The Informed Life

Michael Anton Dila discusses his initiative, Oslo for AI, aiming to design better processes for governing artificial intelligence. Topics include his background in online learning and leadership roles in the U.S. Department of Defense, challenges of existing governance systems, and the potential for innovative financial mechanisms to alter economic incentives.

Designer Dave Elfving discusses Gray Area, a nonprofit fostering creativity, art, and technology. They explore hands-on learning in AI and physical computing, highlighting the inclusive educational programs and supportive environment for innovation.

Joey DeVilla, a tech veteran, shares his recent layoff experience and insights on handling job loss in the industry. He discusses storytelling, coding, and his accordion adventures in Toronto. The discussion also delves into destigmatizing layoffs, building resilience, networking for growth, and the importance of support during challenging times.

Elizabeth McGuane, UX director at Shopify and author of Design by Definition, discusses the impact of language in user experience. She explores the significance of clear communication, understanding user mental models, and designing for conceptual clarity. The importance of defining terms and the distinction between everyday language and system language in design are also discussed.

Pierluigi Dalla Rosa, an interaction designer at Humane, discusses novel computer interfaces and interactive environments. They explore the Tramontana project, benefits of interactive spaces, principles for designing interactive environments, and the potential of collaborative digital information.

Nathan Shedroff, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and educator talks about his new book, A Whole New Strategy, and the importance of design in strategic conversations. They discuss the misconception and lack of quality in strategic work, rethinking business strategy, and the role of designers in clarifying metrics for success. They also explore the concept of 'shift left design' and the importance of strategy as a daily practice.

In this podcast, they discuss connecting concepts, information architecture, personal knowledge management, and the impact of AI. They explore the benefits of using the brain system for knowledge management and the core model in creating digital products. They also discuss tools and strategies for personal knowledge management, organizing personal book collections, the flexibility of Emacs, and the impact of large language models on information organization.

Steve Portigal, author and user research consultant, joins the host to talk about the process of writing non-fiction. They discuss challenges of writing different book projects, structuring a book using Tinderbox, the evolution of the writing process, and online presence/book promotion.

Steve Portigal, a user research consultant and author, discusses the motivations for writing and the challenges of creating a second edition. They explore the evolution of brands, the responsibilities of working on projects with rich histories, and the process of content production and teaching for books. They also provide information on finding the speaker online, book sales, and preordering their new book.

Audrey Crane, Head of Growth at DesignMap, discusses strategies for organizations to maximize the value they get from design work, including shadow design and its relationship to organizational maturity, investing in dedicated design teams, exploring 'design enlightened' organizations, and strategies to address shadow design.