The Design Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Johanna Drewe is Partner and Creative Director of the London branding and design studio – Output.

Output is a team producing distinctive visual identities for companies big and small, from their work with Mixcloud and Clear Bank to redefining what many of us would have described as the “old man identity” of the UK entertainment channel – Dave. Well… that was before Ouput got their hands on it. 

In our interview, we explore Johanna's path from a creator to a creative leader - revealing some of her early struggles with the transition (the need to let go of the micro-detail and focus on the bigger picture) through to her approach and her role today as the studio's (undoubtedly successful) Creative Director. 

Building on the theme of thought leadership, we expand the conversation into the studio's culture, unpacking their optimistic, explorative and slightly rebellious character. We touch upon their adaptive process and how those same values have transitioned into their benefits package – from flexi hours, community programmes and a 9-day-fortnight. Why? Output believes that designing the best environment for their people yields their best work – something that we have no doubt is true. 

Tune in now for the final episode of season three with the charismatic and charming – Johanna Drewe. 

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Niccolò Miranda is an award-winning Art Director, Interactive Designer, and Developer based in Amsterdam.

In just five years since Niccolò entered the web design scene, he has captured our attention with his playful and bold work for a spectrum of clients, including Prada, Cobo, and Chiara Luzzana. Niccolò has become a familiar name with Awwwards collecting numerous recognitions, teaching at their virtual academy, and talking at their conference. His work has also received recognition from The FWA, Cannes Lions, and DDA.

It's no surprise, given the rocket ship that Niccolò's riding, that we spend time unpacking his personal principles, creative process, and sources of inspiration from the more recognisable influences in his work, such as graphic novels and gaming to cooking and even Harry Potter's Daily Prophet (the latter perhaps evidently present in his personal site - Paper Portfolio).

Niccolò also reveals his developing interest and work with AI, NFTs, and the Metaverse. Oh… and his latest celebrity-backed project in the space.

Join us for a light-hearted yet deeply reflective conversation with one of this generation's most inspiring digital designers.

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We are delighted to welcome Jonas Zieher, Partner and Design Director at Spin.

Over the last decade, Jonas has dedicated himself to shaping an eclectic portfolio through graphics, communication and motion design.

Prior to Spin, Jonas spent time at the world-renowned Pentagram and ran his own studio; Studio Jonas Zieher, with his work featured at the Espoo Museum of Modern Art and Guggenheim Museum in New York.

Today Jonas leads the creative efforts of Spin alongside partners Tony Brook and Patricia Finegan.

The studio has worked with impressive clients, including Apple, BBC, MUBI, Samsung, Nike and Tate Modern, shaping identity systems across digital, print and physical environments.

In this episode, we explore Jonas's personal journey into the creative fields, the role of a Design Director and unpack the creative rituals behind Spin's thriving culture and success.

This is a fascinating conversation for any designer, but particularly for those of you leading and building design teams. Jonas kindly talks us through the studio's work ethic, the importance of cooking and eating together, and how a strict routine enables space for creativity.

Naturally, how could we not explore some of Spin's work? Jonas kindly talks us through the creative journey for 'Waste Age', created for The Design Museum.

That's enough from us, let's hear from Jonas. Headphones on and play...

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We're joined by the lovely Leon Barrett, Product Director at the award-winning product agency 383.

Leon trained initially in software engineering and grew his career to Director of Engineering before transitioning into a Product Leadership role. Over his 14 year career, he has created digital products for government, hospitality, finance, automotive, education and retail brands.

Leon currently leads the Product team at 383. Where he and his team of Business Analysts, Product Owners, Product Delivery Leads and Strategists have created experiences for Hilton, Chevrolet, VWFS, Busy Bees, Jaguar Land Rover, E.ON, HomeServe, The AA, National Express and Adidas.

A passionate advocate for Product, Leon engages in public speaking, mentoring and coaching. He is also Curator for the Canvas conference and a Trustee at Awesome BHX.

We discuss Leon's career path, unpack some of the secrets behind 383's success and hear his advice on all things Product. As Leon is our first Product leader on the show, we couldn't resist talking about that vital collaboration between Designers and Product Managers.

We loved the conversation with Leon and share an affinity with perspectives on the Product and Design relationship - it will be music to many creative's ears.

Let's get into it!

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We are thrilled to be joined by a former award-winning Industrial Designer, now UX Researcher, Catherine Suen.

And yes, Catherine works closely with our Creative Director at Smart Tech - as we've said before when you have access to a pool of incredible talent, why not share their stories and experience with the world?

With her career spanning just a decade, Catherine has already created an impressive portfolio, designing experiences for Microsoft, RCA, Honda, Jaguar, Hive and most recently, Vodafone Smart Tech.

Catherine trained initially as an Industrial Designer and worked for a design studio in her home town of Hong Kong before moving to London and completing a double Masters degree in Innovation Design and Engineering. She then went on to work as an Innovation Consultant and helped set up a design lab in Tokyo before returning to the UK and transitioning into UX Research.

Catherine's work has received global recognition picking up awards from Core77, HKDA Global Design Awards, Red Dot and iF! She is also passionate about inspiring others and works as a guest lecturer for the Royal College of Arts.

In our conversation, we discuss Catherine's academic and professional path. What fuels her work and has driven her to try a variety of creative roles.

Naturally, we couldn't have her on the show without giving you expert guidance on UX Research practices. Catherine very kindly shares practical advice that you can bake into your own process.

What are you waiting for? Let's get into it.

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Today we're joined by a creative leader, designer and award-winning photographer, Karl Randay.

Karl currently leads the design team for the Brummie (Birmingham) based 383, a digital product studio that has created experiences for E-On, Home Serve, Busy Bees, AA, Jaguar and Audi.

