Design Better

Brendan Boyle, a toy inventor and educator at Stanford, shares his passion for the intersection of play and creativity. He highlights the critical role of play in childhood development and innovation, emphasizing how testing concepts with kids sparks novel ideas. Brendan critiques current toy trends, advocating for experimental freedom over rigid metrics. He also discusses the importance of prototyping in toy design and how generative AI influences creativity. With an optimistic outlook, he believes play is essential for combating boredom and fostering rich experiences.

Vicki Tan, a talented designer and author currently at Pinterest, shares her fascinating journey through major companies like Lyft, Headspace, and Spotify. She discusses the impact of the pandemic on her work and the importance of taking sabbaticals for personal growth. Vicki emphasizes 'finding umami' to clarify a company's mission and reflects on the evolving dynamics of remote work and creativity. Additionally, she dives into the differences between management and individual design roles, advocating for a mission-oriented approach to success.

Connor Moore, a skilled sound designer who has crafted auditory experiences for giants like Tesla and Uber, shares his insights on the magic of sound in interaction design. He discusses how sound shapes brand identity, making technology more intuitive through iconic audio cues. From the creative process behind sound logos to balancing user needs, Connor illustrates the profound impact of sound on user experiences. His journey highlights the importance of emotional connection, showcasing how effective sound design contributes significantly to branding.

Matt Abrahams, a communication expert and educator at Stanford, shares invaluable insights on becoming a more effective communicator. He discusses the importance of thinking on your feet, suggesting that improv techniques can enhance presentation skills. Matt emphasizes a six-step methodology to empower spontaneous speaking, tackling anxiety and building genuine connections. Listeners will learn practical tips to elevate their public speaking abilities, whether in high-pressure situations or everyday conversations.

In this engaging discussion, guests Paul Lambert, the eco-focused CEO of Quilt, industrial designer Maaike Evers, and designer Mike Simonian share their insights on using design to combat climate change. They dive into innovative heating solutions like heat pumps, emphasizing how thoughtful design can enhance both functionality and aesthetics. The trio also explores the importance of collaboration between designers and engineers to create appealing sustainable products, while drawing inspiration from literature to deepen their understanding of human-nature connections.

Julie Zhuo, former VP of Product Design at Facebook and author of 'The Making of a Manager', shares her journey from intern to influential leader. She dives into the intricacies of transitioning from individual contributor to manager in a fast-paced startup environment. Zhuo explores key challenges like overcoming imposter syndrome, the art of delegation, and fostering a supportive team culture. She highlights the transformative power of writing and emphasizes actionable insights for new managers, particularly focusing on representation in leadership.

Award-winning wildlife cinematographer Roger Horrocks discusses shaping stories, collaborating with directors, and integrating generative AI. He shares experiences swimming with great white sharks and Nile crocodiles, highlighting the patience required in his craft.

Author and research practitioner Steve Portigal shares insights on mastering the art of interviewing users, emphasizing the importance of reading between the lines and uncovering deep insights. He discusses transitioning to consultancy work, the release of a second edition of his book, and the nuances of user research techniques. From observing body language cues to asking probing questions, Steve provides valuable tips for conducting impactful interviews.

Dan Mall, an expert in design systems, discusses creating and sustaining successful design systems, emphasizing collaboration. His new book, Design That Scales, offers insights into the roles of team members in design systems. The podcast explores the challenges and strategies of scaling design systems and the significance of understanding different approaches.

Astrophysicist Sara Seager discusses pushing boundaries in discovering exoplanets through collaboration and innovation. She reflects on vulnerability, mentorship, and the importance of failure in driving success. The podcast explores her work on potentially habitable planets, overcoming challenges in teamwork, and the upcoming launch of the James Webb Space Telescope.