99% Invisible

The podcast explores the experimental introduction of credit cards by the Bank of America in Fresno, California in 1958. It discusses the historical context and significance of the Bank of America card in revolutionizing consumer credit. The chapter delves into the consequences of widespread credit card use, including fraud and theft. It also explores the challenges and changes in the early days of credit cards, leading to industry-wide reforms. Finally, it discusses the history and impact of credit cards, including the birth of Visa and MasterCard and the alarming credit card debt in the US.

The podcast explores the inconsistencies, confusion, and misconceptions surrounding date labels on food products. It discusses the need for a more specific labeling system for high-risk foods, the lack of scientific basis for date labels, and the resulting food waste in America. The episode also highlights the significance of taste in reducing food waste.

Explore the secret world of bone music in 1950s Soviet Russia, where vinyl records were smuggled and Western music was pressed onto x-ray films, defying government censorship and bridging cultural gaps.

Discover the iconic Tribune Tower in downtown Oakland, with its unique architecture and the fascinating story behind its neon letters. Learn about the history and cultural significance of neon lights, from their rise to decline in cities to the craftsmanship of neon tube bending. This podcast also includes various ads and sponsors promoting different products and services.

This podcast discusses the unique architectural design of Chinatowns in America and explores the experiences of Chinese immigrants. It highlights the impact of the 1906 earthquake on San Francisco's Chinatown and the efforts to rebuild. The podcast also features sponsor ads for Robert Half, Squarespace, BOMBAs, Kachava, Lincoln Financial, and promotes the heart-healthy benefits of Honey Nut Cheerios.

Explore the fascinating journey of products like Silly Putty, Play-Doh, Viagra, Rogaine, and Liquid Ass, which were initially designed for one purpose but ended up finding their true purpose in a different line of work. Discover the fascinating story behind the creation and popularity of 'liquid ass' as a prank item. Learn about the process of creating realistic combat training simulations for military trainees, including the use of Hollywood effects and sensory experiences like Liquid Ass.

This podcast explores the evolution of superhero costumes in movies, highlighting the improvement in design and discussing the process of creating costumes. It also emphasizes the significance of costumes in superhero stories and the cultural impact of Spider-Man films.

Exploring game design principles and the mixed reputation of Monopoly. Discussing the slow gameplay, emotional impact, and capitalism embodied in the game. Tracing the origins of Monopoly from The Landlord Game. Exploring the concept of meaningful play in Monopoly.

This podcast explores the history and significance of drinking fountains, from the installation of the first one in London to the challenges of ensuring sanitary drinking practices. It also discusses the decline of public fountains, efforts to install fountains in a stadium, and the process of creating music with layered rhythms and dissonance.

Examining the controversy and challenges faced in the 2000 presidential election, the podcast explores the evolution of voting systems in the United States and the importance of design in elections. It discusses the efforts of the Center for Civic Design to bring design theory and practice to election administration, emphasizing that design can only solve some of the issues in elections.