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Explore every episode of the podcast design by us

Dive into the complete episode list for design by us. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
113 | What Does The Vision Pro Mean For Designers19 Feb 202400:29:46

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi try to figure out and predict what would the Apple Vision Pro’s future mean for users, developers, and designers.


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112 | App Icon Design with Michael Flarup08 Jan 202400:55:18

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi speak with Michael Flarup, icon designer, game developer, and fascinating creator. Michael discusses the significant yet often overlooked role of app icons in our lives, particularly their impact on our interaction with technology. Michael has dedicated a big part of his career to making some of the most ‘iconic’ app icons, which lead him to author the iOS and macOS App Icon books (you can find them below).

Throughout the episode, they explore the intersection of art and utility in app icon design. Michael shares why he dedicated his career to this space, providing insights into his creative process and when it is time to rethink your app icon. The app icon is the user's first interaction with a product, making it a great opportunity to enhance the user’s connection with your product.

Finally, they discuss Michael’s ventures beyond digital design and his experience in making video games, including insights from his upcoming title "Dinolords".


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103 | Have a Coffee Break: Uncovering Blank Street Coffee04 Sep 202300:39:13

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi literally go into Blank Street Coffee, a coffee company that's been making waves in the industry. From their remarkable financial achievements to their innovative approach to coffee-making, Blank Street Coffee is redefining the way we enjoy our daily caffeine mix.

Blank Street Coffee made headlines last year when they secured an astonishing $67 million in funding from high-profile venture capital funds like General Catalyst and Tiger Global, as well as the founders of Allbirds and Warby Parker, and even the real estate giant Tishman Speyer. Learn how these investments have fueled their rapid expansion, with an incredible 60 shops sprouting around the world in just two years.

Luigi and Ravi discuss the purpose of ‘another’ coffee shop. Their mission is simple: serving a clean, natural, and high-quality menu to customers at affordable prices. At Blank Street, a 16-ounce iced latte priced at $4.25, competes with giants like Dunkin' ($3.75) and Starbucks ($5.50). As one co-founder puts it, they aim to be the go-to place for that "our goal is not to make the best coffee, we just make a really good cup of coffee that you drink twice a day, every day."

Lastly, they delve into the world of Eversys, the company behind the cutting-edge coffee machines that power Blank Street Coffee's success. Discover the partnership between Eversys and the De'Longhi Group, as well as their mission to elevate the role of the barista and let human skills flourish in coffee-making.


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013 | ‘Creativity, Inc’ - Notes on Managing Creative Teams20 Jul 202000:46:26

An episode about managing creative teams. Ed Catmull was co-founder of Pixar and president of Walt Disney Animation Studios. He has been a pioneer of 3D computer graphics and animated films. Luigi and Ravi discuss the book ‘Creativity, Inc’,  written by Ed and published in 2014. Throughout the episode they share the main takeaways and perspectives from the book about how to manage creativity within a team.

The Pixar Story - Disney+ Documentary

Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy (2004)

Ed Catmull at Stanford University

012 | ‘Objectified’ - Ideas around Product Design13 Jul 202000:31:26

This time we explore the concepts and ideas that define the way we design, manufacture, and consume everyday objects. ‘Objectified’ is a feature-length documentary about our complex relationship with manufactured objects and, by extension, the people who design them.

Objectified IMBd

Objectified Trailer

Jony Ive - Documentary clip

Paola Anonelli - MoMA

Davin Stowell | Smart Design - Documentary clip

Karim Rashid - Documentary Clip

Natuzzi - Handmade furniture 

IDEO

Follow us on Twitter - @designbyus_fm

011 | WWDC 202005 Jul 202000:47:39
010 | 'The magic of the brick' - Lego24 Jun 202000:51:11
Trailer | 'We speak to you!'15 Jun 202000:01:37

My name is Luigi, and mine is Ravi.

We speak to the makers, originators, creators, founders, innovators, doers and can-doers.

The ones who think differently,

you, the ones building our future.


We record our journey as we explore our complex world.

Where the harmony of music is matched by the cacophony of war,

where the connection of individuals means the disconnection of societies,

where time is relative for some and absolute for others.


