A cup of Earl Grey with — Ben Tollady
This week we interview one of the founding directors of Thirst Studios — Ben Tollady. Find out what drives him, his current obsessions and other juicy tidbits.
When did you start at Thirst?
2008, at the very beginning…
Where are you from?
Oxford, UK
Prior to Thirst I…
Studied Industrial Design, worked in automotive design, then on the web in the dot-com boom of the late 90’s. Moved to Melbourne and worked in various web and IT consultancies before founding Thirst.
What fuels you?
That there are so many terrible, inaccessible digital experiences still in existence. And the desire to improve those important digital products and services through good design.
When you’re at the studio, what do you get your kicks from?
Getting to work with such a great team of smart, talented, like-minded people as ours, every day.
What has working in this industry taught you?
The importance of research and empathy in good design.
What does accomplishment feel like?
Watching users achieve their goals and genuinely enjoy using the things we design.
What is your go to afternoon snack?
A cheeky Bounty Bar
What is your spirit animal?
A fish. I love swimming (and I’m pretty forgetful too).
Your favourite or most used apps:
Teux Deux, Google Inbox, Casts, Slack, Spotify, Sleep Cycle, Strava.
Currently listening to:
Ryan Adams, Ride, The Pixies, Fugazi, Frank Turner, Mastodon and the Let’s Make Mistakes podcast.
Currently reading:
Crush it! by Gary Vaynerchuck, Leaders eat last by Simon Sinek and The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*CK by Mark Manson.
What do you do for fun?
Play with my kids, Cycle, Play drums
Current obsession:
TED talks about design & business.
Ben will be discussing his experience with Reframer at Optimal Workshop Roadshow on Wednesday, March 15.
