Idea Work - The podcast about innovation careers, design mindsets, and the work behind new ideas
Idea Work is a podcast about building a career in innovation, design, and strategy. Hosted by Michael Walter, innovation lecturer, PhD researcher, and facilitator, it explores the skills, mindsets, and real-life stories behind innovation careers. Hear from designers, strategists, and change-makers as they navigate career paths and drive impact. Whether you're starting out or shifting into innovation, this podcast helps you discover what makes ideas work.
Episodes
Check out the episode guide.
In the develop phase of the double diamond, ideas finally take flight. This episode shares the simple conditions that unlock creativity, the 7 rules of brainstorming, and fast methods like brainwriting, Crazy Eights, Newsflash, and Lotus Blossom. We finish by shortlisting ideas using dot voting and the desirability–feasibility–viability lens so you know what to prototype next.
Listen on Spotify | ...
Check out the episode guide.
The define phase is where design thinking shifts from collecting information to making it usable. In this episode of Idea Work, we explore how to synthesise research, identify themes, and create actionable insights. Learn practical techniques like affinity mapping, digital and in-person tools, and ways to ensure your findings survive past the workshop.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | ...
In this episode of Idea Work, we explore the discover phase of design thinking, the stage where you dive deep into the problem space, challenge assumptions, and gather insights that shape effective solutions. Learn how to “rip the brief”, plan meaningful research, navigate ethics, and know when to stop gathering data.Resources mentioned
Design Kit – methods library (filter by inspiration)
In this episode of Idea Work, I explore the preparation phase of a design thinking project, the often-overlooked stage that sets everything up for success. Learn how to run your first team meeting, set expectations, prepare for client conversations, and use tools to keep everyone aligned. We’ll also look at the value of reverse briefs and why client engagement is part of your product. Whether you’re lea...
Design has layers, from communication and product design to UX/UI, service, strategic and systemic design. In this episode, I use a music analogy and a fast‑food case study to show how these disciplines connect, where architecture and interior design fit, and why the goal isn’t hierarchy but fit for the problem. You’ll learn the focus of each layer, how skills transfer across them, and how to spot the r...
In this episode, I break down design thinking and the Double Diamond, a powerful framework for tackling complex problems. Learn the four stages, practical tools, and how to start applying them in any role.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Castbox | Goodpods | iHeart | Pocket Casts
Resources mentioned
Timestamp...
In this first episode of Idea Work, I share the vision for the podcast and why I started it. I talk about my own journey from teaching and the not-for-profit sector into design and innovation, the experiences that shaped me, and what listeners can expect from the show. Whether you’re new to design or a seasoned practitioner, Idea Work is about the people, skills, and mindsets behind innovation – told th...
Welcome to Idea Work, a podcast about building a career in innovation, design, and strategy. In this short teaser, host Michael Walter shares why this podcast exists, who it’s for, and what you can expect in upcoming episodes.
If you're curious about how people land innovation roles, build creative careers, and make new ideas work, this one’s for you.
New episodes launch soon. Hit follow so you don’t miss a thing.
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