FUTURE OF XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Through candid conversations with international experts, visionary leaders and courageous changemakers- we provoke new thinking about what's coming down the pipeline on matters related to art & design, science & innovation, culture & creativity. Future of XYZ is presented by iF Design, a respected member of the international design community and host of the prestigio ...
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Lisa Gralnek If Design Podcasts
Welcome to the Trend Report, your go-to resource for information and insights into the world of contract interiors with a focus on office furniture. Hosted by industry veteran and leader, Sid Meadows, each episode is a thought provoking and informative conversation about the topics and issues that impact the office furniture community. From insightful interviews with renowned industry leaders to in-depth conversations with industry CEO's to those having an impact with emerging technologies a ...
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Design As a Force for Good with Lisa Gralnek of iF Design
46:52
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46:52Send us a text We explore how design moves beyond aesthetics into systems, platforms, and policies, and how iF Design advances that mission through a global award, a new academy, and a rising sustainability standard. Lisa shares practical examples, from packaging tweaks to AI workflows, that turn intent into measurable impact. Lisa chats about: • H…
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Future of Applied R&D | Martha Tsigkari | S7 E23
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30:42S7 E23: Our guest this week is Martha Tsigkari, a Senior Partner at Foster + Partners, among the world’s most acclaimed architectural firms founded by Lord Norman Foster. For over 20 years, Martha is also the Head of their Applied R+D group. Developing machine learning, optimization and simulation tools, integrated processes and physical interfaces…
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Send us a text We're doing things a bit differently today. In an effort to show you practical uses for AI, I've put all of the transcripts from Season 6 in and AI platform called Notebook LM. It then created what it calls "The Deep Dive", a podcast episode with AI voice actors who have a conversation wrapping up this season. I'm interested to know …
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Future of Being Replaced | Tey Bannerman | S7 E22
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29:24S7 E22: Everyone is talking nonstop about how machines, robots, and AI are going to replace humans in the workforce and beyond. But what’s true? This week, FUTURE OF XYZ speaks with Tey Bannerman, a trained product designer and software engineer with over 20 years in the tech sector, including designing and building AI systems for startups, large r…
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Future of Anime | Gita Rebbapragada | S7 E21
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31:10S7 E21: In this episode, we speak with Gita Rebbapragada, COO at Crunchyroll, the global entertainment platform specializing in anime, manga, and Asian media. Anime is a hand-drawn or computer-generated animation style typically originating from Japan– but now coming from all corners of the planet. And it’s an entertainment sector estimated to reac…
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Send us a text We sit down with Heartwork founder Karen John to explore how travel, Italian design culture, and a love of craft shaped a U.S. manufacturing brand that treats storage as a culture-building tool. We chat about: • curiosity, travel, and multidisciplinary Italian design • why Heartwork chose storage and makes it in the U.S. • color stra…
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Future of Creativity | Doreen Lorenzo | S7 E20
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30:29S7 E20: What is creativity and why does it matter? How does creativity differ from innovation? What is the role of imagination? Of education? In the Future of Creativity, we speak with Doreen Lorenzo, Assistant Dean at the School of Design and Creative Technology at the University of Texas and former President of frog design. In this expansive conv…
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Content Creation Steps with Adrian Leal
1:02:39
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1:02:39Send us a text Adrian Leal returns to discuss practical steps for starting or improving your content strategy and focusing on authenticity and impact rather than perfection. Resources: Episode 163 - Content + Thought Leadership with Adrian Leal - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode163 Jay Shetty Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jayshetty/?hl=en…
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Future of Thinking About the Future | Nick Foster | S7 E19
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39:01S7 E19 (150 overall): Acclaimed industrial designer and recent author, Nick Foster RDI, joins XYZ for our 150th episode of the series! In this special episode, we celebrate not only 150 episodes of future exploration, but also Nick’s recently released book ‘COULD SHOULD MIGHT DON’T: HOW WE THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE’ by MacMillan. And we’re going meta …
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10 to Win: Professional Development Starts with You
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11:56Send us a text Professional development is your responsibility, not your employer's. People who take ownership of their personal growth receive salary increases 2.5 times higher than those who don't actively invest in themselves. • Professional growth requires personal investment - no one is more invested in your career than you • Mastery is never …
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Future of 3D Computing | Brittan Heller | S7 E18
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37:59S7 E18: If you were to read Brittan Heller’s CV, you might wonder why we’re speaking with her about the ‘Future of 3D Computing’. A Yale-educated lawyer who prosecuted war crimes in Rwanda and the Congo, supported refugees from North Korea and Afghanistan, and served in the U.S. Dept. of State and Dept. of Justice before becoming a Teaching Fellow …
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Federal Government Myth Busters with Michelle Warren and Ryan Hay
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37:10Send us a text Public sector sales represent a third of the furniture industry's market at approximately $4-6 billion annually, offering recession-proof opportunities with transparent purchasing processes and accessible information for strategic selling approaches. • Federal government alone spends about $1.4-1.5 billion annually on furniture • Pub…
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Future of Floor Coverings | Ana Cunningham & Ali McMurter | S7 E17
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31:59S7 E17: Off the shelf or highly bespoke, interior designers know that the choice of floor coverings is one of the most important decisions they can make for the feel of a finished space. From throw rugs to area rugs, wall-to-wall carpeting or other wovens – this is a highly-specialized industry where local and global mills and weavers work hand in …
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Content + Thought Leadership with Adrian Leal
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40:52Send us a text Join Sid as he and Adrian Leal explore how creating authentic content and establishing thought leadership can transform sales success in the office furniture industry. They discuss how content creation builds lasting professional relationships and personal credibility. • Building relationships matters more than product knowledge in o…
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Future of Pattern Making | Shelly Xu | S7 E16
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29:22S7 E16: The fashion industry is one of the world’s largest polluters, responsible for 10% of total greenhouse gas emissions and with 87% of textiles ending up in landfills or incinerators every year. Recent forecasts suggest that the trend is rapidly continuing in a negative direction with the resulting climate change impact anticipated to displace…
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Understanding Industry Technology with Kari Anderson
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40:01Send us a text Kari Anderson, of the Techbox Creative, joins Sid to dive into the complex world of technology in the office furniture industry, exploring challenges, solutions, and future trends that impact every aspect of the business. • Technology should make our work easier, but disconnected systems in the industry force duplicated efforts • Ove…
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Future of Different | John Roescher | S7 E15
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32:29S7 E15: John Roescher and I met at SXSW earlier this year. When asked what he wanted to speak about on XYZ- the Founder and CEO of the Austin-based design agency, Raw Materials, which was named 2024's D&AD Design Agency of the Year- thought long and hard, ultimately deciding on the ‘Future of Different’. In this episode, the creator, investor, desi…
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10 to Win: The Power of Everyday Innovation in Your Business
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11:54Send us a text We are exploring the power of everyday innovation in business, looking at how small, thoughtful touches can transform customer experiences and create lasting value. Innovation creates new value by transforming ideas, methods, or products into impactful solutions The Magic Castle Hotel's "Popsicle Hotline" demonstrates how a simple id…
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Future of Passive House | Luis Medina & Ken Levenson | S7 E14
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34:34S7 E14: You may never have heard of a Passive House, or the Passive House movement, but building to Passive House standards means meeting specific criteria related to heating and cooling demand, airtightness, and thermal comfort to achieve certification. It’s an approach to building and construction that significantly reduces energy consumption, ca…
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The Birth of Kabin: From Cardboard to Revolution with Walter Craven
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36:03Send us a text Walter Craven created Kabin during lockdown to solve his desperate need for personal space, transforming a cardboard prototype into a revolutionary office product that gives users control over their environment. Kabin is not an acoustic pod but an experience-focused space where users face outward in a throne-like position The unique …
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Send us a text Get ready for a different kind of episode. Rex Miller takes the mic and interviews Sid and three other industry veterans who have united to create The Collaborative Network. This is a game-changing initiative providing structured support programs for small furniture manufacturers. Listen as Rex asks the tough but relevant questions a…
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Future of Hospitality | Neil Jacobs | S7 E13
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39:49The hospitality industry encompasses various sectors including hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and tourism. Our guest this week is Neil Jacobs- a seasoned entrepreneur with a journey through hospitality including running hotels and building them from the ground up, financing venture deals and closing successful sales. He has been CEO of Six Sen…
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CEO Chat with Natalie Hartkopf of Hightower
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45:07Send us a text Natalie Hartkopf, CEO of Hightower, shares her journey in the furniture industry and how this family-founded business evolved from importing European designs to creating their own award-winning Hightower Studio products while becoming a certified B Corporation. • Natalie started with Hightower around 2003, beginning in Seattle before…
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S7 E12: Global toymaker Mattel knows a thing or two about Play. Operating in 35 countries with products sold in over 150 countries, the toy giant who employs over 30,000 people across its Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, UNO®, Polly Pocket and other brands – is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year! Tied to the release of a…
