Design More Despair Less
Design More Despair Less is a weekly podcast hosted by product designer Jason Bilyeu. It provides practical design thinking strategies, AI-powered design tools, and creative problem-solving techniques for product designers, mechanical engineers, and innovators. The show draws inspiration from Bell Labs, Rick Rubin's creative process, and quantum engineering to help listeners overcome creative blocks and boost productivity. Each episode offers actionable tips on user personas, product development, and cutting-edge engineering solutions.
Episodes
Ep. 100 - In a World of Cynics, Be an Idealist
The world gives you plenty of reasons to be cynical. The news, politics, social media, the relentless pace of change — it all adds up. And honestly? The cynicism isn't always unfounded. But what if choosing idealism isn't naivety — it's a strategy? In this episode, I break down the AI and jobs conversation without the doom or the blind optimism. Yes, the shift will be hard. Yes, real displacement
Ep. 99 - What If You Are Capable of So Much More?
In this episode of Design More Despair Less I read an article I wrote titled "What If You Are Capable of So Much More?". If you would like to read the article it can be found on my 𝕏 profile or on Medium.|I'm on X! Follow me @BilyeuPD right here: https://x.com/BilyeuPD.Follow me on Medium (https://medium.com/@BilyeuPD).Subscribe to the Design30 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DesignMoreD
Ep. 98 - I FAILED! (But it wasn't fatal)
I failed and posted this Fail More Friday on a Saturday! Okay, I know it's not the biggest failure in the world but still, not what I planned. However, it fit's in perfectly with this episode that is all about failure. Although uncomfortable, and with very real risks, failure is necessary to build something impactful.To achieve true greatness, design exceptional products, and build successful comp
Ep. 97 - Why Recognition Trumps Recall in Design
We are so much better at recognizing than recalling. We've all experienced this when struggle to recall a name or a town but we know all of the names that it isn't! Isn't that weird? Well, it's a common occurrence for all of us and something designers should understand when creating products aimed at being usable and useful. |I'm on X! Follow me @BilyeuPD right here: https://x.com/BilyeuPD.Follow
Ep. 96 - Gap Analysis (How to Improve Your Products and Your Business)
In this episode I discuss what a Gap Analysis is and how it can be used both to improve your product design and your business as a whole. Every great product company has a current state and a desired state, with a laundry list of gaps in between. This episode will help you understand how to identify and close those gaps. |I'm on X! Follow me @BilyeuPD right here: https://x.com/BilyeuPD.Follow me o
Ep. 95 - Grow The Roses (Of Success)
A nostalgic look back at the iconic and timeless movie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! Who knew that this old classic would hold so many gold nuggets for designer in our day and age. In this episode I dive deep into the lyrical (and design) genius of the song "Grow The Roses of Success". Come take a walk down memory lane and learn a thing or two about the mindset you need to succeed in spite of failure
Ep. 94 - Why We Must Despair Less
In this episode I discuss the despair we face in the United States as evidenced by the past week and the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Despair devalues, dehumanizes, and devolves us as human beings. We must fight it with everything we have.|I'm on X! Follow me @BilyeuPD right here: https://x.com/BilyeuPD.Follow me on Medium (https://medium.com/@BilyeuPD).Subscribe to the Design30 YouTube Channel:
Ep. 93 - Quantum Computing and User Centered Design
In this episode I discuss how user centered design impacts new tech industries such as quantum computing and cryogenics. New technologies are ripe for improvement and a user centered mindset allows you to design a product your customers will love. Less frustration, less service calls, and better performing products will set you apart as a designer as well as your company in a new tech market. |I'm
Ep. 92 - Is Elon Musk's "Idiot Index" Actually Useful?
