In this enlightening episode of Nodes of Design, we sit down with Prof. Amaresh Chakrabarti to explore his journey into design. We discuss how designers can create meaningful societal impact, the evolving role of artists in the AI era, and key takeaways from the DRM method. Prof. Chakrabarti also shares valuable recommendations for designers looking to innovate and push boundaries. Tune in for a masterclass in design thinking, research, and real-world application!Amaresh Chakrabarti is a Senior Professor and current Chair, Department of Design & Manufacturing, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore. He did BE from IIEST Shibpur, ME from IISc Bangalore, and PhD from the University of Cambridge UK, where he led the Design Synthesis group of its Engineering Design Centre (EDC) for 10 years before joining IISc as an Associate Professor. He published 35 books, over 300 peer-reviewed articles, and has 13 patents granted/pending. He co-authored DRM, a methodology used widely as a framework for design research. He founded IDeAS Lab – India's first Design Observatory, and India's first indigenous Smart Factory. He is the founding chair for the Intl Conf Series on Research into Design (ICoRD) and Intl Conf Series on Industry 4.0 & Adv Manufacturing (I4AM). He received the Careers360 Faculty Research Award 2018 for being the 'Most Outstanding Researcher' in Decision Sciences, and among the global top 2% of researchers in 'Design Practice & Management'. He received IISc’s Alumni Award for Excellence in Research in Engineering (2022). He is a Fellow of the Design Society, an Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Engineering Designers, UK, and the current Editor-in-Chief of Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Design, Analysis and Manufacturing Journal (AI EDAM) published by CUP.Springer Book Series Design Sc. & Innov: http://www.springer.com/series/15399Webpage: http://cpdm.iisc.ac.in/people/ac/ac.htmCitations: https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=VvD5STUAAAAJ&hl=en
Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.
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This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.
Hello everyone, and welcome back to the ‘Nodes of Design’ podcast! I’m Tejj, and today we have a very special guest joining us. Our show is all about exploring the intersections of design, technology, and human connection, and today we’re in for a treat.
It’s my pleasure to introduce James Song– a seasoned design executive with over 20 years of experience building teams, products, and brands that sit at the nexus of digital innovation and tangible human experiences. James is currently the VP of Design at Tinder, where he leads the charge on brand, product, and content design as well as user research. His impressive career also includes being the Head of Design for Meta AI Research, where he helped develop next-generation experiences driven by breakthrough AI research. Prior to that, he was Director of Product Design at Uber, responsible for platform services, micromobility, design systems, and user research – all aimed at building smarter cities and enhancing how we move. And before all of that, as a Creative Director at frog design, he led teams to drive human-centered innovation at the intersection of design, technology, and brand for both enterprises and early-stage startups.
Today, we’re excited to dive into a topic that’s resonating deeply with our community – ‘Designing for Collision.’ This theme encapsulates how unexpected, sometimes even serendipitous, interactions in our hyper-connected world can spark creativity and lead to truly innovative solutions.
So, whether you’re a seasoned design professional, a beginner, or simply curious about how technology is reshaping human connections, stay tuned – this conversation is bound to offer insights, practical advice, and a lot of inspiration.
Nodes of Wisdom Book : https://amzn.in/d/4X22xU9
Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.
If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.
This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.
In this enlightening episode of Nodes of Design, we dive deep into the concept of Ikigai with Alice Au Quan, exploring how this Japanese philosophy can help design a purposeful and fulfilling career. Alice shares her expertise on applying Ikigai to discover the sweet spot between passion, talent, societal needs, and financial sustainability.
We tackle common misconceptions about finding career purpose and discuss how design thinking can bridge these gaps. Alice opens up about her personal journey, revealing how she has applied Ikigai principles to navigate challenges and create a meaningful work life. We also explore actionable strategies for uncovering your passions and talents, using them as a foundation to transition into a dream career.
Listeners will gain insights on incorporating Ikigai into design practices to craft products and experiences that inspire purpose. Alice also shares her perspective on how the philosophy of Ikigai evolves in a world shaped by automation and AI. Tune in for practical wisdom and inspiration to design a career aligned with your true self!
