10% Happier with Dan Harris

A Rarely Accessed Source of Joy | Roman Mars

Aug 2, 2021
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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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.
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.
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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