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Send us a text Ever wondered how to tap into specialized vertical markets that offer substantial growth opportunities? Sara Marberry, a healthcare and senior living design knowledge expert, shares explore the untapped potential these sectors hold for furniture dealers and manufacturers. Listen as she shares her story as well as: Healthcare environm…
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Future of The Mouse | Xinyue Zhou | S7 E11
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33:50Ever wonder how the “mouse” evolved? Or, how the graphical interface that introduced clicks and drags and the hover state changed the human-computer relationship? Learn about the history, evolution, and future of the most famous "pointing device” out there from the very international, cross-disciplinary designer who oversees user experience (UX) de…
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Future of Neuroaesthetics | Suchi Reddy | S7 E10
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30:48Neuroaesthetics is all about how human-focused design affects our wellbeing. Our guest is an award-winning architect guided by the philosophy that "form follows feeling". Integrating neuroscience and architecture, her New York City-based studio creates environments that push the boundaries of architectural tradition to shape a more empathetic, equi…
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10 to Win: Everyday Decisions, Big Impact
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14:19
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14:19Send us a text We make nearly 35,000 remotely conscious decisions each day—that's one choice every 1.6 seconds during our waking hours. Each of these decisions has the potential to impact our lives and the lives of those around us in both positive and negative ways. Feel like you've been in a rut? Use some of these tips, tricks, and tactics to help…
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Future of Value Creation | Tensie Whelan | S7 E9
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34:11This May 1st- known in Europe as May Day or International Workers' Day- we’re exploring the intersection of capitalism, people, and planet. A distinguished leader, academic, and researcher from New York University's Stern School of Business joins us to explore 10+ years of quantitative research that evidences bottom line benefits for companies who …
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Why Neurodivergent is Not a Trend with Kelly Colón
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50:27Send us a text Kelly Colón shares her expertise in neurodivergent-friendly design and shows how designing with all brain types in mind can improve spaces for everyone. She challenges the traditional ways our industry approaches built environments, pointing out how standard designs often overlook neurodivergent individuals—and offers practical solut…
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Future of Urbanization | Kevin Kennon | S7 E8
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33:59Of the world’s 8.2 billion population, nearly 6 in 10 people live in urban areas. By 2050, it’s expected to be 7 in 10, and closer to 8 in 10 by 2100. What does this mean for the future of cities, of nature, of climate change, of business, of humanity? And moreover, what is the role of architecture and urban planning in addressing the present and p…
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Navigating the Future with Shelley Rosetta of Solomon Coyle
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49:36Send us a text What does it take to thrive in the office furniture industry during these turbulent times? Shelley Rosetta, Principal at Solomon Coyle, brings a wealth of knowledge from her journey from bedroom space-planner to dealership principal to industry consultant. Our conversation reveals how flexibility, operational excellence, and authenti…
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Future of Car Design | Sam Livingstone | S7 E7
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34:13What is sexier than a beautifully-designed car? From vintage classics to newer EVs and autonomous vehicles, this episode explores the many ways that car design brings value to customers, how brands can harness this, and the complexity of managing across sophisticated technical and emotional requirements. Our guest, Sam Livingstone is a car and mobi…
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Send us a text What happens when you combine cutting-edge technology with the restorative power of nature? Collin Cavote, founder and CEO of Biome, joins us to share how his company is revolutionizing biophilic design with self-sustaining living walls that require almost no maintenance. From the outside, Biome's products look like beautiful living …
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Future of Reusable Packaging | Mike Newman | S7 E6
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31:04Starting in the last mid-century, companies and consumers began moving away from commonly reusable/refillable packaging for goods like milk, eggs, liquor, shampoo, detergent, etc. into buying branded, single-use versions from grocery and drug store shelves. Then at the turn of this century came even greater variety and convenience through globaliza…
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"Creating Your Success Story" with James Strole of Workspace Resource
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47:05Send us a text James Strole, founder of Workspace Resources, shares his journey from bank teller to leader in the office furniture industry, discussing pivotal moments, the importance of customer experience, and the integration of AI in business. Listen as he shares valuable insights into how passion, discipline, and effective systems can lead to s…
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Fascinated by the intersection of tech, business, society and our own expanding consciousness- with experience ranging from frozen foods to reinventing the internet– our guest is a bestselling author, sought-after speaker, founder of a consultancy that “helps visionaries play bigger”, and recognized as one of the world’s top female futurists. It’s …