The past is gone, a relic from which we can learn.

Our journey is a short one, and all that matters is what we do before we reach our destination.

We have taken small steps for man, but must create leaps for humankind.


Our past was built by them,

our present is defined by them,

our future will be designed by us.

009 | ‘Designing Floating Cities’ - Marc Collins Chen25 May 202000:50:27

This time the founder and CEO of Oceanix, Marc Collins Chen, joins us to discuss how floating cities will help locations affected by sea level rise and climate change. In collaboration with the United Nations, MIT, and the Bjarke Ingels Group, Oceanix designs, engineers, and deploys self sustained floating cities.

Oceanix Website

Marc Collins Chen - Boma Conference

Floating Cities - Dezeen Article

008 | ‘Great designs that failed’19 May 202000:36:30

This time we analyse and discuss the successful failure of four different products: Juicero, DeLorean, Theranos, and Google Lively. Also, quote of the day “you are entitled to your own opinion, but you are not entitled to your own facts”.

Juicero in-depth review by Ben Einstein  

DeLorean road test

Theranos y Patrick Neil

007 | ‘Intellectual Pangaea’ - Carl Gombrich07 May 202000:56:51

How do you design a university? What does the future of education look like? We live in the Age of Entanglement of knowledge where all academic disciplines complement each other to shape the people who solve the biggest problems of our society. Carl Gombrich, one of the creators of the London Interdisciplinary School and former UCL professor, joins us to discuss the future of education.

Carl Gombrich TED Talk

London Interdisciplinary School

006 | 'Imagineering'01 May 202000:33:00

How did an animation company become one of the most innovative companies in a world where audio animatronics were a thing of the future?

“There is really no secret about our approach. We keep moving forward—opening up new doors and doing new things—because we’re curious. And curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. We are always exploring and experimenting. At WED, we call it Imagineering—the blending of creative imagination with technical know-how.”

-Walt Disney

Imagineering in a Box

Avatar Land Boat Ride

Galaxy’s Edge Star Wars

The Imagineering Story

005 | 'The power of branding' - John Whalley21 Apr 202000:48:25

‘Make an emotional connection because those are the ones that last’. This was a special week, we had our first guest John Whalley. Besides being a fantastic human being, John has passion and expertise on helping brands to connect with their audiences. Get enlightened by John’s analogy and advice on how to create a solid platform for your brand.

Startup Weekend 

Seventy7

Use.space

Start with why - Simon Sinek

The Coaches' voice

102 | On Shoes In-Store Experience & Santiago Bernabeu's €1 Billion Renovation21 Aug 202300:35:48

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi explore a captivating blend of economics, architecture, and community impact. They begin with a curious observation about the new Oppenheimer film and the use of the Futura typeface. Then, followed by a dissection of the On Shoes' London in-store experience, has the On brand lived up to its brand standards? Shifting gears, Luigi and Ravi give us a glimpse of Real Madrid’s €1 billion Santiago Bernabeu's stadium rebuild, an endeavour set to redefine sports and tourism.


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004 | ‘What is good design?’12 Apr 202000:47:57

Special thanks to Karan for his support! This time we discuss the work of Michael Bierut, and his graphic design principles. The redesign of Slack. New York City Metro signs. MIT media lab brand.

Karan Navani

What is good design?

How To by Michael Bierut 

WalkNYC

Slack

Slack has a new logo, and, umm, you be the judge

Brand New: New Logo and Identity for MIT Media Lab by Pentagram

Luigi on Twitter

Ravi on Twitter

003 | 'The Instagram brand crisis'30 Mar 202000:33:26

Apps have been around for a very long time and they have completely changed the way we live, particularly, the way we communicate and engage with each other. With no doubt, Facebook has been one of the most influential companies in this regard. Is Facebook actually 'evil'? How does Instagram influence the mental health crisis of our generation? Is it about building a community or just the numbers at the end of the year?

Cool UI design tools:

Webflow

Sketch

Figma

AdobeXD

002 | The one and only, Jony 'Eve'12 Mar 202000:34:47

This week, the new iPad Pro took over the stage. Is it a new iPad or just a new ‘Magic Keyboard’? (By the way, it does not float). Was our friend Jony Ive involved in the design of the keyboard case?. How are the AR experiences gonna be improved with the new LiDAR sensor? What is LiDAR anyway?

