This week Rich Prowse and Rich West talk to Professor Radka Newton from Lancaster University Management School. Radka cofounded the Service Design and Education Network, and is the editor of an upcoming book Service Design for Higher Education.In this episode Radka discusses using service design to improve student experience and course outcomes. She also talks about how design can help bridge the silo between colleagues, departments and improve collaboration.

Topic discussed in this episode

* Her background and route to service design [01:38]

* Service design and ‘intentional transformation’ in higher education [03:41]

* Focussing on the human experience, and bringing joy to problem solving [07:09]

* University staff developing a design mindset [13:08]

* Diverse voices and persona co-creation [17:37]

* Designing for the whole person [22:36]

* Moving beyond student satisfaction surveys [29:28]

* Building the confidence of academics in using design approaches [33:21]

* Improving student outcomes and building belonging [35:35]

Resources from this episode

* Professor Radka Newton’s profile

* Service Design and Education Network

* Service Design for Higher Education (to be released Autumn 2024)

Episode transcript

Read Design as a capability for academics transcript