Design Better

Join game designer Jordan Mechner, the mastermind behind iconic titles like Karateka and Prince of Persia. He shares fascinating insights into how he taught himself programming by cloning classic games and how storytelling became integral to his designs. Discover how the game Choplifter influenced the cinematic approach of Karateka, and hear about his collaboration with his father on music and sound for his games. Plus, learn why keeping detailed journals became a pivotal part of his creative process.

In this engaging discussion, Ben Swire, an award-winning designer and former Design Lead at IDEO, shares insights from his book, *Safe Danger*. He explores the delicate balance between safety and risk in team dynamics, emphasizing the necessity of psychological safety for fostering creativity and trust. Ben reveals how playful activities can rebuild team culture, why vulnerability leads to stronger relationships, and offers strategies for effective collaboration. His unique approach transforms fear into growth, helping teams embrace both success and failure.

Jeremy Faludi, an assistant professor of Design for Sustainability at TU Delft, shares insights on the intersection of design and environmental impact. He discusses the need for life-cycle thinking and critiques misguided sustainability efforts, like the hairdryer company’s plastic reduction misstep. Jeremy emphasizes using systems thinking to prioritize environmental impacts and highlights the role of software in promoting sustainable practices. He also reveals surprising truths about AI's energy consumption in the context of sustainability.

Alison Rand, a design operations leader and author of "Sentido," explores the importance of understanding colleagues as humans to enhance workplace relationships. She introduces her concept of 'radical humanity,' challenging the limits of radical candor and emphasizing trust and compassion in feedback. Alison shares insights from her career, highlights the interdependence of organizational ecosystems likening them to El Yunque rainforest, and advocates for valuing lived experiences alongside academic credentials in leadership.

Reflecting on 30 years of design, the conversation dives into the paradox of democratized tools versus centralized platforms. Key discussions include the dark side of design, showcasing harmful innovations and addictive patterns. The fragmentation of the design profession is highlighted, pointing to a lack of cross-disciplinary collaboration. As algorithms shape our digital experiences, the importance of trust in AI becomes paramount, driving calls for robust policies. Advocates for slow design stress prioritizing human well-being over rapid development.

Michael 'Fitz' Fitzpatrick, frontman of Fitz and the Tantrums, shares his inspiring journey to success in his 40s. He talks about the importance of perseverance despite years of rejection and the pivotal moment at SXSW that changed everything. The band’s creative process, including using constraints as a tool for innovation, is a highlight. Fitz also delves into finding his authentic voice and the emotional complexities of achieving dreams. His candid reflections on what true happiness means today offer relatable insights for anyone chasing their creative passions.

In this engaging discussion, Paola Antonelli, a leading voice in design from MoMA, highlights how design serves as an 'enzyme of change' in society. Mark Wilson offers insights on the impact of algorithms in shaping experiences, while Kate Aronowitz and Meaghan Choi explore the evolving roles in design teams, especially in startups. Mike Davidson emphasizes the importance of collaboration between design and engineering in the age of AI. The panel also addresses ethical design and the need for empathy amid technological advancement.

Paola Antonelli, senior curator at MoMA, dives deep into how design shapes culture and our daily lives. She discusses the intertwining of digital and traditional materials, like code and wood, and highlights key design movements of the last century. Paola reveals fascinating design artifacts, such as the @ symbol and Creative Commons icons, exploring their cultural significance. She also addresses the evolving tension between human craftsmanship and technology, and the importance of sustainability in design. Antonelli’s insights showcase the profound impact of design on society.

In a captivating conversation, Keith Sawyer, the Morgan Distinguished Professor at UNC Chapel Hill and a leading creativity researcher, shares insights from his book, *Learning to See*. He emphasizes that creativity stems from observation and improvisation rather than isolated genius. Keith explores how successful artists engage in a dialogue with their work and why ambiguity fuels creativity. He also discusses the role of AI in enhancing but not replacing human creative processes, offering practical tips for cultivating observational skills in daily life.

In this engaging discussion, Jae Park, VP of Digital Product Design at Ford's Electric Vehicle Digital Design division, tackles the intersection of creativity and technology. He reflects on the challenges of balancing speed and thoughtful design in an AI-driven world. Jae also shares insights on Ford's strategic shift towards affordable EVs, the implications of Gen Alpha on vehicle expectations, and the importance of creative friction. Plus, he explores the unique competition between traditional car makers and tech giants reshaping automotive experiences.