Links:
IPad Pro Promo video
IPad Pro - How to correctly use a computer
SkyboxApp

001 | 'Where is the steering wheel?!'07 Mar 202000:47:13

The Geneva Motor Show has been cancelled just before its launch. Cars were ready, tickets were sold out and the show was about to start. But the Swiss government banned all events larger than 1,000 people to avoid a coronavirus outbreak. Leaving what it seemed an apocalyptical venue with no sign of life. We discuss and critique the most interesting designs and concepts that were not presented during the Geneva Motor Show.

Stuff we discussed:

Abandoned Geneva Motor Show

Koenigsegg Gamera

Polestar Precept

Hyundai Prophecy

Ferrari Roma
Ferrari Roma Advertisement

Porsche 911 992

1986 AMG Hammer

Accidental Tech Podcast

Tesla Model 3 in the rain

101 | Multiplayer Web Apps - Designing for Connected Experiences07 Aug 202300:32:20

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi dive into the world of multiplayer web apps, exploring how they revolutionize online interactions such as Figma, Google Docs, Notion, Call of Duty, and Mario Kart, highlighting the core networking components crucial for multiplayer live online experiences.

They discuss the complexities of maintaining synchronization among players and ensuring accurate representation of game events. They explore how making design decisions on networking architectures and protocols impact the trade-off between reliability and speed, making the difference in your user experience. Drawing insights from Call of Duty's "Favour the Shooter" rule, they illustrate how delayed data impacts the experience. Finally, Luigi and Ravi celebrate the immense value of multiplayer online experiences has brought to our society. Next time you encounter a multiplayer app experience, you will not look at it the same way.


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Referenced:

Arcade Font Design By Us episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/76uPu7kAqcU4bvJinTg3dt?si=1ovwAup8QKGAMHPZnt1p5w

What happens when you click undo (ctrl+Z): https://liveblocks.io/blog/how-to-build-undo-redo-in-a-multiplayer-environment

Figma as a file editor: https://digest.browsertech.com/archive/browsertech-digest-figma-is-a-file-editor/

The mother of all demos: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mother_of_All_Demos

How Figma works: https://www.figma.com/blog/how-figmas-multiplayer-technology-works/

Liveblocks: https://liveblocks.io

Reflect: https://reflect.net/

100 | Shillington: Back to (Graphic Design) School!30 Jul 202300:38:32

In this episode Ravi and Luigi discuss what learning Design looks like. Fresh off the back of graduating from Shillington College, Ravi shares some of the tips he picked up in this 9 month course. Plus: can you systematise creativity?


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099 | Threads: Solving User Problems or Business Problems?17 Jul 202300:39:12

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi explore Threads, the new social media app launched by Meta. Threads experienced unprecedented success, attracting 70 million users within its first few days and surpassing other Twitter competitors. Its integration with Instagram allowed for seamless profile and content transfer. Threads signifies a shift towards protocol-based social media, does it really? With plans to enable access to an open social media protocol in the future. Luigi and Ravi discuss the limitations of walled garden platforms and the advantages of open protocols, including increased competition and user control. They also emphasise the importance of user education and the development of compelling applications to drive adoption of protocol-based social media. The vision is a future where users have unified digital identities across platforms, fostering collaboration and growth within the social media landscape. Finally, Luigi and Ravi highlight the potential implications for users and companies, including the flexibility to switch platforms without starting from scratch and the opportunity for developers to innovate on shared social media infrastructure. So, what does the future of social media has in store for us?

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098 | Inclusive Design at Microsoft [Refreshed Episode]10 Jul 202300:35:37

In this episode Luigi and Ravi revive one of the earlier episodes about a very important topic, that defines how we design a more inclusive world.

Inclusive Design enables the full range of human diversity by including a range of perspectives throughout the design process. In this episode, Luigi and Ravi talk about Microsoft’s eye-opening Inclusive Design Toolkit that enables designers to push their design thinking skills to fit a wider audience and create superior products.


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097 | Designing VisionOS Experiences03 Jul 202300:33:39

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi embark on an immersive journey to uncover the intricacies of the enhanced visionOS documentation. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for user experience, they explore the fundamental design characteristics that define visionOS. They showcase the limitless canvas provided by Apple Vision Pro, where virtual content seamlessly blends with the physical world. They shine a spotlight on the revolutionary Spatial Audio capabilities of visionOS. They guide viewers through captivating sound design explorations, such as opening a window with a touch of realism, and creating a serene and immersive soundscape. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a balance between providing meaningful feedback and avoiding overwhelming users, suggesting techniques like randomizing sound elements to enhance the overall experience. Luigi and Ravi highlight the integration of inclusive design and accessibility within visionOS. They delve into features like VoiceOver, Switch Control, and Guided Access, which empower users to personalize their interactions based on their specific needs.


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096 | The Arc Browser: A New Hope - Product Review26 Jun 202300:44:51

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi take a deep dive into the intriguing world of the Arc Browser in this episode of Design By Us. They'll explore the browser's features, design philosophy, and all the quirky aspects that make it either an interesting browsing experience or... well, maybe not so much! They explore the features, design philosophy, and unique aspects of this browser developed by The Browser Company. Also, they share their favorite features including what makes Arc special to them, and some predictions about where Arc might go in the future. Luigi and Ravi then shift their focus to The Browser Company's design system, shedding light on the brand architecture and the decision to give their first product a distinct name from the company itself. They delve into the company's unique branding approach and how they embody a scrappy mindset. Deep dive into the intriguing universe of the Arc Browser.


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095 | Inside the Apple Campus: Exploring Norman Foster's Masterpiece19 Jun 202300:38:14

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi explore the Apple Campus, an architectural marvel designed by Norman Foster. Opened in 2017, the campus embodies innovation and collaboration, with 175 acres of land and a main building worth $4.17 billion. Powered by 100% renewable energy and featuring the world's largest panels of curved glass, the campus is a symbol of Apple's commitment to sustainability. With 12,000 employees, the campus fosters creativity and idea-sharing through its design. The campus includes a 930m2 fitness center, the Steve Jobs Theatre, and unique offerings like baby clothes and a designated AR area. The Apple Campus synergizes with Pixar Campus, encouraging collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas. From the central cafeteria to the base isolation system, every aspect of the campus reflects Apple's dedication to excellence and employee well-being. Finally, they uncover the visionary design decisions and personal attachment of Steve Jobs to the Apple Campus.

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094 | WWDC 2023: Apple’s Vision Pro & Other Less Big, But Still Cool Features12 Jun 202300:56:20

It's that time of the year again—WWDC is here! As it is tradition, Luigi and Ravi discuss the dive deep into all the exciting announcements made at Apple's annual developer conference. Apple announced their long-awaited mixed reality headset, VisionPro, along with other iOS, MacOS, and WatchOS features. Is the new era of spatial computing really here? This is a long one, enjoy!


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111 | Reddit’s Rebrand: The Heart Of The Internet04 Dec 202300:32:48

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi dive into the vibrant transformation of Reddit's rebrand. As Reddit gears up for a potential 2024 IPO, our host explore the brand elements, from the beloved Snoo mascot to the unique terminology of 'r/' and the iconic upvote-downvote mechanisms. Pentagram, the design powerhouse, plays a crucial role, identifying four key traits that define Reddit's essence.

They discuss the character development process, from rendering the 2D Snoo icon in 3D to introducing a menu of emoji-like Snoos. Also, they mention the new core illustration style, featuring heroic 3D icons. How the typeface undergoes a transformation with Reddit Sans and the addition of a conversation bubble, mirroring core user actions.

Additionally, Luigi and Ravi highlight how motion design takes center stage, relying on multimodal elements, including a character hero with an expressive antenna. They explore the simplified color palette and its impact on Reddit's use and product development.

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093 | The Search Revolution Part 2: The Origin of Search Engines, Search Monopolies, the Future of Search With AI05 Jun 202300:34:19

In this episode series, Luigi and Ravi embark on a captivating exploration of the past, present, and future of search. They uncover the impact of Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP), optimized mobile webpages that load faster, and their prioritization in Google Search. Then traverse the evolution of the Search Engine Results Page (SERP), from local results in 2004 to the integration of images, videos, and news in universal search in 2005. They uncover milestones such as Google Suggest, expanded text ads, rich snippets, and the knowledge graph.

Luigi and Ravi also debate of using social media as a search engine and and how Amazon, Siri, and YouTube are also search competitors. Does the average user care which search engine they are using?


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092 | The Search Revolution Part 1: The Impact of Search, Google’s Algorithm, and The Biggest Failures of Search30 May 202300:34:20
In this episode series, Luigi and Ravi explore the fascinating revolution and impact of search. In this Part I of the search series, they will uncover mind-boggling search statistics that highlight the immense scale of search engines, with Google at the forefront, handling a staggering 8.5 billion searches per day. Also how multimodal search, including the revolutionary Google Lens, is transforming the way we interact with search engines, answering a mind-blowing 8 billion queries every month. Luigi and Ravi unearth the hidden secrets of search algorithms with crawling, indexing, and ranking, and understand how factors such as keywords, links, location, and freshness influence search rankings. They will also unravel the complexities of handling edge cases, like providing up-to-the-minute news and differentiating search results based on location. Finally, the episode examines the ever-evolving nature of the Search Engine Results Page (SERP), from local results and universal search to rich snippets and knowledge graphs. Support Design By Us: Follow designbyus on Twitter: https://twitter.com/designbyus_fm Find more content and support us on Patreon: https:/www.patreon.com/designbyus Where to find Luigi and Ravi: Check out: byus.design Follow Luigi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/luigi_dintrono Follow Ravi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/raviisoccupied Referenced: AMP: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accelerated_Mobile_Pages Google Ads: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Ads SEO is ruining the web: https://web.archive.org/web/20200410011122/https://www.superhighway98.com/seo How Google Search Works: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/how-search-works A Visual History of SERPs: https://www.searchenginewatch.com/2017/03/29/a-visual-history-of-google-serps-1996-to-2017/ How Google Search Works Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eKVizvYSUQ Google Search Results Quality Guidelines: https://static.googleusercontent.com/media/guidelines.raterhub.com/en//searchqualityevaluatorguidelines.pdf Social search: https://frontier.com/resources/exploring-the-secrets-of-search Search engine desktop market share: https://www.statista.com/statistics/216573/worldwide-market-share-of-search-engines/ Samsung considers Bing: https://www.sammobile.com/news/samsung-galaxy-phones-tablets-bing-search-replace-google-default-search-engine/ Google Estimated to be Paying $15bn to Apple: https://www.forbes.com/sites/johanmoreno/2021/08/27/google-estimated-to-be-paying-15-billion-to-remain-default-search-engine-on-safari/ Timeline of Web Search Engines: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_web_search_engines Infoseek: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infoseek ALIWEB: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ALIWEB Conversational Search: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/features/bing-chat?form=MT00D8&ch
091 | The MSG Sphere: Is It The Future of Immersive Entertainment?22 May 202300:33:28

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi explore the awe-inspiring MSG Sphere Las Vegas, diving into its impact on the future of entertainment and the ecosystem. With a staggering cost of $1.8 billion, the MSG Sphere boasts 17,000 seats and a mind-blowing 19,000 x 13,500 pixel resolution screen. Luigi and Ravi discuss the captivating 160,000 LED display, speakers using beamforming technology, and immersive infrasound haptics. Finally, they delve into the implications such structure will have in the ecosystem, light pollution, and question if this structure is the right fit for a city like London.

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090 | Google I/O 2023: AI, Gemini, PaLM 2, Foldable Phones, & the Android Ecosystem15 May 202300:47:25

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi discuss the AI, UX, design, and tech highlights from the Google I/O 2023. They delve into what they call “the layers of AI”, including the challenges of working with complex models, fine-tuning domain-specific models, and the importance of interfaces. Is AI getting to a point where it really is a UX problem?

They also discuss the new tablet which comes with a docking system that can be used as a home control device and a speaker. Also, they highlighted the new AI features coming to Pixel and Android, highlighting the Magic Editor and the Maps Immersive View for routes.

Finally, Luigi and Ravi dove into applications and the politics of Bard, Gemini, and PaLM 2. Are they all the same thing? Should Google brand their AI features as one and surface them in different applications?

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089 | The Universe of 8-bit Arcade Font08 May 202300:30:13

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi explore the universe of 8-bit arcade typefaces. We discuss the background of arcades from 1975-1985, the business models of arcades, and what makes these fonts unique. Games like Space Invaders and Sprint 2 dominated the scene. The monitor screens were divided into a 28x32 tile grid, with each tile being 1 byte of data or 8 bits. These 8-bit tiles were split into an 8x8 grid, allowing designers to turn on individual cells to create more detailed images. However, the more cells turned on, the more computer power was required. What makes these fonts so technically intriguing is how they have stood the test of time. Despite being created due to technical limitations, these fonts continue to be used today in various forms. Finally, we touch on the evolution of fonts into color fonts and what we can expect in the future with 3D rendering.

-

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088 | Supermarkets: Make More ÂŁÂŁÂŁ With These Weird Hacks01 May 202300:34:49

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi try to understand why going to the supermarket always takes longer than it should. Turns out, supermarkets hack your brain by overwhelming you. Listen to find out what they do, why they do it, and even how you can avoid some of the pitfalls.

—

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Referenced


087 | Creativity Inc - Notes on Managing Creative Teams24 Apr 202300:46:52

Luigi and Ravi are working on future episodes, so they have decided to dust off one of the most popular episodes of all time!

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi dive into the world of design and discuss the book 'Creativity, Inc' by Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar and former president of Walt Disney Animation Studios. With his pioneering work in 3D computer graphics and animated films, Ed offers invaluable insights on managing creativity within a team. Luigi and Ravi share their main takeaways and perspectives from 'Creativity, Inc', which was published in 2014. They explore Ed's approach to nurturing creativity in a team, drawing from his experiences and lessons at Pixar and Disney Animation Studios. From fostering a culture of open communication to embracing failure as a stepping stone to success, Ed's management principles have transformed creative teams worldwide.

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086 | The Power of Scent: How Smell is Used as a Design Tool17 Apr 202300:34:40

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi explore the power of scent as a design tool. Smell has the ability to recall memories, spark emotions, influence mating decisions, and even impact brand perception. They delve into the science behind smell and the brain, how aroma can enhance a brand's image, and the process of physically designing scents. Additionally, they discuss examples such as Hyatt Place, which has been using a signature scent to enhance brand perceptions and increase brand memorability for guests. Finally, they jump into the steps involved, including selecting ingredients, creating a scent profile, experimenting with notes, and evaluating the performance and impact of the scent in our everyday lives.

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085 | Futura: The Typeface That Took Humans To The Moon10 Apr 202300:30:48

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi explore the fascinating journey Futura, a typeface that is not just a font, but a piece of art! They explore how Futura's unique design and geometric simplicity was crafted manually to achieve legibility and aesthetic appeal. Also, how major brands like Nike and Volkswagen have used this iconic typeface for multiple marketing campaigns, and how it even made its way to NASA's Apollo mission for manuals, buttons, and the Mercury capsule panels. That's not all! Luigi and Ravi also delve into Futura's dark side and how Futura's popularity has made it one of the most-copied fonts in history, despite being associated with Nazi Germany, and many more political campaigns throughout history.


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084 | Product Design At Decathlon03 Apr 202300:34:40

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi go on a thrilling exploration of the world of product design at Decathlon, the sporting goods retailer that's taking the industry by storm. With an annual revenue of 10 billion euros and over 70 sub-brands, Decathlon is revolutionizing the way we think about sports gear.

They discover how Decathlon's mission to make sports accessible to everyone is reflected in its fully integrated product design process and store experience. Also, how the stores play an immense role in the experience as they become large "playground" type spaces that allow customers to explore and try out various equipment and products on display.

They will also dive deep into Decathlon's user persona and reveal who actually buys their products, and why. Meanwhile, emphasises community events as part of the design process, and not just as a commercial activity.

Finally, Luigi and Ravi unravel the secrets of how Decathlon manages to drive prices 30% lower than the competition, all while making a wide variety of sports accessible to everyone.


