In this episode of the Building Thinkers podcast, Tracy is joined by Kevin Alster to discuss one of her 12 favorite problems, “how might we make thinking visible?”

Kevin is a strategic advisor at Synthesia, an AI video communications platform that translates text into professional, instructional AI videos. They explore the importance of using concrete, pictorial, visual, and abstract representations to help learners understand complex concepts. They also emphasize the need for a product design mindset and an experimental approach when incorporating AI and technology in learning experiences.

In this conversation, Tracy and Kevin discuss how storytelling is a powerful tool for making thinking visible and communicating complex concepts.

Key Takeaways:

• Making thinking visible involves using concrete, pictorial, visual, and abstract representations to help learners understand complex concepts.

• A product design mindset and an experimental approach are crucial when incorporating AI and technology in learning experiences.

• Unbundling tasks and identifying which ones can be impacted by AI can lead to more efficient and effective learning processes.

• Leveraging AI tools, such as large language models or custom models, can enhance the learning experience and improve outcomes.

• The process of learning and growth involves going broad, diving deep, and trusting your brain to make connections.

Kevin’s Recommendations:

Follow-up resources:

• Sinead Bovell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sinead-bovell-89072a34/

• Synthesia Academy - https://www.synthesia.io/academy

• AI Video (FOCA) Certification - https://rise.articulate.com/share/3RUx1hiDtyl6wuBT9OaRy330gRVwUmpd#/

• Vanderbilt’s Open Source AI - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jules-white-5717655_an-advanced-open-source-enterprise-generative-activity-7209676778439675904-Z3oi/

Book Recommendations:

• Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg- https://amzn.to/4fY89jO

• Made to Stick by the Heath Brothers - https://amzn.to/4edu6K7

• Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel - https://amzn.to/3XiEgST

• Slow Productivity by Cal Newport - https://amzn.to/3MhPm5h

Podcast Recommendations:

• Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend - https://www.earwolf.com/show/conan-obrien/

• Acquired - https://www.acquired.fm/

• Kurzgesagt - https://www.youtube.com/@kurzgesagt

Connect with Kevin:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinalster/

In this episode, Tracy is joined by design researcher, Nick Petch, to discuss one of her twelve favorite problems, “How might we close the research-practice gap (the knowing-doing gap) across social impact sectors?” Tracy and Nick cover an array of topics from the definition of learning to the role of access and behaviors in the learning process.

This conversation stresses the importance of creating environments that prioritize access and behaviors over mere content delivery, advocating for a shift towards human-centered design that empowers individuals. Nick shares insights on the significance of understanding oneself as a designer and the responsibility that comes with designing for others. He recommends starting with self-reflection and developing an ethnographic practice to better understand the needs and aspirations of the people being designed for. Nick also highlights the importance of design leadership and the power of participatory design.

Key Takeaways:

Human-centered design transfers power to the people being impacted by the design process. Design plays a crucial role in the field of learning and development, and it is important to understand oneself as a designer and the responsibility of designing for others.

Design is about de-risking and understanding the problem space and context in order to solve the right problem.

Empowering the people being designed for and involving them in the design process leads to better outcomes.

Design leadership is about influencing how design is seen and valued in organizations.

Nick’s Recommendations:

Book Recommendations:

Being Ecological by Timothy Morton: https://amzn.to/4dujZ3D

This Human: How to Be the Person Designing for Other People by ⁠Melis Senova⁠: ⁠https://amzn.to/3YIwPGy⁠

Doing Sensory Ethnography by ⁠Sarah Pink⁠: ⁠https://amzn.to/3Ap9MGI

Connect with Nick:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickpetch

In this episode of the Building Thinkers podcast, Tracy speaks with Melissa Pickering, an accomplished product development expert with a rich background in leadership. Melissa's impressive career spans from launching her own EdTech startup, iCreate to Educate, to solving complex challenges at Lego by integrating digital and physical experiences, to making a significant impact at Willow, a company focused on products for moms. Currently, she leads product development as a Senior Director of Product at Bose.

The main theme of their conversation revolves around one of Tracy's 12 Favorite Problems: "How might we create impactful order out of chaos?" Melissa's passion for untangling complex challenges and breaking them down into manageable parts makes her the perfect guest for this topic. She shares her insights on both the people and product sides of creating order and discusses the creative tension between structure and flexibility, particularly in innovation and product development.

Melissa also delves into the urgent need for focus, the dynamics of quick decision-making versus taking time to reach a consensus, and the wisdom of allowing innovation to emerge from a deeper examination of options and opportunities. Her expertise, insights, and leadership lessons offer valuable takeaways for anyone involved in product development, team leadership, or personal growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace the chaos: In product development and organizational change, some level of chaos is necessary for innovation and progress.

• Focus is key: In a world of constant distractions, cultivating focus and presence is crucial for individual and team productivity.

• Don't overcomplicate: Avoid unnecessary complexity in product development and problem-solving by focusing on user needs and core assumptions.

• Influence for lasting change: Driving change through influence and collaboration leads to greater ownership and sustainable results.

Melissa’s Recommendations:

Book Recommendations:

Switch by Chip & Dan Heath: https://amzn.to/4caFvZL

Powerful by Patty McCord: https://amzn.to/3Sl0RMF

The Power of Moments by Chip & Dan Heath: https://amzn.to/4dbCcCf

Connect with Melissa:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjpickering/