Design Better

Idris Brewster, the Executive Director of the Kinfolk Foundation, is an artist and creative technologist dedicated to empowering marginalized communities through augmented reality. He discusses how AR can transform historical narratives, making them accessible and engaging. Brewster highlights initiatives that uncover hidden stories, like interactive monuments that celebrate figures such as James Baldwin. He also emphasizes the importance of community involvement in designing culturally relevant memorials, reshaping the way we connect with our history.

Jake Knapp, a New York Times bestselling author and co-founder of Character, dives into the transformative world of design and innovation. He introduces the concept of foundation sprints, a method aimed at launching new products effectively. Jake shares insights from his new book, 'Click,' elaborating on the critical importance of defining project hypotheses. He also discusses his journey from Google Ventures to founding a VC fund, highlighting how Character supports early-stage startups and what they seek in founders.

In this insightful conversation, Jenny Blackburn, VP of UX at Google for Gemini, shares her extensive experience in user-centric design. She discusses how generative AI is revolutionizing workflows, enabling designers to rapidly prototype and developers to create intuitive UIs. Jenny highlights the evolving dynamics between designers and developers, emphasizing the importance of experimentation with emerging tools like NotebookLM. She also touches on the essential skills designers need to thrive in this AI-driven landscape, fostering innovative and collaborative environments.

Scott Berkun, bestselling author and expert in UX design, dives into the challenges designers face due to ego traps and organizational dynamics. He discusses the importance of building relationships and understanding power structures to influence decisions. Berkun also critiques design education for not preparing students for real-world scenarios and emphasizes collaboration over the myth of the 'design hero.' His insights encourage designers to foster curiosity and trust, making a compelling case for supportive environments that nurture creativity.

Marcus Bell, a multifaceted music producer and songwriter known for his work with icons like Nicki Minaj and Snoop Dogg, dives into the intersection of music and artificial intelligence. He shares the inspiring journey behind creating his AI-driven artist, Rayvn Lyte, and tackles the ethical implications of AI in music. Balancing family life while nurturing creativity, he emphasizes collaboration's role in artistic growth and reflects on his challenging upbringing that fueled his passion for music. Marcus's insights reveal the unique chaos and discipline of the creative process.

In this conversation, Brad Stulberg, a renowned author and coach on health and well-being, explores the inevitability of change and how we can embrace it. He contrasts Eastern and Western philosophies, emphasizing flexibility in identity to navigate life's transitions. Brad clarifies the difference between pain and suffering, advocating for acceptance. The discussion also touches on personal identity and the importance of community in the face of change, suggesting diversification of interests to manage emotional risks effectively.

Jonathan Hoefler, a celebrated typeface designer and founder of Hoefler&Co, shares his journey through typography that has shaped modern design. He discusses the evolution from handwritten calligraphy to digital typefaces, revealing influences that inspired his iconic fonts like Gotham. Hoefler dives into the philosophy behind typography and its relationship to hospitality and entrepreneurship, emphasizing thoughtful design as an inviting experience. He also explores the significance of conservation in the artistic landscape and his emotional transition after selling his foundry.

Alastair Simpson, VP of Design at Dropbox and former Head of Design at Atlassian, shares his remarkable journey from aspiring professional soccer player to design leader. He discusses how sports instilled discipline that shapes his design philosophy and parenting style. The conversation delves into the evolution of digital information, reflections on rapid design team growth at Atlassian, and the balance of discipline and focus required in executive leadership. Alastair’s insights reveal how foundational skills facilitate adaptability in both life and design.

Jason Giles, VP of Product Design at UserTesting, shares his vast experience leading design teams and fostering empathy in product development. He brilliantly likens team dynamics to a jazz band, emphasizing improvisation and collaborative learning. The conversation dives into integrating research to create a customer-centric culture while balancing AI tools with human insights. Jason also highlights the importance of democratizing design processes, encouraging all team members to contribute creatively, enhancing productive relationships across teams.

Bishop Briggs, an award-winning singer-songwriter known for her heartfelt music, dives deep into her transformative journey after the loss of her sister. She shares how grief reshaped her creative process and led to her recent success on The Masked Singer. Bishop also explores the cultural influences that sparked her early passion for music, from Tokyo's karaoke bars to her Scottish roots. She opens up about the joys and challenges of motherhood, noting how it has redefined her artistic standards and priorities. Generative AI finds a surprising place in her creative experiments.