In this episode of Design More Despair Less I read an article I wrote about Elon Musk's "Idiot Index". If you would like to read the article it can be found on my 𝕏 profile or on Medium.|I'm on X! Follow me @BilyeuPD right here: https://x.com/BilyeuPD.Follow me on Medium (https://medium.com/@BilyeuPD).Subscribe to the Design30 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DesignMoreDespairLess|Design
Ep. 91 - Design More. Despair Less. (The Podcast)
We are back and better than ever with an all new podcast title: Design More. Despair Less.Sound familiar? Of course it does! I'm jumping back into the podcast and bring more relevant, holistic, but still design heavy content. Please reach out and reconnect as we push to improve the world by encouraging design and punching despair in the face one episode at a time.|I'm on X! Follow me @BilyeuPD rig
Ep. 90 - Grok As A Mechanical Engineers Assistant
Can Grok be your Mechanical Engineering assistant? Listen to this episode and find out! Artificial Intelligence will impact all of our lives in a significant way, no matter who you are or what you do. Stay ahead of the curve and start using AI to make yourself more efficient and effective.|I'm on X! Follow me @jbilyeudesign30 right here: https://x.com/jbilyeudesign.Follow me on Medium (https://med
Ep. 89 - Threat Detection and AI
In this episode I talk about threat detection, what it is, how it is used in design, and how it is utilized to grab and hold our attention online. Yes, AI is a threat and people are using that to grab your attention (just like I am doing right now).|I'm on X! Follow me @jbilyeudesign30 right here: https://x.com/jbilyeudesign.Follow me on Medium (https://medium.com/@design30).Become a free subscrib
Ep. 88 - Consider These 3 Things When Making Big Life Decisions
In this episode I respond to a listener question on how to pick a life dream to pursue when you have been juggling multiple for years!|I'm on X! Follow me @jbilyeudesign30 right here: https://x.com/jbilyeudesign.Follow me on Medium (https://medium.com/@design30).Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: https://design30.substack.com).Subscribe to the
Ep. 87 - A Few Thoughts On Inauguration Day
I provide a few thoughts on Inauguration Day and how we should focus on what we can do as individuals to improve ourselves, our families, and our communities. It's not our thoughts but our actions which will make an impact on this world for good.|I'm on X! Follow me @jbilyeudesign30 right here: https://x.com/jbilyeudesign.Follow me on Medium (https://medium.com/@design30).Become a free subscriber
Ep. 86 - SpaceX The Destroyer of Despair
In this episode I discuss what SpaceX is doing to destroy your despair and why you should pay attention!|I'm on X! Follow me @jbilyeudesign30 right here: https://x.com/jbilyeudesign.Follow me on Medium (https://medium.com/@design30).Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: https://design30.substack.com).Subscribe to the Design30 YouTube Channel: http
Ep. 85 - Creepy Robots and the Uncanny Valley
In this episode I talk about the new Realbotix humanoid robots unveiled at CES this past week and use them as an opportunity to talk about the concept of the Uncanny Valley. Enjoy!|CNET Article: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/we-interviewed-aria-a-175k-almost-human-robot-at-ces-2025/TECHEBLOG: https://www.techeblog.com/realbotix-melody-arya-humanoid-robot/Realbotix Website: https:
Ep. 84 - Everyone Is A Designer
A reading from "The Creative Act: A Way of Being" by Rick Rubin and a few thoughts from me on it.|I'm on X! Follow me @jbilyeudesign30 right here: https://twitter.com/jbilyeudesign30.Follow me on Medium (https://medium.com/@design30).Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: https://design30.substack.com).Subscribe to the Design30 YouTube Channel: htt
Ep. 83 - Personas (The Archetypal User)
In this episode of the Design30 Podcast I discuss user personas and why they are a useful design tool. Personas help us define and understand our users while also aiding in communicating their needs to the design team. Additionally, these archetypal user personas provide specificity where ambiguity typically reigns, at the start of a project. Remember, a product designed for everyone serves no one
Ep. 82 - Innovation vs. Invention (Plus Thoughts on Despair)
In this episode of the Design30 Podcast I discuss the differences and similarities between innovation and invention. Additionally, I provide some thoughts on despair to close out the week.|I'm on X! Follow me @jbilyeudesign30 right here: https://twitter.com/jbilyeudesign30.Follow me on Medium (https://medium.com/@design30).Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (su
Ep. 81 - Let There Be Light!
