progress in business and human relationships.
Join us as we examine why innovation is a contact sport, how to get comfortable being wrong, and what it really takes to design solutions that people will adopt, trust, and sustain.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction: Why Solving the Right Problem Matters(04:10) What Human-Centered Design Really Means(09:00) Why Data Fails Without Context(12:55) The Danger of Solving the Wrong Problem Well(16:20) A Practical Design Thinking Framework(20:00) Why Innovation Requires Behavior Change(24:15) Prototyping to Get Honest Feedback(29:00) Learning to Get Comfortable Being Wrong(33:00) Ego, Identity, and Resistance to Change(37:00) Why Innovation Is a Contact Sport(45:00) Asking Better Questions to Drive Better Decisions(50:20) How Environment Shapes Human Behavior(58:30) Finding Problems Worth Solving(01:05:20) Final Takeaways and Where to Learn More
Guest Information
David Phillips | LinkedIn Faster Glass – Innovation Training, Facilitation, and Consulting -
Resources Mentioned in the Episode
Scout Mindset – Julia Galef (TEDx Talk) Why You Think You’re Right — Even If You’re Wronga href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2003/03/10/connecting-the-dots" rel="noopener noreferrer"...
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In this episode of I See What You’re Saying, we explore how human-centered design and disciplined listening intersect to solve the right problems with educator and design thinking instigator David Phillips. Together, we unpack why finding problems worth solving matters more than rushing to solutions, and how curiosity, observation, and patience fuel better communication, collaboration, and innovation. David shares practical frameworks for applying design thinking beyond product development, revealing how leaders can uncover hidden constraints, earn candid feedback, and create environments where people feel safe to think, speak, and contribute honestly. From the dangers of data delusion to the power of prototyping, beginner’s mindset, and asking better questions, this conversation highlights how listening is the foundation of meaningful progress in business and human relationships. Join us as we examine why innovation is a contact sport, how to get comfortable being wrong, and what it really takes to design solutions that people will adopt, trust, and sustain. Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction: Why Solving the Right Problem Matters(04:10) What Human-Centered Design Really Means(09:00) Why Data Fails Without Context(12:55) The Danger of Solving the Wrong Problem Well(16:20) A Practical Design Thinking Framework(20:00) Why Innovation Requires Behavior Change(24:15) Prototyping to Get Honest Feedback(29:00) Learning to Get Comfortable Being Wrong(33:00) Ego, Identity, and Resistance to Change(37:00) Why Innovation Is a Contact Sport(45:00) Asking Better Questions to Drive Better Decisions(50:20) How Environment Shapes Human Behavior(58:30) Finding Problems Worth Solving(01:05:20) Final Takeaways and Where to Learn More Guest Information David Phillips | LinkedIn Faster Glass – Innovation Training, Facilitation, and Consulting - Resources Mentioned in the Episode Scout Mindset – Julia Galef (TEDx Talk) Why You Think You’re Right — Even If You’re Wronga href="https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2003/03/10/connecting-the-dots" rel="noopener noreferrer"...