Answers & Outcomes

At Hostile Sheep, we believe insight is only useful if it leads to action. Answers & Outcomes is where we explore how research, design, and systems thinking can help organizations do exactly that. The blog is part of our broader practice, one that supports teams in making sense of complexity, designing for people, and delivering outcomes that matter. If you’re facing a big question or a stuck system, we can help.

Featured image for “Agency is the outcome: Why feeling in control is the ultimate user experience.”

Agency is the outcome: Why feeling in control is the ultimate user experience.

Control is often an illusion. This couldn’t be more true than in the digital world where organizations frequently treat people like sheep. Do this, then this, then this, and you’re done! We all interact with...

Featured image for “Are you a Challenger? Why out-caring the giants is your only real advantage.”

Are you a Challenger? Why out-caring the giants is your only real advantage.

You may have heard that everyone is a tech company. It’s been a favourite talking point of the tech world; recently dragged back into the spotlight by artificial intelligence. The argument is simple and flawed:...

Featured image for “Metrics tell you what happened. The brain tells you why.”

Metrics tell you what happened. The brain tells you why.

Most organizations aren’t starving for data. In fact, many are drowning in data lakes and dashboards but are starving for understanding. Business is great at measuring the surface; the clicks, the scrolling, the conversion rate,...

Featured image for “Using AI to write poetry”

Using AI to write poetry

I founded Hostile Sheep on my hot-take that design isn’t a professional service. My belief, for decades, has been design is much more like a trade and should adopt certain things from how trades operate....

Featured image for “Seeing Clearly, Acting Wisely: How System Inquiry Guides Our Work”

Seeing Clearly, Acting Wisely: How System Inquiry Guides Our Work

September 25, 2025

We’ve all been in situations where the way forward feels a bit like driving down a foggy road. You can see just far enough to keep moving, but not far enough to know what’s ahead....

Featured image for “When Doing the Job Breaks the System”

When Doing the Job Breaks the System

September 16, 2025

On the surface, the pond looks alive and thriving. The water ripples gently. Children lean over the edge, their nets dipping in and out, pulling up long strands of green. That green is algae and...

Featured image for “What we hold and what holds us.”

What we hold and what holds us.

August 23, 2025

Hostile Sheep started as an extension of me but it won’t stay that way. It’s evolving into something others can shape, grow, and belong to. These values are a foundation: a way to find alignment,...

Featured image for “Strategies for the Long Haul: Navigating Complexity Over Time”

Strategies for the Long Haul: Navigating Complexity Over Time

August 19, 2025

“One of the leader’s most important roles is to build a team and culture that intentionally outlasts them.” - Peter Greer & Doug FagerstromI think about that a lot when it comes to the work our...

Featured image for “Trust-Based Design: Starting with Broken Trust”

Trust-Based Design: Starting with Broken Trust

August 18, 2025

I’ve spent most of my career asking the same question: “What do people need?” It’s the starting point for almost every design process. From there, we gather insights, map needs, co-create solutions, and (on our...