Sometimes things are so commonplace we don't even realize we are taking them for granted. Light is one of those things! The engineering and innovation that has brought use light whenever we want it should not be overlooked or under appreciated. From Christmas lights to a simple overhead light, we have light all around us at the flip of a switch. Our ancestors had to work for it!|I'm on X! Follow m
Ep. 80 - 4 Steps to Design Driven Innovation
In this episode I discuss the 4 steps to design driven innovation as defined in the book Creative Confidence by Tom and David Kelley. The four steps are: 1) Inspiration 2) Synthesis 3) Ideation and Experimentation 4) Implementation. Understanding this process will help you actually create an innovative culture for your company and provide actionable advice on how to develop innovative products. Wh
Ep. 79 - Design More Monday: Creative Confidence
This is the very first Design More Monday! In this new series I will be bringing you a design related topic every Monday for you to implement throughout the week. To start off, I provide how the concept of Creative Confidence has shaped the way I view creativity in myself.|I'm on X! Follow me @jbilyeudesign30 right here: https://twitter.com/jbilyeudesign30.Follow me on Medium (https://medium.com/@
Ep. 78 - Despair Less Friday (A New Series)
In this first of many "Despair Less Friday" episodes I talk about the future benefits of Tesla Optimus-like robots completely ending the disgusting practice of slave labor.|I'm on X! Follow me @jbilyeudesign30 right here: https://twitter.com/jbilyeudesign30.Follow me on Medium (https://medium.com/@design30).Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: ht
Ep. 77 - Hick's Law and Ockham's Razor
Design30 is back! In this episode I provide an introduction to Hick's Law and how Ockham's Razor can be used in everyday design work. Enjoy!|I'm on X! Follow me @jbilyeudesign30 right here: https://twitter.com/jbilyeudesign30.Follow me on Medium (https://medium.com/@design30).Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: https://design30.substack.com).Sub
Ep. 76 - The Freedom of Constraint
In this episode I discuss how design constraints can actually lead to more freedom in decision making, eliminate design paralysis, and reduce writers "designers block". A lack of constraints will inevitably lead to compounding arbitrary decisions which will wreak havoc on project budgets and timelines. |Design for Manufacturability & Concurrent Engineering: https://a.co/d/04ON6Wlx|I'm on X! Fo
Ep. 75 - How You Respond When Things Go Wrong Will Define Your Career
In this episode of the Design30 Podcast I dive deep into the nuances of Design30 principle #26 and how it can apply to our jobs, careers, and lives. Things will go wrong in your life and, although they may not be your choice, you do have to respond. Will you crumble under the pressure? Or will you see the challenge for the adventure it presents? | I'm on X! Follow me @jbilyeudesign30 right here: h
Ep. 74 - Simple Is Rarely Easy
In this episode of Design30 I provide a few examples of why I believe simple is rarely easy. I provide an example of a simple stainless steel bowl and how it is manufactured, why the "simple" idea of the iPhone isn't so simple, and compare an iPod shuffle to an old school record player. At the vary end, I briefly touch on the idea that complexity in design is conserved.I'm excited to be back with
Ep. 73 - Time To Figure Out What's Next
It's time for me to figure out what is next.|Follow me on Medium (https://medium.com/@design30).Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: https://design30.substack.com).Subscribe to the Design30 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi2eKOkU66wUXSs1LCc7Swg|"Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Copyright 2023 Design30 LLC.
Ep. 72 - What Design Can Tell Us About Personality and Values
We can understand a lot about a designer and the values of their culture by simply analyzing the products they design. Do they favor functionalism or beauty? Simplicity or complexity?In this episode I discuss in detail an excerpt from the book Structures by J.E. Gordon. I cover a lot of topics around beauty, functionalism, simpllicity, and other philosophical questions!|Show Notes -Structures by J
Ep. 71 - The CYBERTRUCK
Well, it is finally here! The Cybertruck. It has been a long four years since we were all introduced to it and now they have begun deliveries. In this episode I provide a high level overview of the vehicle, discuss some of the most innovative aspects of the vehicle, and then dive into some high level design philosophy.|Show Notes - Cybertruck reviews on that I recommend on YouTube:https://www.yout
Ep. 70 - Training Not Trying
At a wedding I attended the weekend before Thanksgiving, I learned this phrase: Training Not Trying. It hit me that this mindset is one all designers should learn to have. When we are training we are committed, disciplined, learning, and growing. What designer wouldn't want that?|You can read my new article "A Thanksgiving of Design" on Medium (https://medium.com/@design30).Become a free subscribe
Ep. 69 - Is Design Thinking Dead?
