The Variable Design Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis
Podcast details
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The Variable Design Podcast is an innovator's guide to all things related to product design, industrial design and manufacturing. It's a collection of interviews with industry experts who share their uncensored advice in order to help the next generation of designers and entrepreneurs take their ideas from conception to fruition. Episodes cover aspects of industrial design, graphic design, marketing, engineering, and manufacturing to give listeners key insights on how to successfully develop and sell a product in today's marketplace.
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Apple Podcasts
🇩🇪 Germany - design
15/10/2025#88🇩🇪 Germany - design
14/10/2025#74🇩🇪 Germany - design
13/10/2025#59🇨🇦 Canada - design
06/12/2024#90🇨🇦 Canada - design
05/12/2024#71🇨🇦 Canada - design
04/12/2024#52🇨🇦 Canada - design
03/12/2024#34🇬🇧 Great Britain - design
16/09/2024#82🇬🇧 Great Britain - design
11/09/2024#97🇬🇧 Great Britain - design
10/09/2024#82
Spotify
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See all- https://greyscalegorilla.com/
33 shares
- https://www.designbetter.co/podcast
19 shares
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See allScore global : 57%
Publication history
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Top 10 questions of young designers ANSWERED with Jon Bennett
jeudi 29 février 2024 • Duration 54:57
This is the first of many episodes where we dive into addressing the top 10 questions young industrial designers face.
- What skills are most important for a successful career in industrial design?
- Students are keen to understand which technical skills (such as sketching, CAD software proficiency, and model-making) and soft skills (like communication, teamwork, and creative thinking) are crucial in the industry.
- How do I build a strong portfolio?
- Guidance on what constitutes a compelling portfolio, how to showcase different projects, and what employers look for in a portfolio are common concerns.
- What are the typical career paths in industrial design?
- Information on the various roles an industrial designer can pursue, such as product design, user experience design, automotive design, and furniture design, and the progression paths in these areas.
- How can I gain real-world experience while still in school?
- Advice on securing internships, freelance projects, or participating in design competitions to build practical experience and a professional network.
- What is the job market like for industrial designers?
- Questions about employment prospects, industry demand, and geographic hotspots for industrial design jobs are common.
- How do industrial designers stay current with industry trends?
- Strategies for keeping up with design trends, technological advancements, and materials innovations to remain relevant in the field.
- What role does sustainability play in industrial design today?
- Understanding how sustainability is influencing product design and what designers can do to create eco-friendly and sustainable products.
- How can I develop my own style or design philosophy?
- Guidance on how to cultivate a unique design voice that stands out while meeting the needs of clients and consumers.
- What are the challenges of working with clients and managing projects?
- Insights into client relations, project management, and navigating creative differences or budget constraints in professional settings.
- How does industrial design intersect with other disciplines?
- Curiosity about how industrial design collaborates with fields like engineering, marketing, and psychology to create holistic product experiences.
LINKS:
Follow The Variable on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVariableDesign
Support The Variable
www.patreon.com/thevariabledesign
WEBSITE: www.thevariable.design
UPCOMING EVENTS: https://www.thevariable.design/qna
NOMINATE STUDENTS FOR SPOTLIGHT: https://www.thevariable.design/spotlight
BLOG: https://www.thevariable.design/podcast
_____________________________________________
DISCORD ►► https://discord.gg/vpypTgPEvY
TWITTER ►► https://twitter.com/thevariable_ID
FACEBOOK ►► https://www.facebook.com/thevariable.design/
INSTAGRAM ►► https://www.instagram.com/thevariable.design/
LINKEDIN ►► https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-variable-design
Stand Out!- How to be more memorable and more valuable to companies as a designer.
Season 4 · Episode 7
mercredi 6 décembre 2023 • Duration 56:05
There's a sea of industrial designers out there, how can you stand out? Everyone is trying to stand out... but how can you actually do it?
Skill Stacking
We talk about the ins and outs of skill stacking with the help of Sushant Vohra. You can read his LinkedIn post on the topic here.
We also address the question "should I show it all?" when it comes to your portfolio.
Are you interested in a fix the 'folio program? Be sure to reach out to us at info@thevariable.design to let us know your thoughts!
LINKS:
Follow The Variable on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVariableDesign
Support The Variable
www.patreon.com/thevariabledesign
WEBSITE: www.thevariable.design
UPCOMING EVENTS: https://www.thevariable.design/qna
NOMINATE STUDENTS FOR SPOTLIGHT: https://www.thevariable.design/spotlight
BLOG: https://www.thevariable.design/podcast
_____________________________________________
DISCORD ►► https://discord.gg/vpypTgPEvY
TWITTER ►► https://twitter.com/thevariable_ID
FACEBOOK ►► https://www.facebook.com/thevariable.design/
INSTAGRAM ►► https://www.instagram.com/thevariable.design/
LINKEDIN ►► https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-variable-design
Fact or Cap? The realities of intuition vs validation in Industrial Design
Season 3 · Episode 8
jeudi 28 avril 2022 • Duration 56:28
Questions we cover in this episode
1- Industrial Designers do human factors testing and ethnographic research to drive all their decisions.
