Design Better

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.

Heidi Trost, a UX leader and author of "Human-Centered Security," dives into the complexities of designing secure user experiences. She discusses the common frustrations users face with security protocols, like pesky captchas and complicated login recovery systems. Heidi emphasizes the need for human-centered design in enhancing security and trust. She also highlights the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovative frameworks, such as threat modeling, to create user-friendly solutions that prioritize safety without sacrificing usability.

In a challenging job market, discover strategies to become an irreplaceable designer. Embrace lifelong learning and cross-disciplinary skills to enhance your value. Transform your career by learning coding, enabling you to create prototypes and collaborate with engineers. Explore the harmony between design and technology, and learn how AI can bridge gaps in your expertise. By adapting and evolving, designers can not only thrive but also lead in a rapidly changing landscape.

Dive into the world of Trenton Doyle Hancock, where everyday objects transform into a vibrant narrative universe. Discover how his neurodivergent perspective fuels his creativity, blending personal tales with art history and pop culture. Explore the dance between chaos and order in his work, as collections of items inform his artistic vision. Hancock's unique journey showcases the support of community and family, emphasizing the importance of embracing individuality in the arts.

Dan Harden, CEO of Whipsaw, is an acclaimed industrial designer with a rich history of working alongside legends like Steve Jobs and George Nelson. He shares invaluable insights about fostering emotional connections through design. Harden recounts transformative lessons from his mentorship with George Nelson, emphasizing curiosity and collaboration. He also discusses the challenges of running a design firm focused on quality, and the inspiration drawn from everyday life and nature to drive innovation in product design.

Kristen Berman, a leading expert in applied behavioral economics and co-founder of Irrational Labs, dives into the fascinating world of behavioral design. She discusses how successful products leverage behavioral insights to foster user engagement and positive habits. Kristen also addresses the darker side of design, noting how it can lead to addictive behaviors, using examples like Juul and innovations from companies like Airbnb and Uber. Her experiences underscore the ethical challenges and responsibilities of designers in changing behavior effectively.