Alice Au Quan, a design executive, futurist, and quantum thinker with an outstanding track record of driving innovation. Alice champions a human-centered, design-first approach to business, believing it can shape a better future for everyone. Over the past two decades, this belief has fueled her leadership journey, helping companies leverage cutting-edge technologies—such as Generative AI, LLMs, AR and blockchain—to identify untapped opportunities, solve user needs, and accelerate growth.
She has since held design leadership roles at global companies like Google, Walmart eCommerce, and Procter & Gamble, as well as at high-growth startups in Fintech, like Ripple where she has crafted transformative user experiences. Fun fact, she even worked on MOSAIC, the first internet browser!
A creative and business leader, Alice's career spans UX, product, and brand design, consistently delivering user value and business impact, earning her multiple patents. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in inclusivity and compassion, with Ikigai and purpose-driven leadership central to her mission.
Ways to connect with Alice:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aliceauquan/ Website: aliceauquan.com
Instagram: aliceauquan
Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.
If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.
This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.
#design #creativity #life #purpose #career
Benedikt is a seasoned design executive with the heart of a maker and 20+ years of deep expertise in creating impactful products people love and leading the world-class teams that make them. His leadership has shaped how hundreds of millions of people interact with technology.
Benedikt is the founder of 74West, a hands-on advisory practice where he partners closely 1:1 with CEOs and boards who are at pivotal moments with their business. Combining his proven, practical frameworks for transformational leadership with cutting-edge research, Benedikt helps company leaders forge exceptional teams, strategies, and tactics to deliver products that inspire customer love and thus create lasting business value.
Benedikt also serves as an Entrepreneurship & Design Fellow at Princeton University, where he teaches aspiring entrepreneurs both during the academic year (“Creating value in the real world”) and the eLab summer program at the Keller Center. His research explores the convergence of entrepreneurship, humanistic design, and business leadership with a focus on AI and co-creativity, neuroaesthetics, and the socio-economic responsibility of design.
As a board member of the Design Executive Council (DXC) Benedikt helps shape the standards of humanistic design and strategic leadership as AI transforms experience design and business strategy.
Until January 2025, Benedikt was the Chief Design Officer at Stark tackling Digital Accessibility which he sees as “one of this century’s biggest design problems that’s affecting 2B+ people on the planet.”
As Chief Design Officer of SAP, he led 1000+ designers, researchers, and engineers, reporting directly to SAP’s Executive Board to transform the customer experience across the company’s portfolio.
As a design executive at Microsoft, he directed key UX teams including Office and M365 Experiences while leading the evolution of the Fluent design system and aligning Microsoft’s mobile apps across platforms.
Benedikt joined Microsoft through the $150M+ acquisition of Wunderlist, where he was Chief Design Officer. He scaled the product team to 70 people and helped secure funding from Atomico and Sequoia Capital.
Benedikt is also the author of Typoguide, an international keynote speaker and angel investor in design-driven startups. His award-winning work has been featured in publications worldwide.
Born in Saarland, Germany to a family of craftspeople, Benedikt’s appreciation for purposeful, well-crafted work runs deep. He divides his time between Princeton, NJ and Kingston, NY.
You can follow Benedikt here:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/benediktlehnert
Newsletter: benediktlehnert.substack.com
Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.
If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.
This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.
In this episode of Nodes of Design, we sit down with Andy Budd to explore his fascinating journey from being a designer to thriving as a venture capitalist. Andy shares how his design and product expertise shape his investment strategies and help founders build impactful startups.
We dive into the seven key factors that drive growth, the common mistakes founders make with their early products, and the challenges of being the first design or product hire in a startup. Andy also unpacks where growth design fits in today’s landscape and sheds light on why most early-stage growth advice misses the mark. Plus, he tackles one of the most misunderstood strategies in the startup world product-led growth (PLG) and reveals the mistakes he sees founders making time and time again.
Whether you're a designer, product enthusiast, or aspiring founder, this episode is packed with insights to level up your understanding of design, growth, and venture capital.