In this episode I address the question, "Is Design Thinking Dead?"Stay tuned next week for the final two phases of the Design Thinking process.|You can read my new article "Freedom and Creativity" on Medium (https://medium.com/@design30).Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: https://design30.substack.com).Subscribe to the Design30 YouTube Channel:
Ep. 68 - Design Thinking: Prototype, Test, Iterate
In this episode I discuss the next three phases of the design thinking process. First, is the prototype phase where you construct low-fidelity versions of your best ideas from the ideation phase. Then you test these with actual users and record feedback. That feedback is then implemented as design iterations and improvements during the iterate phase. Next, you cycle back through these phases with
Ep. 67 - Design Thinking: Ideate
Continuing down our path of the Design Thinking process, this week's episode is on the 3rd step: Ideate. This step is all about coming up with ideas. It is quantity over quality. I provide information on what this step is all about and a few practical tools on how to implement ideation as well as how to improve your ideation skills.|Show Notes:If you are interested in learning more about Mind Mapp
Ep. 66 - Design Thinking: Define
We continue our series diving into the practical details of Design Thinking on today's episode. The topic of discussion? Define! The second step in the Design Thinking process is to define the problem or the need that will be addressed by the team. I discuss why a problem statement or a need statement is necessary, how to write one, and the implications on the big picture of your design project.|S
Ep. 65 - Design Thinking: Empathize
Design Thinking is quickly becoming an overused buzzword that lacks meaning. In this mini-series, I'm going through and defining Design Thinking step-by-step and in detail. In this first part of the series I dive deep into what it means to Empathize with users to truly understand their experiences, needs, and perspectives. This involves so much more than simply listening to or reading feedback fro
Ep. 64 - Fake FAQs #6
Welcome to another episode of fake FAQs and real answers. In this episode I answer the following questions:1) What was your favorite part of the Canary Islands?2) Were there any designs that stood out to you on your trip?3) Are you a vacation person?|You can find me on Medium now too! (https://medium.com/@design30)Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe h
Ep. 63 - I Am Back
I'm back from my nearly three week honeymoon in the beautiful Canary Islands. I climbed mountains, soaked up sun, and even had time to think about a little bit of design. In this episode I provide a bit of my vision moving forward on Design30 and then discuss how important it is for designers to think like engineers and engineers to think like designers.|Show Notes -Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson: h
Ep. 62 - The Keys to Innovation and Invention
In this episode I discuss nine key takeaways from the book The Evolution of Useful Things by Henry Petroski. Understanding and implementing these keys are critical to your ability to innovate and invent. |Show Notes -The Evolution of Useful Things: https://a.co/d/b5aRZMd|You can find me on Medium now too! (https://medium.com/@design30)Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack
Ep. 61 - How To Actually Under Promise and Over Deliver
In this episode I provide four practical tips on how to actually under promise and over deliver on a project or a design. This is a skill all designers need no matter the industry you work in.|Show Notes -Canyon Camp Trowel: https://www.montanaedc.com|Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: https://design30.substack.com).Subscribe to the Design30 Yo
Ep. 60 - The Golden Ratio
In this episode I was inspired by a recent visit to a Leonardo da Vinci exhibit to dive into the golden ratio. What is it? Where is it found? Why do people find it aesthetically pleasing? All that and more on this episode.|Show Notes - Universal Principles of Design: https://a.co/d/3xG3opuCanyon Camp Trowel: https://www.montanaedc.com|Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack
Ep. 59 - Fake FAQs #5
Welcome to another episode of fake FAQs and real answers. In this episode I answer the following questions:1) How often do your design skills come in handy around the house?2) What are your thoughts on Threads now compared to when it launched?3) How can UX/UI design principles be applied to mechanical design or the design of physical products?4) Are you related to Tom Bilyeu?|Become a free subscri
Ep. 58 - Opportunities to Innovate
In this episode of the Design30 Podcast, I read through a few stories of how innovation starts with a simple problem or user need. From these stories you will learn about the humble beginnings of waterproof sandpaper, Scotch Tape, and the incredibly useful Post-It Note from a few genius employees of 3M. Innovation and opportunity is everywhere if you learn to listen and look for it.|Show Notes -Th
