3 Great Podcasts to Learn About Design
Since we first started exploring the podcasting universe some weeks ago, we have been making great discoveries — for example, did you know that in some cities there are “podcast clubs” where people gather to discuss about shows?
A lot of podcasts offer exceptional quality content, in-depth analyses and insightful observations. However, unlike what happens for other media, listening to podcasts is still a solitary activity for the most part; this means that there is still not much space for conversation outside one’s private listening sessions.
Here at Pier 31, we love exchanging ideas, starting conversations and engaging in debates. We are also passionate about Design, the way it affects our lives and the world that surrounds us. Given the extent of its reach, Design is definitely a very fertile area for podcasters. The podcast production process itself is, after all, a creative labour:
“Podcasting is a process. At its best, it should resemble every creative act: messy, iterative, dogged. For game talkers, mistakes-enthusiasts, learning-junkies, media-pioneers or some combination of the above, podcasting may be the ideal pursuit.”
Eye On Design (AIGA)
This week, we are sharing a list of Design-related podcasts: we selected shows that shed some light on everyday objects, products, and the (sometimes unusual) processes that lead to their creation.
- 99% Invisible
Browsing the beautiful 99% Invisible website, you come across the following description of the show: “99% Invisible is about all the thought that goes into the things we don’t think about — the unnoticed architecture and design that shape our world”. The show started in 2010, but the unusual facts uncovered never really get old, making it easier to fall into a binge-listening habit. The categories that can be explored are attractive: Architecture, Cities, Sound, Technology, Infrastructure, Objects, Visuals, and History. You can learn about a variety of things that you probably take for granted, from windscreen wipers to the “psychoanalytic couch”. Don’t know where to start from? You can try with this episode about the rise of container shipping and how it affected the design and the development of cities. - Clever
Clever is a podcast about Design and the people behind it. The show aims to connect the listeners to the “built world” and show them that good Design has an impact on our lives and daily activities. Hostesses Amy and Jaime interview their guests for approximately one hour, bringing their personal stories to the surface: they focus on how each guest got started in the world of design, the obstacles they encountered along the way, what drives their passion. These informal and not strictly work-related conversations end up revealing a lot about the role of designers, their views and sources of inspiration. If that’s still not enough, the podcast guests also give plenty of great recommendations and advice on the Clever blog. - Hustle
Produced by Service and Product Design Agency Funsize, this podcast examines all the elements that contribute to the creation of meaningful digital products. The bottom line is: it takes more than great ideas alone to accomplish business goals. In each episode, Founder and Head of Design of Funsize Anthony Armendariz interviews designers working in several fields, as well as creative agency CEOs, investors and advisors in the industry. The topics they touch upon vary, but the focus is always on people, team culture and education — and how all these factors can lead to successful completion of projects. A great episode to listen to is this one, on the importance of having an effective and open communication between teams of designers and developers (we can definitely relate).
Bonus: Creative Mornings
If you are in the tech industry, you might already be familiar with Creative Morning events. The concept is very simple: gather the local creative community, offer them breakfast and host a short talk. Started in New York in 2008, it now reached over 150,000 people with chapters in 168 cities all over the world. For those who still did not get the chance to attend, this podcast collects the most inspiring talks delivered so far — including Debbie Miller’s popular “The top 10 things I wish I knew when I graduated college” and insights on creativity and the freedom to fail from Moby.
PS: you can attend Creative Mornings events in Lisbon, too!
Are you into podcasts? Do you run one? What are your favourite Design-related shows? You can check out our previous recommendations on podcasts for entrepreneurs who are getting started.
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