The Federal Innovator Podcast

As government agencies navigate an accelerated tech landscape, increased consumer demand, and IT modernization, they are also looking away from traditional methods and tapping strategy prototyping to solve problems in new ways and prepare for the future of work. On this episode, co-hosts Tim Irvine and Stephanie Wander are joined by Dr. Ryan Vega, the Diffusion of Excellence lead at the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Center for Innovation.

As government agencies adopt new technologies and approaches to modernize their mission, they’re increasingly relying on trusted partners in the public sector, academia, ventures, startups, and industry to get them there. How? In this episode, co-hosts Tim Irvine and Stephanie Wander are joined by Sandeep Patel, director of HHS’ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority’s Division of Research, Ventures, and Innovation

For the Defense Department, designing with the user in mind means designing for the warfighter, offering them the tools they need to protect and serve effectively. what outstanding UX looks like, How can bad UX prove a barrier to mission success? And what does it take to bring user-centric design to life for the federal government? In this episode, co-hosts Tim Irvine and Stephanie Wander are joined by Colt Whittall, chief experience officer for the U.S. Air Force.

During the pandemic, the State Department’s OBO Technology Accelerator Program made their world just a little bit smaller by piloting mixed reality headsets that allowed their experts to provide remote assistance to on-site workers via live point-of-view video calls. But what did it take to get this innovative technology up and running? And what is its future at the State Department? In this episode, co-hosts Tim Irvine and Stephanie Wander are joined by Danilo Stapula, chief information officer for the Overseas Buildings Operations for the State Department and Erica Jaume, technology accelerator program manager at the State Department.

Innovation comes in many forms. And while it’s easy to think of ingenuity in government as an upgrade to an aircraft or a new customer service, it could also look like an AI-powered light sculpture. This is exactly the case for The Smithsonian, which is on the verge of launching its “FUTURES” exhibit, the organization’s first major building-wide exploration of the future. In this episode, co-hosts Tim Irvine and Stephanie Wander are joined by Rachel Goslins, director of the Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building.