About Andy Budd
Andy is a Design Leader turned investor, advisor and coach. He's a Venture Partner at Seedcamp, one of the top ranked seed funds in Europe. His new book "The Growth Equation" aims to help startups land their first million in revenue and reach Product Market Fit.
A product person at heart, Andy previously founded Clearleft (the first UX agency in the UK), Leading Design and UX London. He's a founding member of the Adobe Design Circle and has appeared on both the Wired 100 and BIMA 100 lists. Andy once worked as a shark diver and recently qualified as a pilot.
Andy Budd Book: The Growth Equation: How Early Stage Startups Can Build a Powerful Engine for Growth
The Growth Equation is the new book by design founder turned startup investor, advisor, and coach, Andy Budd. In it he explores the challenges most early-stage founders face; from launching your product, finding your first customers, and figuring out what to charge; to improving acquisition, onboarding, and retention; in order to land your first million in revenue and beyond.
Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.
If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.
This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.
#design #creativity #ux #vc #business
Stan Rapp is a Ukrainian product designer who currently resides in the US. With 15 years of experience in design, including a decade in design leadership roles, Stan is currently leading a mission-critical design team at Asana. Before Asana, Stan scaled design teams at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and Ford. Stan has won multiple design awards, including SF Design Week, TechCrunch Disrupt, Red Dot, and Innovation by Design from FastCompany. In this eye-opening episode of Nodes of Design, we dive deep into the world of workplace dynamics with Stan Rapp, a Ukrainian product designer leading mission-critical teams at Asana. With 15 years of experience and a track record of scaling design teams at major organizations, Stan offers invaluable insights on navigating power and politics at work.
Discover:
Whether you're a design professional, team leader, or anyone looking to advance their career, Stan's practical advice and personal experiences will equip you with the tools to thrive in today's complex work environments. Don't miss this candid discussion on the often unspoken realities of professional life.
Get a Copy of the Nodes of Wisdom: Lesson from 100 Creative Visionaries on Amazon - https://amzn.in/d/02yZPlUj
Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.
If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.
This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.
We have a truly exceptional guest who has shaped the digital world as we know it. Please welcome Jae Park, a design visionary with over 25 years of experience crafting experiences that resonate with millions. He brings his design leadership to lead new business innovations and build design teams at scale. He seeks to bridge business and technology goals with humanity.
Jae has been at the forefront of innovation, leading design teams at tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. His work has redefined how we interact with technology, from pioneering the Echo Show to revolutionizing the way we collaborate with Google Workspace.
Currently, Jae is leading the charge at Ford Model e, where he's building the future of mobility. His focus on human-centered design and sustainability is inspiring a new generation of connected experiences.
Join us as we delve into Jae's inspiring journey, his insights on the intersection of design, and our topic Synergy in Design: Unpacking Collaboration.
We'll be diving deep into the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of bringing together creative minds to build exceptional products.
Today, we'll be discussing topics such as:
Get a Copy of the Nodes of Wisdom: Lesson from 100 Creative Visionaries on Amazon - https://amzn.in/d/02yZPlUj
Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.
If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.
This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.
Today, we're celebrating a milestone achievement. Thanks to you, our incredible listeners, Nodes of Design has been ranked as one of the Top 6 Design Podcasts in Brazil on Apple Podcasts charts!
And what better way to celebrate this milestone than with a first in Nodes of Design history? Today, we're joined by not one, but three amazing guests from across Latin America to explore the vibrant and diverse design landscape of the region. We'll discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities that are shaping the future of design in LATAM.
Joining us we have Rafael Brandão, a Product Experience professional passionate about Arts and Technology. For more than 15 years I've been working in several Advertising Agencies, Design Offices, Startups, and big companies such as Globo, Telecine, Warner Bros Discovery, and iFood.
Raul Queiroz with over 25 years of multidisciplinary experience in design, art direction, and illustration,. As a seasoned creative leader and mentor known for delivering design excellence in healthcare digital products at Rede D'Or, Brazil's largest healthcare company, he leads a team of talented designers, managing quality and standards across the company's full digital product ecosystem.
