This time, we discuss the fascinating concept of 'Thoughtless Acts'—simple, everyday innovations people make to adapt to their environment without even thinking about it. From hanging tea bags on mug handles to hanging shirts on a washing machine door, we explore how unnoticed behaviours can inspire better design and usability. We also delve into the origins of the term inspired by the work and book from human factors researcher, Jane Fulton Suri and her work at IDEO. Once again, the team come prepared with buckets full of examples of Thoughtless Acts they've caught themselves doing or have observed in others - unsurprisingly, Tom brings ups dishwashers again!

Join the conversation and share your own examples of thoughtless acts by emailing hello@sketchplanations.com or by leaving us a voice note here. Don't forget to check out the episode artwork and visit sketchplanations.com for more insightful sketches!

Timeline of Topics Discussed

00:00 Introduction to Thoughtless Acts

01:53 Defining Thoughtless Acts

03:24 Origins of the Concept

05:58 Examples of Thoughtless Acts

08:20 Degrees of Thoughtlessness

11:12 Importance in Design

12:40 Personal Hacks and Innovations

15:27 Observations in Design

21:26 Coffee Mugs and Shopping Trolleys

22:19 Observing Daily Interactions

24:04 Designing for Better Usability

26:14 Everyday Improvisations

32:02 Signalling and Subtle Messages

33:58 Accidents and Tool Design

37:17 Listener Engagement and Conclusion

All music on this podcast series is provided by the extremely talented Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is jam-packed with personal anecdotes and examples from real life of where we've fallen foul of Hanlon's Razor - wrongly attributing malice to a situation. The most recognisable is possibly in the car when someone cuts you up or pulls out in front of you. We cover a whole heap of other examples including misunderstandings during endurance swimming events, misplaced anger or frustration at home, and accidental mishaps in public places. We explore how acknowledging Hanlon's Razor can help reduce unnecessary stress and improve patience and understanding in everyday life. The episode wraps up with reflections on human nature, individual conditioning, and the importance of giving others the benefit of the doubt. Jono also shares related sketches and humorous laws from Murphy's Law book - where if something can go wrong, it will.

You can send examples of your own stories and experiences of Hanlon's Razor in action to hello@sketchplanations.com OR leave us a voice note on the podcast website.

We reference the following in the podcast:

+ Jono's Sketchplanation on Fundamental Attribution Error

+ Murphy's Law Book 1 & Murphy's Law Book 2

+ Jono's sketch on Narrative Bias

+ William of Ockham and Occam's Razor.

+ The previous podcast episode on The Peter Principle.

Timeline of topics discussed:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes

00:57 Hanlon's Razor Explained

05:27 Examples of Hanlon's Razor in Action

14:33 Philosophical Discussion on Human Nature

22:09 Clearing Up the Confusion About Hanlon's Razor

22:32 The Origin and Meaning of Occam's Razor

24:27 Misunderstandings and Miscommunications

26:10 More Real-Life Examples of Hanlon's Razor

33:54 The Importance of Giving Others the Benefit of the Doubt

38:21 Fun and Thought-Provoking Rules from Murphy's Law Book

40:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

All music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inspired by Sports Psychologist, Justin Ross on the Løw Tide Bøyz Podcast, this episode explores the metaphors of 'anchors' and 'tugboats' to illustrate the impact of negative and positive self-talk on our mental state and performance. We discuss how negative thoughts can anchor us down, whereas positive thinking acts as a tugboat, pulling us forward. We delve into examples from sports psychology, personal professional experiences, parenting and everyday scenarios to highlight the importance of being aware of our inner dialogue. The conversation also touches on the role of friends, the significance of small changes like having a snack, and practical tips for reframing negative thoughts. Join us as we navigate these concepts, and provide practical advice for turning your mental anchors into tugboats that propel you forward.

We reference the following in the podcast:

+ Jono's Sketchplanations on The Stages of Competence Framework

+ David Goggins' Book: Can’t Hurt me.

+ Jono's sketch on Complaining at the Weather

+ Jono's Paradox of Choice sketch

+ Tommy's positive manifestations of "There will be a parking space" - as popularised by Paul McKenna

Timeline of topics discussed:

00:00 Understanding the Power of Self-Talk

00:57 Introducing Anchors and Tugboats

02:11 The Origin of Anchors and Tugboats

03:49 Applying the Metaphor to Sports and Life

05:09 Awareness and Self-Talk

06:00 The Role of Friends and Environment

10:45 Personal Examples and Practical Tips

18:33 Swimming and Self-Talk

25:08 Understanding the Brain's Tactical Advantage

25:35 The Accountability Mirror Technique

26:12 The Importance of Eating for Energy

28:03 Personal Experiences with Energy and Focus

33:01 The Power of Positive Self-Talk

36:04 Anchors and Tugboats: A Metaphor for Self-Talk

40:49 The Role of Mental Training in Sports

42:38 Toxic Language and Self-Talk

46:27 Concluding Thoughts and Summary

All music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.