Adam StJohn Lawrence

I am Adam Lawrence, a Co-Founder and expert in HCD (service design, design thinking) at WorkPlayExperience (WPX). At WPX, I act as a catalyst for transformation, focusing on training, upskilling, and coaching individuals and teams to change how they collaborate and work together effectively. Drawing on my diverse backgrounds in psychology, the global automotive industry, and theatre/showbusiness, I specialise in helping people learn, grow, and master practical skills, particularly in innovation, facilitation and collaboration. I frequently incorporate methods from theatre and performing arts to create engaging, experiential learning and working environments. A core principle of my approach is "doing, not talking" – moving beyond abstract discussion to tangible action like building, prototyping, and acting things out together. This grounds collaboration in reality, uncovers implicit knowledge, and brings diverse perspectives together. My work equips teams to navigate complexity, embrace iteration, and make change happen by learning through practice. I advocate for creating "safe spaces" where experimentation, even (short-term) failure, is encouraged as a vital part of longer-term learning or working success. This hands-on approach builds confidence and capabilities far more effectively than purely theoretical training or coaching. Beyond WorkPlayExperience, I am also an Adjunct Professor at IE Business School and a Senior Facilitator at Co-Creation School, contributing to formal education and professional development in the field. As co-author of This is Service Design Doing and Methods, I have helped create widely-used resources that champion practical, human-centered approaches. Additionally, I co-initiated the Global Service Jam and Global GovJam, volunteer-run events designed specifically as intensive, practical experiences for learning design methods by doing.