Karina Tronkos (a.k.a. Nina Talks) a design mentor and content creator (+128k on @ninatalks) with a background in computer science from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She has won the Apple Swift Student Challenge from 2017 to 2021. And also a LinkedIn Top Voice Gen Z, TEDx speaker, and passionate about books, Star Wars, and a lifelong learner.
Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.
If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.
This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.
Wolfgang Bremer is a German-Canadian award-winning design veteran with 20+ years of experience and a rare combination of design & product knowledge. He currently serves as the Vice President of Design at Volkswagen Group Charging.
As a design leader in multiple Fortune 500 companies and highly funded startups, Wolfgang has managed global design teams and worked on products used by tens of millions of users in 190+ countries.
Equipped with an entrepreneurial mindset, creative problem-solving skills, and an excellent eye for detail, he drives product design & development and creates outstanding consumer & business products. In short, Wolfgang likes building products and simplifying people’s lives.
In this episode, we'll delve into the exciting world of EV charging experiences.
Wolfgang will share his insights on how consumer attitudes towards EVs have shifted, and the key trends shaping the design of these experiences. We'll explore the challenges and opportunities in creating accessible and user-friendly charging stations that stand out in a growing market.
Looking ahead, Wolfgang will share his vision for the future of EV charging – where convenience, innovation, and sustainability intersect.
But this episode isn't just about design! We'll also get a glimpse into Wolfgang's creative process, how he balances business needs with creative freedom, and how he fosters a culture of innovation within his team. We'll even hear some personal stories and lessons learned from overcoming creative roadblocks.
So, buckle up and get ready to be charged up about the future of EV charging!
Socials of Wolfgang:
https://bremer.co
https://linkedin.com/in/WolfgangBremer
https://threads.net/WolfgangBremer
https://twitter.com/WolfgangBremer
Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.
If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.
This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.
Gloria Osardu, Ph.D., is an industry-agnostic senior business executive with over 16 years of extensive experience driving business strategy with insights. She has successfully led UX/customer insights and analytics teams, providing the right research, data, insights, and opportunities to leaders. Gloria ensures that business decisions and product prioritizations are made with accurate information and customer insights.
Throughout her career, Gloria has built, led, and scaled research and insights teams consisting of researchers, analysts, operations managers, and UX/CX insights experts. She has driven strategy at renowned global companies including Fortune 100 organizations, public sector entities, as well as startups.
Currently serving as the head of global product experience research at Gusto, Gloria is responsible for setting and executing a compelling vision and strategy for customer and user insights. Her teams deliver insights and customer empathy programs which derisks and drive the design and build of best-in-class Payroll and HR solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. Before this role, Gloria also held leadership positions in global research teams across various industries such as SaaS, Education, Finance/Fintech, and Public Sector.
Gloria firmly believes that durable business and customer insights derived from thorough research are crucial in today's era of big data decision-making processes and AI-driven innovation. This approach helps de-risk business decisions as well as expand perspectives around the user experience. Gloria is passionate about promoting fair, ethical, and accessible practices in the field of research and advocates for building technology innovation for ALL. Outside work, Gloria spends time exploring the world, building the next generation of researchers + creatives, and spending time with her family.
In this insightful interview, Gloria O-B Osardu, Ph.D. shares her journey into the field of UX research and design. She discusses how she got started and provides valuable advice for those aspiring to leadership roles. Osardu defines strong UX research leadership, highlighting key principles like fostering collaboration, managing diverse perspectives, and building high-performing teams. She delves into her decision-making process for major research initiatives and strategies for upholding diversity and inclusion. Osardu also touches on balancing business objectives with user needs, and where she sees UX research heading with the rise of AI. Finally, she shares a glimpse into her daily life as a leader, how she continues learning and growing, and recommends books and people that inspire her in this space.
Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.
If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.
This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.