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110 | Dive Into Humane's AI Pin20 Nov 202300:53:36

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi deep dive into Humane’s new product—the AI Pin, a wearable gadget that transcends norms with its projected display and AI application. They begin with a glimpse into the talented team behind Humane, including ex-Apple members who played key roles in iPhone, Safari, mouse, and other Apple innovations. Additionally they discuss the storytelling of the brand, an exploration of CosmOS, emphasising its unique selling point—speed of thought—powered by OpenAI. Finally, they debate privacy concerns, and how the AI Pin can potentially disrupt the way we interact with devices.


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083 | Plane Entertainment Systems27 Mar 202300:34:22

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi explore the fascinating world of In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) systems. Discover the history and evolution of IFE systems, from the early days of in-flight movies to the cutting-edge technology of today. Find out why despite the industry being worth $5.9 billion, IFE systems still struggle to meet passenger expectations. Explore the challenges faced by airlines in delivering a high-quality IFE experience, and learn about the latest innovations in the field.

But IFE systems are not just about entertainment. Luigi and Ravi also discuss how IFE systems can support the work of cabin attendants, extending services to them in case of an emergency. Discover how IFE systems can be used to enhance passenger safety, making air travel even more secure.

Finally, look to the future of IFE systems, where the possibilities are endless. Imagine IFE systems that use virtual reality, spacial sound, and BYOD to create a truly immersive experience for passengers.


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082 | Is Microsoft Designer The Tool Designers Have Been Waiting For?20 Mar 202300:29:38

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi explore a brand new tool from Microsoft 365, Microsoft Designer. This is a tool for creating multiple types of graphics, from logos and invitations to blog banners and social media posts using DALL-E 2 by OpenAI. They explore the question: is entering a text description of what you want and receiving a result good design? Finally, they do a UX analysis of the experience and debate about the usability, use cases, and user personas this tool is actually made for.

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081 | Lensa App: The Dark & Bright Side of Photo Editing13 Mar 202300:38:17

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi discussed the controversial photo-editing app, Lensa. The app was developed by Prisma Labs in 2018 as a photo-editing tool, and since then, it has garnered nearly 6 million downloads worldwide. They will discuss the appeal of Lensa's image filters and AI-generated images, and explore how they differ. They also delve into the issue of sexualization and implicit bias in the app, which has raised serious concerns among users. Finally, Luigi and Ravi touch on the murky legal territory around Lensa's copyright and how does this differ from any other creative process?


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080 | Breaking Down the What3Words System06 Mar 202300:36:16

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi dive into the world of what3words, a navigation technology that is changing the way we communicate location. From emergency services to deliveries, what3words is transforming how we find and share precise locations. They discuss the origins and development of the technology, its applications in various industries, but also explore some cases where it has created confusion during emergency situations. Additionally, they explore the technical aspects of the product, including how to calculate the number of words and squares you would need to fill the surface of the Earth with 3x3 squares.

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079 | Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making27 Feb 202300:47:42

Tony Fadell is the creator of the iPod, and the founder of Nest. In 2022 he released his book, Build. Join Ravi and Luigi as they take a deep dive into Build, and also the contents of his talk at Websummit 2022. They’ll discuss what goes into creating world class, product led companies covering lessons around business, product, storytelling and more. Plus: Data vs Opinion - is there a winner in this eternal debate?


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078 | Should you Build a Second Brain?20 Feb 202300:40:25

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi will be discussing the concept of designing and building a second brain or knowledge management system. Today, we consume an equivalent of 174 full newspapers everyday, this information overload contributes to high levels of daily stress, work performance, and your ability of being present. With so much information available to us, it's important to have a system in place to to capture, store, and retrieve knowledge, both for personal and professional development. Luigi and Ravi share insights on how they have designed their own systems to best capture passages, memorable quotes,  bookmarks, anecdotes, and memories. Also, tools available, shortcuts, and practical tips on how to create an effective knowledge management system for better productivity, creativity, and learning.