Ep. 57 - Five Websites For Every Product Designer
In this episode I discuss five websites every product designer should be using. These five websites will help you turn your ideas into physical products. Whether you need some screws to fasten two parts together, a new CNC machined part, or an order of ten thousand sheet metal parts, these websites will help you design, order, and build your next innovative product!|Show Notes -https://www.mcmaste
Ep. 56 - Interstate Design and Consistency
In this episode of Design30 I discuss how simple changes to an interstate on-ramp can illustrate multiple design concepts and their impact on the user experience.|Show Notes -The Design of Everyday Things: https://a.co/d/5Zykt45|Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: https://design30.substack.com).Subscribe to the Design30 YouTube Channel: https://
Ep. 55 - Forgiveness and Framing in Design
In this episode I discuss forgiveness and framing in design. Forgiveness, you ask? That's right, forgiveness is an integral design principle you can use to optimmize the user experience of your design. In addition, understanding how framing is implemented and utilized to influence people will make you not only a better designer but also a more informed, confident citizen.|Show Notes -Universal Pri
Ep. 54 - Form Follows Failure
In this episode I discuss the traditional ways of understanding the design principle "Form Follows Function" as well as why it may be more accurately stated as "Form Follows Failure". I end the episode with a rant on roundabouts that you don't want to miss.|Show Notes - The Evolution of Useful Things: https://a.co/d/b5aRZMdUniversal Principles of Design: https://a.co/d/8eGJ4BE|Become a free subscr
Ep. 53 - Of Forks and Threads
In this episode of the Design30 Podcast I discuss simplicity once again. I touch on my Substack post from last week on the simplicity of Crocs and then do a long deep dive into the evolution of our "simple" eating companion, the fork. Finally, I end with a few thoughts on the release of Threads.|Show Notes - The Evolution of Useful Things: https://a.co/d/b5aRZMd|Become a free subscriber to access
Ep. 52 - The Infamous Design Pivot
In this episode of the Design30 Podcast, I discuss the infamous Design Pivot. One of the most common experiences for a designer is change and how you handle this change will determine the success of your projects and products. I provide some practical advice on how to analyze a design pivot and how to deal with the frustrations that will inevitably come with it.|Become a free subscriber to access
Ep. 51 - Is Design A Skill That Can Be Learned?
In this episode I discuss why I believe design is a skill that can be learned. I then go into some practical ways to improve this skill based on some processes and suggestions from one of my favorite books, Creative Confidence.|Show Notes -Creative Confidence: https://a.co/d/3XiY9tW|Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here:https://design30.substack.co
Ep. 50 - The Curious Comeback of Crocs
In this episode of the Design30 Podcast I discuss the curious comeback of Crocs. What is the story of these controversial shoes? Why have they made a huge comeback in recent years? |Show Notes - All of the references from todays episode:https://www.themodestman.com/crocsreview/https://medium.com/throughdesign/footwear-that-follows-function-41da62c16acbhttps://www.footart.co.uk/crocs-croslitehttps:
Ep. 49 - Apple Vision Pro Design Review
In this episode of the Design30 Podcast, I discuss the new Apple Vision Pro headset that was released this last week. I discuss the mindset we should have with new technology, the design of the headset and how Apple applied different design principles, what are the potential applications of this AR headset as well as for augmented reality in general, and then finally why we should be patient with
Ep. 48 - Fake FAQs #4
Another Fake FAQs from Design30! In this episode I answered the following questions:1) What is the best movie you've seen in the past 1-2 years?2) Have you thought about doing a video podcast?3) Are you going to do interviews on the podcast at some point?4) What are your initial thoughts on the new Apple Vision Pro's?||Read my new Substack article here: https://open.substack.com/pub/design30/p/lea
Ep. 47 - What Is A Design Engineer?
In this episode of the Design30 Podcast, I discuss 1) why I make this podcast 2) I have a new Substack post out and 3) what is a design engineer? Design engineering is an exciting field of work that I have loved for the past 5 years and I think this episode will help you see why!|Read my new Substack article here: https://open.substack.com/pub/design30/p/leaders-create-clarity?r=1ki4fl&utm_cam
Ep. 46 - What Is Product Design?