Karl has a diverse creative career spanning over two decades, in which he has shaped product solutions for the fashion, leisure, healthcare, energy, automotive and broadcast industries. An advocate for design, Karl regularly speaks on the subject. He also runs a design vlog, 'The User Lab' and works as a mentor with Adplist and Designed.org.

In addition, his creative work doesn't stop with products. He's also an award-winning photographer, with his work featured by National Geographic and displayed in exhibitions in the U.S.

We had a wonderful conversation with Karl about design theory, philosophy, and cognitive science. This episode mixes career stories and practical advice for shaping successful user experiences.

What are you waiting for? Let's get into it.

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What an episode we have for you today! We’re joined by an absolute legend of Industrial Design, the multi-award-winning, Robert Brunner.

Robert is a creator with an awe-inspiring portfolio. Designer, founder, creative leader, author and public speaker. Robert’s career spans over three decades, in which he has worked in some of the worlds most famous studios and created some of the most iconic products to date.

Robert is Founder and Partner at Ammunition, where he and his team have created experiences for Polaroid, Square, Lyft, Adobe, Ferrari and many others. He is also the Chief Designer for Beats by Dre. That’s right, we said Beats!

Earlier in his career, he co-founded Lunar Design before joining Apple and creating the Industrial Design Group, hiring many talented individuals, including Sir Johny Ive. He was also a partner at the internationally renowned Pentagram!

If that wasn’t enough to impress you, he’s been named one of Fast Company’s “Most Creative People in Business,” and his work is featured in MoMA’s permanent design collections.

We couldn’t resist diving into each incredible chapter of his career. Robert was kind enough to share many beautiful stories about his time at Apple, Pentagram, Ammunition and his collaboration with Dr Dre and Jimmy Iovine at Beats.

Robert also shared his perspectives on design today and where it can go in the future, lessons on creative leadership and the principles that underpin his work.

We loved this interview (and of course, we would say this), but seriously, there is some epic content for you in this one. Let’s get those Beats connected (naturally, all other well-made Bluetooth or wired headphone brands are welcome) and play!

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Join us for another incredible conversation with award-winning Industrial Design Director, William Stuart.

Will has built an incredible portfolio over the last fifteen years, working on many well-known products, including; August Lock, FORME Life, Coway Icon Air Purifier, Vodafone Neo and Hive View.

Will currently leads an industrial team at the world-famous FuseProject, working alongside the legendary, Yves Behar.

If you’re not familiar, you have got to check out this studio! Their work is continuously receiving recognition from Good Design, Dezeen Awards, Red Dot and Core77.

In our conversation, Will shares his personal journey from designer to design leader and his move from London to San Fran. Along the way, we explore his creative process, leadership style and discuss some of his favourite projects.

This is a great chat for designers of all levels, but there is some wonderful content for those leading teams.

Designer, check. An outstanding portfolio, check. Great character and open to sharing with the Design community, check.

Let’s get into this one.

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Welcome back for another great conversation in this episode we speak with the award-winning Creative Director, Neill Furmston.

Neill has an impressive resume, with his career spanning almost three decades! He has shaped successful brand strategies and campaigns for Google, Dyson, Persil, Chanel, Cancer Research U.K., Graze, Moët & Chandon, Jack Daniels, Jaguar Land Rover, KFC, and Legal & General. And breath... we told you, impressive resume!

He is currently working at Vodafone Smart Tech as Global Creative Director, where he leads the brand development for the "Design and Connected By" range. And yes, if you googled our team, you'll know he works closely with the Creative Director of this podcast… what can we say when you have connections to talented creatives? Alongside his busy life developing campaigns and brands, Neill is also a passionate pop artist which he sells under the brand ‘Furmie’.

In our conversation, we focus on Neill's expansive career and hear the twists, turns, and, importantly, the lessons learned along the way. We discuss everything from advice for those looking to get into the creative fields to his experience of founding and leading ICHI, a creative agency with studios in London and L.A.

Naturally, how could we resist discussing leadership and fostering a creative community? Well… we couldn’t, kindly Neill shares a lot of thoughts on the subject expanding on the partnership between the Creative and Design Studios at Smart Tech, alongside the challenges and opportunities of creating consumer IoT experiences.

Now, let’s get into the conversation. And play...

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We're delighted to be joined by internationally renowned designer, Gadi Amit.

Gadi is a multi-award-winning designer and a leading authority in the industry. He's been named one of the ‘1000 most creative people' and a 'master of design' by Fast Company Magazine. Numerous publications have featured his work, including Wired and The Verge. If that wasn’t impressive enough, he's a regular keynote speaker on Design and an advocate of the creative arts.

For the last 20 years, he has created products for Dell, Comcast, AT&T, Google, and Fitbit at his NewDealDesign studio, where he is President and Principal Designer.

In our conversation, Gadi explains how he and his studio have shaped a unique egalitarian culture and how that approach has shaped many successful projects for their clients.

Naturally, we couldn't resist asking Gadi about some of his methodologies and techniques… I mean, how could we not ask such a master of the craft?

Gadi was kind enough to expand on his ideas and ideals. Describing one of his personal design mantras, "The wisdom of the hand", alongside other principles and practices of the NewDealDesign studio.

We discuss everything from his passion for visual communication, to simplifying complex problems. His reflections on the state of western education and his desire to see more significant investment for the arts.

It goes without saying we had to ask Gadi's thoughts on the current state of the Design industry and where we need to invest as creatives and leaders in the future.

Oh, and we best not forget that we also discussed his trip to the White House, where he received the U.S. National Design Award from Michelle Obama! Now that is a demonstration of the importance of Design - Bravo!

Now... let's get those headphones on, and you tuned into the conversation.

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All episodes are available on:

www.designpodcast.co