Aditi Sharma is an award-winning design executive passionate about inclusive, ethical, sustainable, and human-centered innovation. She is the recipient of the prestigious 'Dr. Sarojini Naidu Award' from the Govt. of India, '40 under 40' award from Business Elite, 'Woman Who Builds' award by Globant, and was named an inspirational woman in STEM by the Authority Magazine. As a lecturer at Pratt, Aditi curated one of the top ten UX programs offered in the United States. Aditi is a published design practitioner, is regularly invited to share her thought leadership across print, keynotes, and podcasts, such as for CampaignLive, Business Insider, AI & Data Analytics Network, Interaction Design Association, Brave UX, Authority Magazine, Inclusive Design Association, Customer Experience Network, Finance Magnates, South by Southwest (SXSW), and Product-Led Alliance (PLA) to name a few. As the Head of Design & Research at Amazon, Aditi manages a global team that leads the customer experience for 30+ Fintech products to help track revenue, usage, costs, and forecasts for AWS. Previously, as the Head of Payments Design/ Executive Director of Digital Experience Design at J.P. Morgan & Chase, Aditi set up a global design practice to build intelligent enterprise Fintech platforms. Prior to that, at Accenture Interactive, she strategized and executed customer-centric design engagements for clients such as Walmart, DuPont, and Cargill. She continues to explore the dynamism of creativity to deliver customer outcomes at the intersection of human excellence, business profitability, and technical innovation.
Today, we're diving into Scaling Design teams with Aditi Sharma. Aditi will share her journey into design, tips for scaling design teams, and her vision for the future of design. Stay tuned for insights on aligning teams, hiring strategies, and managing feedback loops. We'll also explore how Aditi approaches challenges and stays inspired in her daily routine. Get ready for an insightful conversation with Aditi Sharma on the Nodes of Design podcast!
Books Recommendations
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
Find Your Why by Simon Sinek
Think Again, Adam Grant
Creative Confidence, David and Tom Kelley
Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.
If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.
This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.
Keywords: Design teams, design hiring, scaling design teams, design thinking, Amazon Design, Design systems, Design leadership
With over two decades of experience in arts, design, culture, education, and nonprofit sectors, Ruki Neuhold-Ravikumar brings a unique perspective and passion for reimagining the future of creative learning and practice.
A proven administrator, award-winning designer and educator, and globally respected thought leader, Ruki has served as the President & CEO of the Kansas City Art Institute, Acting Director of Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York, and the Acting Under Secretary of Education at the Smithsonian Institution (at-large) in Washington, D.C.
Originally from Chennai, India, she received her MFA in graphic design from Iowa State University and BFA in the history of fine art and drawing and painting from Stella Maris College in India. She also has executive education certificates in business from Yale University and Harvard University and a certificate in museum studies from Northwestern University.
Ruki has served in multiple leadership roles for the American Institute of Graphic Arts, and in 2015, she was named an AIGA Fellow by the Oklahoma Chapter for her advocacy and leadership as a design educator. She is featured in films, podcasts, and interviews. She has won numerous awards and recognitions, including the 2021 Design Achievement Award from the Iowa State College of Design, and was the commencement speaker at Iowa State University's Fall 2023 Ceremony.
In this episode, we'll delve into how Ruki's background in design has shaped her approach to leadership, problem-solving, and societal development.
We'll also discuss the importance of teaching design as a life skill, the role of design in addressing complex social issues, and how design thinking can prepare future generations for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Additionally, Ruki will share her insights on the evolution of design thinking with AI and how design can contribute to sustainability and environmental consciousness.
We concluded the show with Ruki's recommendations for her three favorite books and the people who inspire her the most in the design space.
Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.
If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.
This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.
Keywords: Design as a life skill, Design Thinking, Design for Sustainability, Design for AI, Creativity, Industry Insights, Design Challenges
In this episode of the Nodes of Design Podcast, we were honored to have Karen Korellis Reuther, a design luminary with over 20 plus years of experience Karen Korellis Reuther is an experienced creative executive, and a Design Critic in architecture at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. From 2021-2022 she was a
Senior Fellow at Harvard’s Advanced Leadership Initiative (ALI). Before ALI she was Vice President of Creative Direction + Future at Reebok and Global Creative Director at NIKE for twelve years where she developed major product, merchandising, and brand
strategies solidifying NIKE at the top of its industry. Karen is a practicing activist committed to “Inclusion by Design: Ending Gender Bias in Product Design”. Karen received her Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from Purdue University and her
Masters in Business Management from Lesley University.
