

Design Better
The Curiosity Department, sponsored by Wix Studio
Design Better co-hosts Eli Woolery and Aarron Walter explore the intersection of design, technology, and the creative process through conversations with guests across many creative fields, helping you hone your craft, unlock your creativity, and learn the art of collaboration.Whether you’re design curious or a design pro, Design Better is guaranteed to inspire and inform. Vanity Fair calls Design Better, “sharp, to the point, and full of incredibly valuable information for anyone looking to better understand how to build a more innovative world.”
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 28, 2025 • 22min
Jeremy Faludi: Sustainability professor on why most sustainable design fails before it starts
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.

25 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 47min
Alison Rand: Leading with radical humanity instead of radical candor
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.

33 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 15min
The Brief: How our recent past should prepare us for the age of AI
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.

13 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 29min
Fitz and the Tantrums: Finding your creative voice in your 40's and why success feels different than you think
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.

16 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 12min
Bonus Episode: 30 years of design with Wert&Co, live in NYC featuring Paola Antonelli, Mark Wilson,Kate Aronowitz, Mike Davidson, and Meaghan Choi
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.

24 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 59min
Rewind: Paola Antonelli: How design shapes culture
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.

36 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 28min
Keith Sawyer: Become more creative by learning to see
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.

4 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 47min
Jae Park: Designing a new generation of vehicles at Ford, and why friction matters in the creative process
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.

9 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 27min
Astro Teller & Ivo Stivoric: Why moonshots require unlearning everything you know
Ivo Stivoric, Vice President at X and designer with expertise in climate and social justice, joins Astro Teller, the Captain of Moonshots, for a thought-provoking discussion. They explore the significance of innovative design in tackling major global challenges like climate change and health tech. The duo emphasizes the importance of cross-functional collaboration and unlearning preconceptions to drive impactful moonshot projects. Their insights on merging technology with human needs spark a captivating conversation about the future of sustainability and creativity.

21 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 47min
Henry Modisett: Perplexity’s VP of Design on embracing ambiguity and leading with curiosity
Henry Modisett, VP of Design at Perplexity, brings a unique blend of computer science and design to the conversation. He discusses how AI is revolutionizing user experience, particularly with the introduction of Perplexity’s new browser, Comet. Henry emphasizes the importance of embracing ambiguity and curiosity in design, arguing that traditional UX methods often fall short in the AI landscape. He also shares insights on fostering trust in AI products and the collaborative synergy between design and engineering in startups.


