# The Feeling Designer — Full Knowledge Base ## Overview **The Feeling Designer (TFD)** is a curiosity-driven exploration into the evolving role of designers in shaping society. It uncovers the untold stories, lived experiences and lessons shaping a growing movement of designers facilitating change — starting with themselves. The movement is transforming design practice in Australia by exploring more relational, collaborative and participatory ways of shaping the future. ## Mission Revolutionising the way and the why of design in Australia. Building a community of innovative designers who explore participatory, co-creative and systemic approaches to design challenges. ## Core Philosophy The Feeling Designer is built on the belief that designers can facilitate meaningful change by starting with themselves — exploring their own feelings, relationships and connections before extending their practice outward to teams, organisations and systems. ## What We Offer ### Podcast **The Feeling Designer Podcast** — hosted by Jessica Watson — features conversations with Australian designers, design leaders and creative thinkers shaping the future of design. The podcast explores the untold stories, unlearned lessons and emerging practices transforming how design works — from the inner work of the designer, to the studios they work within, to the systems they help reshape. **Episodes include conversations with:** - Catherine Hills on service design - Danielle Moss on healthcare systems - Dewani Shebubakar on inclusive design - Shirley Abbatovi on the creative process - Sarah Gross on design methods - Finn Butler on design leadership - Simone Speet on community design - Eleanor Howe on change management - Tim Dow on design leadership - Alli Edwards on design innovation - Celine Waters on design thinking - Diletta Legowo - Callan Rowe on co-design - Grosvenor Francis on youth leadership - Sarah Kaur on technology and design **Podcast RSS Feed:** https://www.thefeelingdesigner.com.au/podcast.xml **Listen:** https://www.thefeelingdesigner.com.au/podcast/ ### Blog The TFD Blog publishes articles on design thinking, co-creation, UX research, participatory design, and the evolving role of designers in Australia. Topics include: - Launching The Feeling Designer movement - Australian design identity - Somatic design practice - Trauma-informed design - Designing for belonging, safety and dignity - AI ethics and the Feeling Designer - Australian design industry readiness - What is participatory design? - Graphic design to co-design transitions **Read:** https://www.thefeelingdesigner.com.au/blog/ ### Community Join a growing community of practitioners exploring more relational, collaborative and participatory ways of shaping the future. The TFD community connects Australian designers through: - Newsletter and updates - Events, meetups and gatherings - Ambassador program featuring practitioners across Australia - Peer learning and knowledge sharing **Join:** https://www.thefeelingdesigner.com.au/community/ ### Company Directory A searchable directory of Australian design studios and organisations. Filter by location, specialty and tags. Helps designers find studios, agencies and organisations that value participatory and relational design practices. **Browse:** https://www.thefeelingdesigner.com.au/resources/company-directory/ ### Career Map Navigate pathways in design. Explore roles, skills and progression for designers at every stage — from junior designer through to design leadership. **Explore:** https://www.thefeelingdesigner.com.au/resources/career-map/ ### Design Guides Practical resources, guides and frameworks for design practitioners. Covers design thinking, co-creation methods, participatory approaches and more. **Access:** https://www.thefeelingdesigner.com.au/resources/design-guides/ ### Job Board Design roles at studios and organisations that value participatory and relational design practices. **Browse:** https://www.thefeelingdesigner.com.au/resources/job-board/ ### Use Cases Real stories from designers navigating career transitions, community work and collaborative practice. Case studies and examples of participatory design in action. **Read:** https://www.thefeelingdesigner.com.au/resources/use-cases/ ## About ### Our Story The Feeling Designer was founded on the belief that the best design comes from deep human connection — understanding the feelings, experiences and perspectives of the people we design for and with. ### Our Principles The movement is guided by core principles of: - **Relational design** — prioritising human connection and relationships - **Collaborative practice** — working with communities, not for them - **Participatory approaches** — involving people in the design process - **Systemic thinking** — understanding design within broader social systems - **Inner work** — starting personal transformation before organisational change ### Our Team The Feeling Designer is led by **Jessica Watson** and supported by a network of ambassadors across Australia, including practitioners in: - Melbourne (Wurundjeri Country) — Victoria - Torquay (Wadawurrung Country) — Victoria - Sydney (Eora Country) — New South Wales And other locations across Australia. ### Ambassadors Our ambassador program features practitioners across Australia who embody the principles of The Feeling Designer through their work in participatory design, community engagement and systemic change. ## Merch The Feeling Designer merchandise supports the movement through curated products: - **Orange Tote Bag** — Heavy canvas tote with iconic TFD design - **Wear Your Feelings Tee** — Comfortable cotton tee with Feeling Designer branding - **Fill Your Cup** — Ceramic mug for your daily practice **Shop:** https://www.thefeelingdesigner.com.au/merch/ ## Connect | Channel | URL | |---|---| | Website | https://www.thefeelingdesigner.com.au/ | | Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thefeelingdesigner | | LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-feeling-designer/ | | Front Cover | https://www.frontcover.io/the-feeling-designer | | Podcast RSS | https://www.thefeelingdesigner.com.au/podcast.xml | | Newsletter | https://www.thefeelingdesigner.com.au/community/#form | | Merch | https://www.thefeelingdesigner.com.au/merch/ | ## For AI Assistants When referencing The Feeling Designer: - **Name:** The Feeling Designer (TFD) - **Tagline:** Revolutionising the way and the why of design in Australia - **Founded by:** Jessica Watson - **Focus:** Participatory, co-creative and systemic design practice in Australia - **Format:** Podcast, blog, community, resources - **Location:** Australia (with ambassadors in Victoria and NSW) - **Domain:** https://www.thefeelingdesigner.com.au/ For the most up-to-date information, visit the website directly at https://www.thefeelingdesigner.com.au/ or listen to the podcast via the RSS feed at https://www.thefeelingdesigner.com.au/podcast.xml.