In this episode Karen shared her journey into design, emphasizing curiosity, continuous learning, and resilience as key for beginners.
Karen delved into her design process, revealing a behind-the-scenes look at creating new collections, where balancing innovation with practicality is crucial. She highlighted the necessity of balancing form and function, especially when designing products that are both aesthetically pleasing and performance-oriented.
Facing challenges head-on, Karen recounted overcoming obstacles through collaboration and a solution-focused approach keeping customer at the center
Discussing the impact of fast fashion, Karen voiced concerns over sustainability and envisioned a future where emerging technologies and AI play pivotal roles in creating personalized, sustainable fashion.
We concluded the podcast with Karen recommending three books for design enthusiasts and naming her biggest inspirations in the design space. Her insights provide a treasure trove of inspiration and guidance for anyone looking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of design.
Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.
If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.
This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.
Keywords: Footwear Design, Apparel Design, Design Innovation, Fashion and Function, Future of Fashion, Industry Insights, Design Challenges
Connor Moore is a seasoned design leader focused on the audio UX and audio branding space. For the last 15 years, Connor has been able to work with some of the most forward-thinking brands creating innovative sound solutions that drive functionality and build brand affinity. These clients span a range of industries and include the likes of Google, Lucid Motors, Ford, Peloton, Uber, Airbnb, and State Farm to name a few.
Connor founded CMoore Sound at a time when brands first began considering sound and music as a core part of their identity systems. During this time, he was primarily focused on creating branded audio user experiences for products, apps, and digital experiences with a focus on emerging technology. Connor is currently Executive Creative Director at Listen, an audio branding company based in New York working with a range of brands across industries. In his current role, he leads the creative team producing audio UX, sound logos, experiential audio, and branded music that spans a brand's entire ecosystem.
Ever wondered why some apps feel intuitive while others leave you lost in a maze of beeps? The secret lies in audio user experience (UX), and this episode, we're unlocking its mysteries with expert Connor Moore.
Join us as Connor takes us on a journey from his early sound experiments to crafting immersive sonic worlds for mobile apps, voice assistants, and even virtual reality. You'll discover:
Why audio UX matters: It's not just about fancy sounds; it's about shaping how we interact with technology, building trust, and creating seamless, enjoyable experiences.
The design secrets behind the mic: Learn how Connor tackles crucial considerations like clarity, accessibility, and adapting to different platforms.
Future trends and challenges: Explore the rise of AI-powered sound and the ethical considerations shaping the evolution of audio UX.
A day in the life of an audio UX master: Get a glimpse into Connor's world, complete with fascinating anecdotes and insights.
Book recommendations and inspirations: Discover Connor's favorite resources and the people who fuel his passion for sonic design.
Get ready to have your ears opened (and maybe even your mind blown) as we delve into the fascinating world of audio UX with Connor Moore. It's time to listen up and experience technology in a whole new way!
Keywords: audio UX, user experience, sound design, accessibility, future of technology, mobile apps, voice assistants, VR, podcasts
Jakob Nielsen, Ph.D., is a usability pioneer with 41 years of experience in UX and the Founder of UX Tigers. He founded the discount usability movement for fast and cheap iterative design, including the heuristic evaluation and the 10 usability heuristics. He formulated the eponymous Jakob’s Law of the Internet User Experience. Named “the king of usability” by Internet Magazine, “the guru of Web page usability” by The New York Times, and “the next best thing to a true time machine” by USA Today. Previously, Dr. Nielsen was a Sun Microsystems Distinguished Engineer and a Member of Research Staff at Bell Communications Research, the branch of Bell Labs owned by the Regional Bell Operating Companies. He is the author of 8 books, including the best-selling Designing Web Usability: The Practice of Simplicity (published in 22 languages), Usability Engineering (26,439 citations in Google Scholar), and the pioneering Hypertext and Hypermedia (published two years before the Web launched). Dr. Nielsen holds 79 United States patents, mainly on making the Internet easier to use. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Human–Computer Interaction Practice from ACM SIGCHI.