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077 | Deconstructing Dating App Algorithms13 Feb 202300:35:41

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi dive into the user experience and technology behind online dating apps. With over 40% of people meeting their first date through an app or website, it's no secret that these technologies have changed the way we date. They will explore the design behind successful dating apps, and the role algorithms play in making meaningful connections. Also, they will discuss the "double opt-in" mechanics, Gale-Stanley algorithm, and the math behind matchmaking. Finally, are we productizing people with online dating apps?


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076 | How Starbucks Redesigned The Coffee Industry06 Feb 202300:44:16

In this episode, Luigi orders the most expensive drink in Starbucks history, and the pair dive into whether it was sugar or store design that has had a bigger impact on the ubiquitous caffeine dispensary that has come to dominate our world. They’ll also explain why Starbucks is actually a bank, how it pursued a ‘third space’ strategy, and the murky origins of the Frappacino. Plus: how many different Starbucks drinks are there in the world? (Whatever you hear on the show, it’s more than 107,000, trust me - Ravi) 

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Find the free show notes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/78278765?pr=true 

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075 | Muji’s No-Design Strategy30 Jan 202300:38:48

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi try to figure out if not having a brand is actually having a brand. They take a look at MUJI, the global retailer selling minimalist home and stationary goods. Chances are you’ve got, or someone near you, has one of their products - identified only by their brown paper labels.  They’ll dive into the history of the brand in 1980’s Japan, and take a look at the design principles behind every one of the companies’ 7000 products. Join them as they unpack a truly ‘design first’ retailer.  

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Find the free show notes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/designbyus

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Check out: byus.design     

Follow Design By Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/designbyus_fm    

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074 | Beyond the Green Screen: The Rise of Virtual Production23 Jan 202300:41:26

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi dive into the world of virtual production, a cutting-edge technology that has revolutionized the way movies and TV shows are made. We explore the process and techniques used in some of the most popular productions, including "The Mandalorian" and "The Batman."  First, we discuss the use of real-time rendering in virtual production, which allows for immediate feedback on the visual effects and lighting, making the process more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. They also take a look at the use of volume LED in virtual production and how it allows for realistic and interactive lighting on a virtual set, giving filmmakers more control over the final look of their scenes. Finally, they deep dive into the impact of Jon Favreau and Jon Knoll, who have been at the forefront of VFX with "The Lion King," "Iron Man," and "The Jungle Book". 

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Find the free show notes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/designbyus

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Check out: byus.design     

Follow Design By Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/designbyus_fm    

Follow Luigi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/luigi_dintrono    

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109 | Game Design: A Deep Dive into Gran Turismo13 Nov 202300:42:10

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi dive into the world of Gran Turismo's game design. They begin with the inception of the iconic series, highlighting Gran Turismo 1's remarkable journey. Additionally they discuss how hardware optimisation sets the design of the game, from 300 polygons in early games to 500,000 in Gran Turismo 5. They also discuss Gran Turismo Sophy, an AI that sees the virtual environment as a dynamic map, using machine learning algorithms to adapt to various conditions.

Luigi and Ravi explore the intersection of game design and technology, discussing Vision GT, VR's role, and the balance between fantasy and authenticity. Finally, they wrap up with a critical analysis of game design principles, citing Rahul Vohra's insights and expressing disappointment with Gran Turismo 7's missed opportunities.


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073 | CES: BMW ‘Futuristic’ Vision, Health Tracking, Sony’s Car, Samsung’s New Fridge 16 Jan 202300:34:39

In this episode, Luigi and Ravi will discuss the highlights from CES 2023, the world’s largest consumer electronics trade show held in Las Vegas earlier this month. They will be discussing some of the keynote speeches from the event, including the opening address from the CEO of BMW, who discussed the company's ‘futuristic’ vision. But let's be honest; we are all just excited about the new cup holder design! Also, how wearables and fitness trackers are revolutionising the future of health monitoring, we are literally ‘pissing’ data away. Finally, they conclude with some of the funniest releases of the conferences, such as Samsungs latest advancements in home appliances... like a refrigerator that can finally hold a six-pack and change colours.

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Find the free show notes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/designbyus

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Check out: byus.design     

Follow Design By Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/designbyus_fm    

Follow Luigi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/luigi_dintrono    

Follow Ravi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/raviisoccupied

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