Navigating the early stages of our project presented formidable challenges, exacerbated by our lean team and the constraints of limited resources and tight schedules. Meeting deliverables became a paramount mission, prompting meticulous budget planning to align capabilities with our overarching vision. Additionally, the absence of adherence to User-Centred Design (UCD) principles posed a significant hurdle. Initially, my role was misperceived as solely a validation resource. Recognising the imperative for corrective action, I spearheaded efforts to guide the team toward embracing UCD methodologies, fostering collaboration to establish more effective workflows. Throughout this process, I emphasised the tangible value of design and championed the adoption of design thinking as a means to unlock untapped opportunities.