In this episode of the Design30 Podcast I discuss positive and negative feedback loops. I describe what they are, why they aren't inherently good or bad, why you need to understand them as a designer, and finally I provide some examples of both. Both positive and negative feedback loops can be implemented in your designs to optimize performance improve the user or customer experience.|Show Notes - Universal Principles of Design: https://a.co/d/adGWsHEMontana EDC: https://www.montanaedc.comFollow Montana EDC on Instagram: @montanaedc|||Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: https://design30.substack.com).Subscribe to the Design30 YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi2eKOkU66wUXSs1LCc7Swg"Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Copyright 2023 Design30 LLC.

In this episode of the Design30 Podcast, I discuss a couple takeaways from the forward of the book Developing Products in Half the Time by Preston G. Smith and Donald G. Reinertsen. The forward is written by Neil Hagglund who was the Corporate VP and Director of Corporate Technology Planning at Motorola Inc. In the forward I found two nuggets of knowledge I felt I needed to share with the listeners of Design30. Hope you enjoy!Show Notes - Developing Products in Half the Time: https://a.co/d/32tLC2IMontana EDC: https://www.montanaedc.comFollow Montana EDC on Instagram: @montanaedc|||Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: https://design30.substack.com)."Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Copyright 2023 Design30 LLC.

In this episode of the Design30 Podcast, I discuss some thoughts I have on air travel and airports after traveling to and from Las Vegas this past week. Where there is struggle, annoyance, difficulty, or bad experiences there is space for design thinking to improve it! Difficulty is opportunity in many ways.I hope to hear your thoughts and feedback on this episode! Please reach out on Twitter, Instagram, or email.@learndesign30 for both Twitter and [email protected] to send an email.|||Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: https://design30.substack.com)."Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Copyright 2023 Design30 LLC.

In this episode of the Design30 Podcast I discuss the complicated role of pressure in the development of creative and innovative ideas or technologies. For more on this topic, please subscribe to the Design30 Substack where my most recent post is available and serves as a nice companion to this episode.|Show Notes -Learn more about the discovery of the Neutron here: https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/200705/physicshistory.cfm|||Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: https://design30.substack.com)."Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Copyright 2023 Design30 LLC.

In this episode I provide one simple strategy to improve efficiency and reduce errors. What's the secret? You're duplicating information too often! Stop it! Duplicating information requires you to update multiple documents, videos, or files when that information changes, which it inevitably will. Change is constant at work just as it is in life. So, prepare for it and do not place the same information in multiple locations that will all require individual attention and updates in the future. Never duplicate information without strategy and forethought!|||Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: https://design30.substack.com)."Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Copyright 2023 Design30 LLC.

Fake FAQs is a series within the Design30 Podcast where I answer fake frequently asked questions. Yes, the questions are fake but the answers are real. This week I answered the following questions:1) Why did you start the Design30 Podcast?2) What book has been the most impactful on you in your design career?3) What is the next skill you are hoping to learn?4) What is a critique you have never forgotten and has served as motivation?Show Notes - Creative Confidence by Tom and David Kelley: https://a.co/d/1iRFqp2Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: https://design30.substack.com)."Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Copyright 2023 Design30 LLC.

In this episode of the Design30 Podcast I discuss four lessons I learned from the Bell Labs "Idea Factory". If you want to understand how good ideas are developed and incentivized it is imperative that you study the habits, beliefs, and actions of successful companies. As the R&D department of AT&T, Bell Labs created more innovative and world changing technologies than any other company in the world. It's probably a good idea to understand how they came up with all of these good ideas!Become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: https://design30.substack.com).Show Notes -The Idea Factory by Jon Gertner: https://a.co/d/ci3nz9GBecome a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: https://design30.substack.com)."Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

In this episode, I follow up on last weeks episode to provide some design principles and takeaways from the Q-Collar. I discuss three primary takeaways: 1) Simple is Hard 2) Change Your Perspective 3) Good Design Improves Lives.This episode references the Design30 Substack, so become a free subscriber to access and read all of my Substack articles (subscribe here: https://design30.substack.com). Show Notes - Q-Collar: https://q30.comDesign30 Substack Article: https://design30.substack.com/p/huh-thats-simple?sd=pf"Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

