99% Invisible 99% Undesigned
Nov 25, 2010
The podcast explores how modern life is designed to waste energy and the challenges of conserving energy in a fossil fuel-driven society. It discusses the negative impact of long commutes and inefficient transportation systems, as well as the design of gas pumps to improve customer experience.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Tugboat Metaphor
- Lisa Margonelli compares older, streamlined coal-powered tugboats to newer, boxy diesel tugboats.
- Diesel's abundance allows for less efficient designs, prioritizing ease over fuel conservation.
Systemic Waste
- The modern world is designed like an inefficient diesel tugboat, wasting energy.
- Drive-to-qualify mortgages, sprawling suburbs, and discounted large cars incentivize fuel consumption.
Designed Inefficiency
- Large, inefficient cars are often cheaper.
- Cars are designed for peak efficiency at lower speeds than typical highway speeds, further wasting fuel.