What actually is product design? You hear this term used all over the place but what actually defines product design and what skills make somebody a good product designer? I discuss all of that and more on this episode of the Design30 Podcast.|Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: https://design30.substack.com).Subscribe to the Design30 YouTube Ch
Ep. 45 - How To Stop Missing Deadlines
In this episode of the Design30 Podcast I describe a simple strategy that we all need to implement ASAP to stop missing project deadlines. How often in a project do we simply blow past our idealized schedule and end up pushing out timelines, going over budget, and burn ourselves out with 80 hour weeks? All of the time, right? Well, with this simple strategy you will plan better projects, be much m
Ep. 44 - A/B Testing
In this episode of the Design30 Podcast I go into the details of A/B Testing. What is it? When should you use it? And, perhaps more importantly, when should you NOT use it?|Show Notes - Universal Methods of Design: https://a.co/d/fM4Em33The Lean Product Playbook: https://a.co/d/7YETeFJCreative Selection: https://a.co/d/bhdVjz1|Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles
Ep. 43 - Fake FAQ's #3
Welcome to a Fake FAQ's episode on a Friday! In this episode of the Design30 Podcast I answer 5 Fake Frequently Asked questions so that you can learn a little bit more about me as the host of the Design30 Podcast. I answer:What does the 30 mean in Design30?Do you actually use risk maps?What's the best book you've read this year?Do you call yourself a designer?How important is writing to a designer
Ep. 42 - Risk Maps
In this episode of the Design30 Podcast I discuss Risk Maps. What are they and why are they beneficial to your project? |Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: https://design30.substack.com).Subscribe to the Design30 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi2eKOkU66wUXSs1LCc7Swg|"Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Copy
Ep. 41 - Leaders Provide A Common Vision
In this episode of the Design30 Podcast I discuss a key takeaway from a transformational leadership class I attended this weekend. Leaders provide a common vision! I you are a leader and you can not articulate what the vision of the company is, then there is no way the people you are leading know what the vision is. |Show Notes - The Practice by Seth Godin: https://a.co/d/97IyVuc|Become a free sub
Ep. 40 - In Review: Designing for People
In this episode of the Design30 Podcast I review the book Designing for People by Henry Dreyfuss. There is so much more in this book than what I cover, so please go out and buy it!|Show Notes - Designing for People by Henry Dreyfuss: https://a.co/d/9kJcS3hMake Big Plans by Jason Bilyeu: https://open.substack.com/pub/design30/p/make-big-plans?r=1ki4fl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=webMontana
Ep. 39 - Sometimes You Need a Big Win
Sometimes you need a big win in your life but you don't get big wins without making big plans. Listen to this episode of the Design30 Podcast to learn more. Also, become a subscriber to the Design30 Substack to read my recent essay titled Make Big Plans.|Make Big Plans by Jason Bilyeu: https://open.substack.com/pub/design30/p/make-big-plans?r=1ki4fl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=webMontana
Ep. 38 - Five Strategies To Reduce Design Complexity
In this episode of the Design30 Podcast, I provide five strategies to reduce design complexity as well as two tools to aid in choosing a user need to address and how to weigh value created versus investment of time and/or money. This episode is the result of a question I received from a listener. So, please do not hesitate to reach out. I want to hear questions, ideas, and criticisms. Anything you
Ep. 37 - Advice to a Young Designer
In this episode I provide five pieces of advice that I gave to a young designer. I hope everyone had a great Easter! Thank you so much for listening and supporting the podcast.|Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: https://design30.substack.com).Subscribe to the Design30 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi2eKOkU66wUXSs1LCc7Swg"Des
Ep. 36 - Fake FAQs #2
Let's do another round of Fake FAQs! This weeks fake frequently asked questions are:1) What is one skill you use everyday?2) What is one skill you want to improve at for your product design work?3) You say that designers need to "feel the pain" of their designs. I thought your designs weren't supposed to be painful?|Find my guest blog post here: https://www.ourlazycreativity.com/post/failintellige
Ep. 35 - Positive and Negative Feedback Loops
In this episode of the Design30 Podcast I discuss positive and negative feedback loops. I describe what they are, why they aren't inherently good or bad, why you need to understand them as a designer, and finally I provide some examples of both. Both positive and negative feedback loops can be implemented in your designs to optimize performance improve the user or customer experience.|Show Notes -
Ep. 34 - Old Fashioned Hard Work
In this episode of the Design30 Podcast, I discuss a couple takeaways from the forward of the book Developing Products in Half the Time by Preston G. Smith and Donald G. Reinertsen. The forward is written by Neil Hagglund who was the Corporate VP and Director of Corporate Technology Planning at Motorola Inc. In the forward I found two nuggets of knowledge I felt I needed to share with the listener
Ep. 33 - How To Fix Air Travel
