Design Better

Champ Bennett, co-founder and CEO of Capsule, shares his journey from software engineer to entrepreneur, emphasizing the need for democratizing video creation. He discusses how Capsule simplifies motion design, making it accessible to non-designers. The conversation touches on the evolution of motion design systems, the art of storytelling in fundraising, and balancing AI with authentic content creation. Champ urges listeners to embrace video storytelling as a vital skill in today's workforce, highlighting Capsule's role in empowering teams to produce engaging videos.

Cassie McDaniel, Head of Design at Medium, shares insights from her nearly 20 years in design leadership. She discusses Medium's bold move to eliminate product management to enhance speed and efficiency. Cassie emphasizes the importance of diverse skill sets and a culture of experimentation in design teams. She also reflects on balancing thoughtful design with rapid product development, and the vital role writing plays in advancing a design career. Her fresh perspective is a must-listen for anyone in the design field!

This discussion explores the revolutionary impact of AI on creative workflows, showcasing how it streamlines processes and fosters adaptability. The conversation highlights the importance of emotional resonance in human-centered design, alongside ethical considerations in AI development. There’s a deep dive into the dual nature of AI in education, focusing on its benefits and potential risks. Additionally, the episode examines the role of agentic AI in enhancing teamwork while emphasizing the need for human oversight in customer support.

Amy Lokey, the Chief Experience Officer at ServiceNow, previously led UX for G Suite and LinkedIn. In this engaging talk, she sheds light on how her team is innovating AI-powered systems to streamline workplace interactions. Lokey discusses the shift from generative AI to agentic technologies, emphasizing their application in enhancing customer service. She also examines the challenges of integrating AI into enterprise solutions, underscoring the need for thorough testing and user feedback to ensure success in design and functionality.

In this engaging discussion, John Cleese, the legendary comedian behind Monty Python and Fawlty Towers, shares insights from his book, *Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide*. He emphasizes the importance of playfulness and humor in fostering creativity. Cleese reflects on the dynamics of creative collaboration and how to navigate ambiguity. He also delves into the psychological aspects of creativity, contrasting different modes of thinking. Expect laughter and wisdom as Cleese inspires listeners to embrace their own creative journeys.

A special sponsored episode of the Design Better Podcast It’s a tough job market out there right now for designers and other creative technologists. Many of us are wondering if there are other ways we might be able to use our skills, and some of us are considering an entrepreneurial path. Our guest today has done just that. Marco Suarez has had an impressive career in design, but took an interesting turn into entrepreneurship. Marco started his career as a graphic designer, became an art director at Mailchimp (where I had the pleasure of working with him), was product designer at Etsy, and the design systems lead at InVision, where we both worked with him. But in addition to design, Marco had another passion: coffee. In 2015 he started Methodical Coffee, in Greenville South Carolina. In 2019 Marco left his full time role in tech to focus on the business, and now Methodical has 3 cafes in Greenville, and ships coffee across the United States. We also partner with Methodical on our own Design Better Coffee (and as you’ll learn in this episode, we have a brand-new Design Better Tea). We speak with Marco about the story of his transition from design to coffee entrepreneurship, how it felt to leave the world of tech, and how he applied his design skills to starting a business. Marco Suarez is the co-founder and CEO of Methodical Coffee, a specialty coffee company based in Greenville, South Carolina. With a background in digital product design, Marco transitioned from a successful career in tech to building something tangible—spaces where people could gather and connect over great coffee. What began as a shared vision among friends evolved into a thriving business, with three cafes, a roasting operation, and a new headquarters dedicated to innovation and community. Over the past decade, Marco has navigated the complex challenges of scaling a capital- and labor-intensive business, from hiring and HR hurdles to financial strategy. Drawing from 20 years of experience as a designer, he brings a rare blend of creative vision and business acumen to the role of founder. Passionate about creating exceptional customer experiences and sustainable business models, Marco continues to advocate for the powerful intersection of design and entrepreneurship. Learn more about Methodical Coffee

In this discussion, Ivy Ross, Vice President of Hardware Design at Google, and Susan Magsamen, Executive Director at the International Arts + Mind Lab, dive into the profound link between art and well-being. They explore how creative practices can extend lifespan and enhance mental health. The conversation highlights the neuroscience behind our connection to art, the importance of integrating creativity in the workplace, and even the therapeutic benefits of sound. Their collaboration reveals eye-opening insights on how art can transform lives and communities.

Damian Kulash, founder of the band OK Go, shares insights into their boundary-pushing music videos, like filming a zero-gravity experience and creating Rube Goldberg machines. He discusses the creative process behind their viral hits, balancing artistry with commercialism, and evolving in the digital age. The conversation also highlights the importance of emotions in creativity and teamwork, as they explore innovative storytelling in their upcoming projects. Discover how this unique rock band navigates the challenges of the modern music landscape!

Jordan Mechner, the visionary behind the legendary games Karateka and Prince of Persia, shares his fascinating journey from a creative undergrad at Yale to a pioneering game designer. He reveals how he taught himself essential skills in a pre-internet era and the impact of journaling on his creative process. The conversation dives into the artistry of game storytelling and the evolution of gaming narratives. Additionally, Jordan discusses his new graphic novel, Replay, which intertwines themes of war, exile, and family heritage.

Brad Frost reveals the crucial role of human relationships in design systems, underscoring how vital communication is for team synergy. He discusses the transformative impact of AI on design processes and the significance of design tokens. Also explored are the changing dynamics between designers and developers, embracing creativity through personal expression, and the importance of mental health awareness, especially regarding ADHD. Additionally, listeners can look forward to an upcoming course on design tokens with a special discount.