Carrying Stories: Researcher Well-being and the Cost of Caring with Rachel Knight

If you like our content, be sure to sign up to our weekly The Design Compass Newsletter. Design Smarter. Lead Better.Leave a review (+ help us grow): https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdEpisode overviewIn this deeply human episode, Gerry Scullion speaks with Wellington-based design researcher Rachel Knight about the emotional realities of working in social impact. From navigating trauma-informed projects to setting boundaries as a freelancer, Rachel shares powerful insights on staying grounded while doing meaningful work.This conversation is essential listening for anyone working in design research, especially those engaging with vulnerable communities or emotionally charged topics.🔑 Three Key TakeawaysResearcher well-being is non-negotiable: plan for self-care like you plan for scope.Freelancers carry unique risks—build your own emotional safety nets.Lived experience is valuable but can carry hidden costs if not properly supported.Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript. Creators & Guests Gerry Scullion - Host Serdar Mele - Editor Stef Murphy - Producer Like what we do? Make a Tip. Or Leave a review: https://ratethispodcast.com/hcdJoin our Community: https://circle.thisishcd.com/Join-CommunitySponsor links10x your service design offering with Smaply. Take 20% off your order with ''ThisisHCD20off'Sign up https://auth.smaply.app/sign-upCheck out This is HCD x Sutsu range. Gerry wears and endorses Sutsu ethical clothing. Get 10% off ScenarioCards.org when you used our link https://scenariocards.org/HCD10

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Welcome to This is HCD – Human-Centered Design, UX & Service Design Thinking Podcast, the global show for designers, innovators, and changemakers who want to create better products, services, and experiences. Hosted by Gerry Scullion, with over 1-million downloads worldwide. Each episode dives into conversations with leading voices in service design, UX design, interaction design, customer experience, and design strategy. Together, we explore the methods, mindsets, and real-world stories that bring human-centered design and design thinking to life. Whether you’re a UX researcher, service design practitioner, product manager, or design leader, you’ll find actionable insights, practical tools, and inspiration to elevate your practice and drive meaningful change. Tune in and join the global human-centered design community — learn how to design with purpose, create inclusive solutions, and shape a more thoughtful future.