Buckle up, designers! In this episode, we crack open the UX vault:
Ready to unlock the secrets of user-centered design? Hit play and join the Nodes of Design revolution!
Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.
If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.
This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.
As a well-known agency founder and design leader, Andy helps companies like Virgin Holidays, John Lewis and Penguin Random House with issues of customer experience, product strategy, and digital transformation.
Andy's role at Clearleft was to set strategy and vision, promote the value of design, and help their clients realise their digital potential. Andy was very active in the company's day-to-day running, managing the leadership team, setting company culture, and looking after the happiness and well-being of 30+ staff.
Andy is a designer at heart, having spent over 20 years in the field. He loves using his design, technology, and human behaviour knowledge to influence product strategy. As such, Andy is in his element when working alongside board members and their management teams.
In his early career, Andy helped pioneer the field of Web Standards through his work, his blog (one of the highest trafficked in the UK at the time), and the publication of his best-selling book, CSS Mastery. Later, Andy helped popularise the field of UX design, setting up the UK's first dedicated UX agency, along with its first and arguably best UX conference.
When he's not running the company or managing our creative output, Andy can be found sharing his wealth of knowledge at conferences around the world like SXSW, An Event Apart and The Next Web. He also curates the UX London and Leading Design conferences. In 2011, Andy co-founded the Brighton Digital Festival, a citywide celebration of digital culture attracting 40,000 visitors and over 190 events. He currently runs an online community of over 1,500 Heads, Directors and VPs of Design, and is a founding member of Adobe's Design Circle. These are just some of the reasons his company has won Netmag Agency of the Year several times, and he's appeared on both the Wired 100 and BIMA 100 lists.
Never happier than when he's diving some remote tropical atoll, Andy is a qualified PADI dive instructor and retired shark wrangler. With a degree in Aeronautical engineering, Andy is currently learning to fly.
In this episode, Andy discusses the essential qualities and skills a successful design leader should possess. He also shares his insights on building and managing a design team, fostering collaboration and creativity, advocating for an organisation's design, and the importance of empathy in design leadership. Andy also provides tips on how to navigate through various challenges while growing on the ladder as a designer leader and how to approach feedback and critique to help your team grow and improve their design skills. Finally, Andy shared his vision for the future of design leadership and the most important skills or qualities for design leaders in the coming years.
Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.
If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.
This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.
Albert Shum is a design leader who recently retired from Microsoft as a Corporate Vice President of Design. With over 25 years of global consumer brand and design development expertise, Albert has led strategic initiatives across multidisciplinary teams at Nike and Microsoft, scaling design thinking and launching products that influence millions. He led the recent efforts to reimagine Microsoft’s web experiences, including search, browser and services across a suite of products that reached over a billion customers at work, home, and school. He had previously led Windows, Windows Mobile, Xbox, HoloLens and device experiences.
He has spoken on the responsibility of design to audiences at different forums like AdobeMAX, Innovation Forum in London, 99U Conference, Fast Company Innovation Festival, MIT IDM Master’s program, School of Visual Arts. Currently, he is a Class Advisor at the Institute of Design in Chicago.
Albert’s work in design leadership has helped shape conversations on diversity and inclusion throughout the industry. Albert has served as a mentor, partner, and leader in programs like the Adobe Design Circle and its Scholarship Fund, the Design for Inclusivity Industry Summit, the LEAP apprenticeship program at Microsoft, and in student design challenges in partnership with IxDA, AIGA, and Emily Carr University of Art & Design.
He holds a Master’s in Product Design from Stanford and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo.
In this episode, we delve deep into the heart of responsible design by exploring the critical role of ethical design. Join us as we navigate the complex moral landscape of artificial intelligence, unpacking the challenges designers face and the ethical frameworks that can help steer the creation of AI towards positive and equitable outcomes. Discover how ethical considerations are not just an afterthought but a fundamental aspect of responsible design that has the power to shape technology for the greater good.