In this episode of the Design30 Podcast, I discuss some thoughts I have on air travel and airports after traveling to and from Las Vegas this past week. Where there is struggle, annoyance, difficulty, or bad experiences there is space for design thinking to improve it! Difficulty is opportunity in many ways.I hope to hear your thoughts and feedback on this episode! Please reach out on Twitter, Ins
Ep. 32 - The Complicated Role of Pressure
In this episode of the Design30 Podcast I discuss the complicated role of pressure in the development of creative and innovative ideas or technologies. For more on this topic, please subscribe to the Design30 Substack where my most recent post is available and serves as a nice companion to this episode.|Show Notes -Learn more about the discovery of the Neutron here: https://www.aps.org/publication
Ep. 31 - Improve Efficiency and Reduce Errors
In this episode I provide one simple strategy to improve efficiency and reduce errors. What's the secret? You're duplicating information too often! Stop it! Duplicating information requires you to update multiple documents, videos, or files when that information changes, which it inevitably will. Change is constant at work just as it is in life. So, prepare for it and do not place the same informa
Ep. 30 - Fake FAQs #1
Fake FAQs is a series within the Design30 Podcast where I answer fake frequently asked questions. Yes, the questions are fake but the answers are real. This week I answered the following questions:1) Why did you start the Design30 Podcast?2) What book has been the most impactful on you in your design career?3) What is the next skill you are hoping to learn?4) What is a critique you have never forg
Ep. 29 - How to Become an "Idea Factory"
In this episode of the Design30 Podcast I discuss four lessons I learned from the Bell Labs "Idea Factory". If you want to understand how good ideas are developed and incentivized it is imperative that you study the habits, beliefs, and actions of successful companies. As the R&D department of AT&T, Bell Labs created more innovative and world changing technologies than any other company in
Ep. 28 - Design Lessons from the Q-Collar
In this episode, I follow up on last weeks episode to provide some design principles and takeaways from the Q-Collar. I discuss three primary takeaways: 1) Simple is Hard 2) Change Your Perspective 3) Good Design Improves Lives.This episode references the Design30 Substack, so become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: https://design30.substack.com). S
Ep. 27 - In Review: Q-Collar (How To Protect Your Brain)
In this episode I go through the website for the innovative new product called the Q-Collar. This simple yet effective device has been proven to reduce traumatic brain injury (TBI) in athletes as well as service members. It has been worn by NFL athletes (among others) to reduce the negative impacts of repetitive head impacts and concussions. In my opinion, this device is a perfect example of how d
Ep. 26 - Flexibility vs. Usability (It's Tradeoffs All The Way Down)
What is the tradeoff between flexibility and usability? When should you favor a flexible product over a usable product? How does flexibility impact efficiency in design? I answer all of those questions and more in this episode of the Design30 Podcast.Show Notes - Sources:Universal Principles of Design: https://a.co/d/67LZnbh"Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Copyright 2022 Desi
Ep. 25 - A Call To Criticism
In this week's episode I present a Call to Criticism! Criticism of this podcast. I want to hear your thoughts. What do you like about Design30? What do you not like? What about the podcast interests you? What do you want to hear more of? I want to hear all of the criticisms. Letting me know what you like is fine, but I am mostly interested in what you think could be improved! Creating a good produ
Ep. 24 - Fitts's Law: Why Are E-Stop Buttons Big and Close?
In this episode of the Design30 Podcast, I provide a description of Fitts's Law and how it is exemplified in the design of an emergency stop button. In addition, I provide several examples which show why Fitts's Law should not be ignored in your product design, no matter the context. Subscribe on YouTube and follow on Instagram! (@learndesign30)If you would like to support the podcast please consi
Ep. 23 - 80/20 Rule
Happy New Year and happy 2023! In this 23rd episode of the Design30 Podcast I discuss the 80/20 rule. First I provide a little background on the origin of the rule and then dive into some definitions and examples. Use the 80/20 rule to improve your design team efficiency, productivity, and quality. It is an incredibly useful heuristic to help make difficult design decisions and is a tool we all sh
Ep. 22 - Double Diamond Model for Creativity and Design
In this episode I discuss the Double Diamond Model and how it can be utilized to improve creativity in your design process. Through divergent and convergent thinking, the Double Diamond Model allows designers to ideate, explore, define, and deliver innovative solutions to complex problems.Show Notes:Huberman Lab Podcast: https://hubermanlab.com/the-science-of-creativity-and-how-to-enhance-creative
Ep. 21 - Product Usability vs. Value
Usability does not ensure a valuable product. To achieve Product-Market fit, you must design a product that is highly valued by the users in your target market. Developing a product that is also usable will help solidify your Product-Market fit and increase your potential for a disruptive innovation in your market segment. To drive this point home, I lean on the expertise of Dan Olsen in his book
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