- When is it appropriate to let intuition trump validation? Is validation always necessary?
- We always hear about how prospective employers are looking for “good decision making skills” in student portfolios. What the heck does that even mean and how the heck do we show that we’re good at making decisions in our design work? Is that just subjective or can we establish some ground rules?
2- Industrial Designers are expected to perform life cycle analysis on products under development.
- How do we balance sustainability and time constraints for production? Especially consumer electronics product dev, it’s like a flash in the fire. So LSA is usually glazed over, especially with smaller startups that aren’t held to the same scrutiny as big corporations.
3- A design grounded in research findings is the best solution that should always be pursued.
- In the long run, is it more helpful for one’s career growth to make a habit of presenting very solid, research based (or very intuitively grounded) solutions or do we think that being a designer that regularly pushes the envelope by presenting ideas waaay out in left field that you’ll see quicker gains in notoriety and skill?
4- Industrial Designers regularly are carving foam in the shop to create mockups.
5- Industrial Designers who sketch well are better at communicating ideas.
6- Working at a design consultancy right after graduation is the best way to polish a wide variety of skills.
7- Working for a name brand company developing their own products means you’ll design only one thing and your creative diversity is limited.
8- The best way to move up the career ladder is to spend a good amount of time in one place to specialize. TS- Unfortunately no. Most designers will find that the only way to move up is to get out. My experience has been that in spades.
9- You studied ID, but will likely spend most of your time creating graphics for presentations and marketing collateral to promote products.
About Tony Shoemaker:
Tony has been in various roles, across the country, in the ID industry for over 25 years. He came to Milwaukee Tool after 10 years with Sears, working for over 8 years in the Kenmore Brand unit, and 1 ½ years in the Craftsman team. Prior to Sears, Tony worked in consultancies such as Bally Design in Pittsburgh, and Ignition in Dallas. His experience includes medical design, toys, communications equipment, consumer electronics, housewares, packaging, graphic design, retail, and exhibit design.
Once described by a mentor as a “thoroughbred” designer, Tony has always sought to absorb as much information from the world as he can. He seeks odd knowledge and the synergy between its crossings to create those “ah-ha!” moments key to the design process. Just as comfortable in a pile of parts and shop dust as at his desk sketching fervently, Tony is a self-described “mad designer,” a hybrid of a Mythbuster and a Concept Artist. His real energy comes out when recognizing the human link to a concept’s genesis. He strives for those moments that are genuinely transformative to his work.
LINKS:
Support The Variable
www.patreon.com/thevariabledesign
WEBSITE: www.thevariable.design
UPCOMING EVENTS: https://www.thevariable.design/qna
NOMINATE STUDENTS FOR SPOTLIGHT: https://www.thevariable.design/spotlight
BLOG: https://www.thevariable.design/podcast
The Ways of the Industry In ID
Season 3 · Episode 7
jeudi 14 avril 2022 • Duration 01:01:14
If you've been in the field of Industrial Design or you're just about to enter the field, then you've probably already noticed that there is a very traditional expectation you must meet. In MANY aspects.
- How you present.
- How you draw.
- How you act or express your opinion.
- How you 'live and breathe design'
When you don't fit this mold:
- It's frustrating to experience AND to watch happen to someone else.
- It's already a competitive field, and this just adds to the mental load.
- It has a dramatic effect on your perceived value to the industry.
In this episode we share our thoughts and experiences on this matter.
The Variable is a top 10 Industrial Design Podcast! Special thanks to feedspot for this publication featuring The Variable Design Podcast.
https://blog.feedspot.com/industrial_design_podcasts/
Join the discussion on Clubhouse:
https://www.clubhouse.com/club/the-variable
Other (non-recorded) Clubhouse events hosted by Justin Adleff
https://www.clubhouse.com/club/objects-experiences?utm_source=clubhouse&utm_medium=share_club&utm_campaign=hAr6ifilAK2P84UTJTMbmw-27939
LINKS:
Support The Variable
www.patreon.com/thevariabledesign
WEBSITE: www.thevariable.design
UPCOMING EVENTS: https://www.thevariable.design/qna
NOMINATE STUDENTS FOR SPOTLIGHT: https://www.thevariable.design/spotlight
BLOG: https://www.thevariable.design/podcast
_____________________________________________
DISCORD ►► https://discord.gg/vpypTgPEvY
TWITTER ►► https://twitter.com/thevariable_ID
FACEBOOK ►► https://www.facebook.com/thevariable.design/
INSTAGRAM ►► https://www.instagram.com/thevariable.design/
LINKEDIN ►► https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-variable-design
Balance and Authenticity
Season 3 · Episode 6
mardi 5 avril 2022 • Duration 01:05:03
As a designer how do you find the balance? Should we expect to always be grinding into the late hours of the night working on designs? Or should there be a clear separation of work and personal life?