Albert's Newsletter Design Loft on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7002302185275359233
Albert's Design Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/6Dt7Tf6gg21uK7vKi4a8x2?si=d1f68949e9bb4245
Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.
If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge.
This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.
Gordon Ching is the Founder & CEO of the Design Executive Council (DXC), the premier membership network dedicated to advancing strategic design leadership to the highest levels of business and society. DXC has carved a niche in raising design leaders' strategic competence and profile to ascend and succeed in strategic roles, including Vice Presidents of Design, Chief Design Officers, and Board Members. Launched in 2022, DXC provides design executives with a true peer-to-peer network and access to distinct programs, events, and research that advances their leadership performance, market value, and the business value of design. DXC membership counts global public corporations and venture-backed enterprises, including senior design executives from industry giants like Adobe, Capital One, Cisco, JPMorgan Chase, SAP, SEPHORA, Target, Warner Music Group, and more.
Before his vision materialized with DXC, Gordon honed his expertise across design leadership, operations, and marketing at global brands and startups, including Apple, Affirm, Synchrony, Fast, and AIESEC International. His academic journey took him to Savannah College of Art and Design, where he secured a Master's in Design Management. There, his groundbreaking thesis on Chief Design Officers and Design Executive Effectiveness set the tone for his future endeavours and now serves as the basis of DXC. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Geography from Simon Fraser University.
Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Gordon now brings his passion, expertise, and vision to San Francisco, driving DXC's commitment to magnifying the impact of design leadership on a global scale.
In this episode, we dive into the role of the design executive, contrasting it with other design positions and highlighting its strategic importance. We explore the significance of mindfulness in leadership, its impact on decision-making, and team dynamics. In the episode, we further address embracing failures as learning opportunities, fostering a culture of innovation, and the crucial elements of resilience and adaptability in the design leadership realm.
Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.
If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community #Spreadknowledge.
This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.
Kirti Trivedi is a Design Thinker, Designer, Educator and Researcher. After a Master of Design from the Royal College of Art, London, he joined IDC, IIT Bombay in 1975 and was a Professor there till 2013. He founded India's first Master of Design program in 1981 at IIT Bombay. He was a UNESCO fellow in Japan under the guidance of Prof. Kohei Sugiura, who introduced him to the intellectual depth of Asian Design. Besides teaching and research, he is active as a design consultant in the areas of Communication Design, Book Design, Industrial Design and Exhibition & Museum Design. He is currently mentoring the setting up of India's first School of Digital Arts and is engaged in research in developing Universal Interfaces and New Learning Environments.
In this episode, we journey through the evolution of industrial design, examining its shifts and the impact of emerging technologies. We discuss the role of sustainability, the importance of cultural inclusivity, and the ethical considerations in the Industrial design landscape. We also discussed AI's place in Industrial design and its future trajectory. Dive in as we Demystify the complexities of industrial design.
Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.
If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community #Spreadknowledge.
This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.
Anton Sten is a seasoned designer and accomplished writer specialising in sculpting superior, user-centric experiences. With a rich tapestry of 25 years in the industry, he has collaborated with global giants such as IKEA, Spotify, Google, Loom, Ueno, and numerous others, leaving an indelible mark on their user experiences.
Dive deep into the world of design systems with design leader Anton Sten. In this insightful episode, we unravel the intricacies of what truly makes a design system tick. Anton sheds light on the fundamental question: What is a design system? From there, we delve into the common hurdles organisations grapple with when integrating a design system, offering tried-and-tested solutions. Listen in as Anton shares his expert approach to designing, documenting, and implementing best practices. Balancing standardisation with creative liberty, involving stakeholders, and the nuances of governance are all on the table. Plus, have you ever wondered how to quantify the success of a design system? We’ve got you covered with must-know metrics and KPIs. As a cherry on top, peek into the future of design systems in an AI-driven world. A must-listen for every design enthusiast out there!
Resources by Anton Stén
Newsletter; https://www.antonsten.com/newsletter/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/antonsten
Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.
If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community #Spreadknowledge.
This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.
