Design Better

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.

Discover how storytelling can elevate the design process through writing, as illustrated by Jony Ive's unique approach. Explore the distractions of mobile devices that pull us away from meaningful experiences, and learn how both writers and designers benefit from observation and iteration. Redefine pitching by embracing collaboration and authenticity, offering practical tips for creating engaging dialogue that moves beyond traditional practices. These insights bridge the gap between creativity and practicality, making both disciplines more effective.

Gareth Hinds, creator of acclaimed graphic novels like Beowulf and The Odyssey, dives into the renaissance of the graphic novel medium. He shares how his background in video game design influences his unique storytelling and artistic style. The conversation highlights the significance of graphic novels in engaging young readers and the intricacies of adapting classic literature. Gareth also explores the publishing landscape, discussing challenges with traditional and self-publishing, alongside the impact of generative AI on creativity.

Explore the complexities of ADHD and its surprising role in enhancing creativity among innovative thinkers. Discover how passionate focus can lead to unique creative processes, challenging the stereotype of ADHD as merely a deficit. Learn about user-friendly design with Wix Studio that fosters collaboration, and appreciate stylish, easy-to-assemble modern furniture from Thuma. This engaging discussion weaves together insights from personal anecdotes and broader creative trends.

Explore the transformative power of multidisciplinary collaboration in design, as Kevin Bethune shares insights from his career and the challenges of creativity. Discover how non-linear thinking can disrupt traditional workflows, encouraging innovation through ambiguity and exploration. The conversation also touches on the ethical dimensions of generative AI and the importance of diverse perspectives. Lastly, delve into the limitations of 'genius design' and the significance of community engagement in problem-solving.

Scott Belsky, co-founder of Behance and Chief Strategy Officer at Adobe, discusses navigating today's creative landscape overwhelmed by generative AI. He emphasizes the need for empathy over passion in tech creation and the importance of hybrid skills. Belsky talks about balancing creativity with execution, highlighting how organization can enhance team productivity. He also explores emotional turbulence in careers and shares insights from his book The Messy Middle, encouraging resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.

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.