In this episode we talk about the realities of design work, how we can be authentic to ourselves, and how to find balance and leverage all the seasons of career development to our advantage.
No BS Guide to startup design with Dave Joseph
Season 3 · Episode 5
lundi 21 février 2022 • Duration 59:42
Dave Joseph is the founder of Ovie Smartware and Camp design.
It's his mission to make meaningful products that impact people's lives. His design philosophy is to reach for the fusion point between aesthetics, brand, and function. The harmony between these elements turns a product into a treasured object in a person's life.
People can support Dave and his ventures by visiting/following his various channels.
https://www.instagram.com/fridgesmarter/
www.ovie.life
The Variable is a top 10 Industrial Design Podcast! Special thanks to feedspot for this publication featuring The Variable Design Podcast.
https://blog.feedspot.com/industrial_design_podcasts/
Join the discussion on Clubhouse:
https://www.clubhouse.com/club/the-variable
Other (non-recorded) Clubhouse events hosted by Justin Adleff
https://www.clubhouse.com/club/objects-experiences?utm_source=clubhouse&utm_medium=share_club&utm_campaign=hAr6ifilAK2P84UTJTMbmw-27939
LINKS:
Support The Variable
www.patreon.com/thevariabledesign
WEBSITE: www.thevariable.design
UPCOMING EVENTS: https://www.thevariable.design/qna
NOMINATE STUDENTS FOR SPOTLIGHT: https://www.thevariable.design/spotlight
BLOG: https://www.thevariable.design/podcast
_____________________________________________
DISCORD ►► https://discord.gg/vpypTgPEvY
TWITTER ►► https://twitter.com/thevariable_ID
FACEBOOK ►► https://www.facebook.com/thevariable.design/
INSTAGRAM ►► https://www.instagram.com/thevariable.design/
LINKEDIN ►► https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-variable-design
_____________________________________________
OTHER VIDEOS
How to win jobs you've never done before: https://youtu.be/bOsE7ZaZTEo
Stop 3D printing Crap: https://youtu.be/wpCdp0Ny0ys
5 tips for a better portfolio: https://youtu.be/je94gIJQuMc
Kickstarter sucks? https://youtu.be/QQAJER0sGNc
Leading Design Thinking Inside a Global Corporation- FT. Stephen Wurth
Season 3 · Episode 4
mardi 15 février 2022 • Duration 01:05:04
Stephen Wurth jumps in the deep end and shares the power of design thinking within a corporate environment.
Join the discussion on Clubhouse:
https://www.clubhouse.com/club/the-variable
Other (non-recorded) Clubhouse events hosted by Justin Adleff
https://www.clubhouse.com/club/objects-experiences?utm_source=clubhouse&utm_medium=share_club&utm_campaign=hAr6ifilAK2P84UTJTMbmw-27939
LINKS:
Support The Variable
www.patreon.com/thevariabledesign
WEBSITE: www.thevariable.design
UPCOMING EVENTS: https://www.thevariable.design/qna
NOMINATE STUDENTS FOR SPOTLIGHT: https://www.thevariable.design/spotlight
BLOG: https://www.thevariable.design/podcast
_____________________________________________
DISCORD ►► https://discord.gg/vpypTgPEvY
TWITTER ►► https://twitter.com/thevariable_ID
FACEBOOK ►► https://www.facebook.com/thevariable.design/
INSTAGRAM ►► https://www.instagram.com/thevariable.design/
LINKEDIN ►► https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-variable-design
_____________________________________________
OTHER VIDEOS
How to win jobs you've never done before: https://youtu.be/bOsE7ZaZTEo
Stop 3D printing Crap: https://youtu.be/wpCdp0Ny0ys
5 tips for a better portfolio: https://youtu.be/je94gIJQuMc
Kickstarter sucks? https://youtu.be/QQAJER0sGNc
Want to grow as a creative? Try this- Design Career Development featuring Per Magnus Sköld
Season 3 · Episode 3
mardi 8 février 2022 • Duration 01:01:25
Watch the Original YouTube broadcast: https://youtu.be/y8KCHmiDBzU
Read the article mentioned in our food for thought segment https://vanschneider.com/blog/portfolio-tips/the-old-case-study-is-not-working/
Other (non-recorded) Clubhouse events hosted by Justin Adleff
https://www.clubhouse.com/club/objects-experiences?utm_source=clubhouse&utm_medium=share_club&utm_campaign=hAr6ifilAK2P84UTJTMbmw-27939
LINKS:
Support The Variable
www.patreon.com/thevariabledesign
WEBSITE: www.thevariable.design
UPCOMING EVENTS: https://www.thevariable.design/qna
NOMINATE STUDENTS FOR SPOTLIGHT: https://www.thevariable.design/spotlight
BLOG: https://www.thevariable.design/podcast
_____________________________________________
DISCORD ►► https://discord.gg/vpypTgPEvY