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Love What You Do with Doug Shapiro, VP of Sales at JSI
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55:31Send us a text Doug Shapiro, the VP of Sales at JSI, discusses the evolution of sales in the office furniture industry, emphasizing the importance of listening and asking the right questions to understand client needs better. Learn all about his thoughts on the balance of time management in sales, the role of AI tools, and the necessity of being a …
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It’s a week after Valentine’s Day, the annual hallmark of romantic love, and we’re exploring a related idea- that of pleasure. Our guest is an award-winning industrial designer who pioneered the category of pleasure jewelry with the aim of honoring the female perspective. This episode is all about how we can create emotional experiences through bea…
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10 to Win: Habits to Propel You to Success
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16:50Send us a text Experience the transformative power of habits. We're exploring four key practices—exercise, reading, journaling, and celebrating daily wins—that propel personal and professional success and why small, sustainable changes can lead to significant outcomes over time. Join us to: • Explore the impact of habits on personal growth • Learn …
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Future of Typography | Charles Nix | S7 E3
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36:45Typography is a graphic art that involves selecting typefaces, point sizes, line lengths, line spacing, letter spacing, and spaces between pairs of letters. It affects how we perceive and comprehend written words, phrases and ideas from historical documents to books, advertising posters to TikTok reels. This week, we speak with Charles Nix – design…
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Send us a text Ever felt like life's commitments were pulling you in all different directions? That's exactly where I found myself last year. I was overwhelmed and on the verge of "pod fade." But now, I’m back, rejuvenated and ready to kick off Season 6 of The Trend Report! Join me as I reflect on our journey since 2020, sharing pivotal moments and…
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Future of Gaming | Andrew Augustin | S7 E2
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37:33Worldwide video gaming revenue was estimated at nearly $455 billion in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.4% expected through the end of the decade. This big and growing business is fast-changing – calling in new ideas, technologies and talent. Our guest is a designer himself with serious street cred with many of the industry’s b…
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Future of Customer Experience (CX) | Henry Kim | S7 E1
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33:28Welcome to a new year! For our first episode of 2025, we are speaking about customer experience. Our guest is the Global Head of Design Strategy in the CX Office of Samsung Mobile Experience based in Seoul, South Korea, where he directs all aspects of enterprise design- elevating the multitude of touchpoints that make an ‘experience’ in the modern …
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Future of Snow Sports | Mark Sullivan | S4 E4 (Rerelease)
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28:37Tis the season for SNOW! And what better seasonal re-release than our amazing conversation from early 2023 about the ‘Future of Snow Sports’?! Our guest is the Founder of Snowboard Magazine and Tailgate Alaska, a former professional snowboarder and Olympic commentator. From the industry’s growth and the impact of climate change, to self-reliance in…
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Future of Greatness | Pascale Sablan | S6 E7
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30:29In our final new episode of the year, we have the privilege to speak with visionary architect and activist, Pascale Sablan, only the 315th living African American woman registered architect in the United States and the youngest African American ever to be inducted into the AIA College of Fellows. In addition to being President of the acclaimed Adja…
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Future of Digitality | Nadine Clarke | S6 E6
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30:01Digital has become such a part of our lives, intertwined with everything we do, that most of us- personally or professionally- never pause to think about the environmental impact of our online interactions. Our guest this week is an expert in digital strategy with an eye towards people and planet. In the Future of Digitality, we are provoked to thi…
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Future of Furniture | Hlynur Atlason | S6 E5
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34:07This fascinating episode begins with the etymology of the Italian word “mobilia”, then continues into the historical evolution of furniture design, current trends, material innovation, the complexities of sustainability, and the importance of deep research. Furniture is not singular or monolithic, and neither is this conversation with our guest, a …
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Future of Space Communications | David Rager | S6 E4
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34:29Our guest this week may have the world's (or universe’s?) coolest job! As Creative Director at NASA, David Rager oversees the agency's visual brand. From changing iconic logos to elevating design language on extraterrestrial transports, creating useful artifacts with high-profile artists to producing creative tools for public learning- his team is …
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Want to learn about circularity, but not sure what it is? Few people are better poised to talk about maximizing systemic change and collective action than this week’s guest from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Tune in to learn about efforts being undertaken to inspire and empower the world’s designers to create products, services, and systems that …
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