Roman Mars, host of the beloved podcast '99% Invisible' and bestselling author, explores the hidden joys in everyday design. He shares how seemingly mundane objects and infrastructure carry rich stories and emotions. Mars discusses the significance of design as a form of communication, the unseen influences shaping our environments, and the importance of embracing gratitude for these elements. He also emphasizes the adaptability of urban wildlife and the role of mindful observation in enhancing our connection to the world around us.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Origin of 99% Invisible
Roman Mars's interest in design began while working at KALW in San Francisco.
The American Institute of Architects proposed an architecture minute, which he expanded to encompass broader design elements.
insights INSIGHT
Finding Interest in the Mundane
Roman Mars finds interest in the contrast between a thing's perceived boredom and its actual intrigue.
He's captivated by the thought processes behind mundane details and the decisions that shape them.
question_answer ANECDOTE
The Meaning Behind 99% Invisible
The name "99% Invisible" stemmed from a discussion with designers about their work's unnoticed nature.
It references Buckminster Fuller's quote about the unseen forces shaping our world.
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In this book, Don Norman discusses how design should be centered around the user's needs, emphasizing the importance of visibility, natural relationships between controls and functions, and the intelligent use of constraints. He argues that poor design, rather than user ineptness, is often the cause of frustration with everyday objects. The book covers various aspects of design, including affordances, signifiers, and the seven stages of action, providing a comprehensive guide to creating user-friendly products.
The 99% Invisible City
A Field Guide to the Hidden World of Everyday Design
Roman Mars
Kurt Kohlstedt
The 99% Invisible City is a comprehensive guide that explores the often-overlooked aspects of urban design, from infrastructure to architecture. It delves into how these elements, though invisible to many, play a crucial role in shaping our daily lives. The book is well-researched and includes detailed illustrations, making it both informative and visually appealing.
Today’s episode is about finding joy, pleasure, interest, and even gratitude in a surprising source: everyday objects and infrastructure. Our guest Roman Mars is the host and creator of 99% Invisible, a radio show and podcast about design and architecture. It is one of the most popular podcasts in the world. Roman is also a bestselling author; he recently co-authored The 99% Invisible City: A Field Guide to the Hidden World of Everyday Design. Roman talks to us about how he got interested in design, how the name “99% Invisible” came to be, his new book about the under-observed aspects of the built world, the importance of reading plaques and utility markers, design as coercion, and a shared love of 90s punk rock. Download the Ten Percent Happier app today: https://10percenthappier.app.link/install Full Show notes: https://www.tenpercent.com/podcast-episode/roman-mars-368