TWITTER ►► https://twitter.com/thevariable_ID
FACEBOOK ►► https://www.facebook.com/thevariable.design/
INSTAGRAM ►► https://www.instagram.com/thevariable.design/
LINKEDIN ►► https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-variable-design
_____________________________________________
OTHER VIDEOS
How to win jobs you've never done before: https://youtu.be/bOsE7ZaZTEo
Stop 3D printing Crap: https://youtu.be/wpCdp0Ny0ys
5 tips for a better portfolio: https://youtu.be/je94gIJQuMc
Kickstarter sucks? https://youtu.be/QQAJER0sGNc
Retail Design, with Neon Carrot's Chris Weigand
Season 3 · Episode 2
mardi 25 janvier 2022 • Duration 57:51
A degree in industrial design gives you many career options. One of the paths we don’t mention often- but is in high demand- is retail and environment design. As designers, we have the power to influence shoppers, drive sales, and solve unique problems for retailers through innovation and design thinking.
Neon Carrot is a design studio full of creative thinkers who are professional problem solvers. We are passionate about the world around us. We are enthusiastic learners and encourage each team member to pursue and share new experiences. We believe that continuously learning from the people and the world around us helps us to offer unique perspectives and creative solutions to complex human-centered challenges. Our focus is helping retailers and product brands connect with guests. Insights, strategy and design...we work to help clients solve problems and achieve their goals.
Chris is an innovative and creative design professional with 23+ years design and management experience who applies the latest professional design thinking to business opportunities and challenges. He posses extensive business knowledge and experience in the research, concept, development and implementation of processes leading to new and enhanced consumer products and retail marketing solutions. Chris leads diverse teams to accomplish business goals.
Join the discussion on Clubhouse:
https://www.clubhouse.com/club/the-variable
Other (non-recorded) Clubhouse events hosted by Justin Adleff
https://www.clubhouse.com/club/objects-experiences?utm_source=clubhouse&utm_medium=share_club&utm_campaign=hAr6ifilAK2P84UTJTMbmw-27939
LINKS:
Support The Variable
www.patreon.com/thevariabledesign
WEBSITE: www.thevariable.design
UPCOMING EVENTS: https://www.thevariable.design/qna
NOMINATE STUDENTS FOR SPOTLIGHT: https://www.thevariable.design/spotlight
BLOG: https://www.thevariable.design/podcast
_____________________________________________
DISCORD ►► https://discord.gg/vpypTgPEvY
TWITTER ►► https://twitter.com/thevariable_ID
FACEBOOK ►► https://www.facebook.com/thevariable.design/
INSTAGRAM ►► https://www.instagram.com/thevariable.design/
LINKEDIN ►► https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-variable-design
_____________________________________________
OTHER VIDEOS
How to win jobs you've never done before: https://youtu.be/bOsE7ZaZTEo
Stop 3D printing Crap: https://youtu.be/wpCdp0Ny0ys
5 tips for a better portfolio: https://youtu.be/je94gIJQuMc
Kickstarter sucks? https://youtu.be/QQAJER0sGNc
Better Designers Tell Better Stories- With James Adams and Thomas Manning from Epic Light Media
Season 3 · Episode 1
mardi 18 janvier 2022 • Duration 01:03:17
The best designers are able not only to create noteworthy concepts, but present it in a compelling way that tells a memorable story. That's why we reached out to James Adams and Thomas Manning, the leadership team at Epic Light Media, to help lead our Design Breakroom discussion on storytelling.
This event was hosted on Clubhouse and broadcast live on YouTube.
The Variable on Clubhouse
https://www.clubhouse.com/club/the-variable
LINKS:
Support The Variable
www.patreon.com/thevariabledesign
WEBSITE: www.thevariable.design
UPCOMING EVENTS: https://www.thevariable.design/events
NOMINATE STUDENTS FOR SPOTLIGHT: https://www.thevariable.design/spotlight
BLOG: https://www.thevariable.design/podcast
_____________________________________________
DISCORD ►► https://discord.gg/vpypTgPEvY
TWITTER ►► https://twitter.com/thevariable_ID
FACEBOOK ►► https://www.facebook.com/thevariable.design/
INSTAGRAM ►► https://www.instagram.com/thevariable.design/
LINKEDIN ►► https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-variable-design
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