In this episode I go through the website for the innovative new product called the Q-Collar. This simple yet effective device has been proven to reduce traumatic brain injury (TBI) in athletes as well as service members. It has been worn by NFL athletes (among others) to reduce the negative impacts of repetitive head impacts and concussions. In my opinion, this device is a perfect example of how design and creative thinking can be utilized to create products capable of improving and/or saving lives. Please note, I have no affiliation with Q30 Innovations or the design/testing of the Q-Collar. I simply saw the device being used on TV and got curious. Please go check out the Q30 website and find out more about the Q-Collar for yourself.Show Notes - Q-Collar Website: https://q30.comDisclaimer: I am not a medical professional nor am I qualified to make a medical evaluation of the Q-Collars performance. "Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

What is the tradeoff between flexibility and usability? When should you favor a flexible product over a usable product? How does flexibility impact efficiency in design? I answer all of those questions and more in this episode of the Design30 Podcast.Show Notes - Sources:Universal Principles of Design: https://a.co/d/67LZnbh"Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

In this week's episode I present a Call to Criticism! Criticism of this podcast. I want to hear your thoughts. What do you like about Design30? What do you not like? What about the podcast interests you? What do you want to hear more of? I want to hear all of the criticisms. Letting me know what you like is fine, but I am mostly interested in what you think could be improved! Creating a good product is hard and I want this podcast to be a product that provides real value to the listeners.Please send feedback via any of the following platforms:Gmail - [email protected] - @learndesign30Twitter - @learndesign30The Lean Product Playbook by Dan Olsen"Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

In this episode of the Design30 Podcast, I provide a description of Fitts's Law and how it is exemplified in the design of an emergency stop button. In addition, I provide several examples which show why Fitts's Law should not be ignored in your product design, no matter the context. Subscribe on YouTube and follow on Instagram! (@learndesign30)If you would like to support the podcast please consider becoming a paid subscriber to the Design30 Substack: https://design30.substack.comShow Notes - Sources:https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/fitts-lawhttps://www.deseret.com/2004/3/20/19818569/cherokee-acceleration-is-baffler-to-jeep-othersUniversal Principles of Design: https://a.co/d/67LZnbh"Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

Happy New Year and happy 2023! In this 23rd episode of the Design30 Podcast I discuss the 80/20 rule. First I provide a little background on the origin of the rule and then dive into some definitions and examples. Use the 80/20 rule to improve your design team efficiency, productivity, and quality. It is an incredibly useful heuristic to help make difficult design decisions and is a tool we all should have in our back pockets.Show Notes:Investopedia Article: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/1/80-20-rule.aspForbes Article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2016/03/07/80-20-rule/?sh=7aa46b1f3814Universal Principles of Design: https://a.co/d/67LZnbh"Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

In this episode I discuss the Double Diamond Model and how it can be utilized to improve creativity in your design process. Through divergent and convergent thinking, the Double Diamond Model allows designers to ideate, explore, define, and deliver innovative solutions to complex problems.Show Notes:Huberman Lab Podcast: https://hubermanlab.com/the-science-of-creativity-and-how-to-enhance-creative-innovation/The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman: https://a.co/d/3ofBo2a"Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

Usability does not ensure a valuable product. To achieve Product-Market fit, you must design a product that is highly valued by the users in your target market. Developing a product that is also usable will help solidify your Product-Market fit and increase your potential for a disruptive innovation in your market segment. To drive this point home, I lean on the expertise of Dan Olsen in his book The Lean Product Playbook. Show Notes:The Lean Product Playbook: https://a.co/d/2qeIXGBInteraction Design Foundation: https://www.interaction-design.org"Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

This episode describes what a factor of safety is and how you can implement it intelligently to improve your product design while reducing the likelihood of failure. References:Universal Principles of Design: https://a.co/d/67LZnbhFactors of Safety: https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/factors-safety-fos-d_1624.htmlIf you would like to support the podcast please like, share, and rate it! Or you can support me on Patreon."Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Music by Guidon from Pixabay.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

In this episode I discuss a new design concept that I just learned about, Entry Points! Although it may sound simple, designing effective entry points into your product will increase customer satisfaction, customer retention, and overall success. Listen to this episode to learn how to minimize barriers, implement points of prospect, and add progressive lures into your designs.Find out more about Entry Points here: https://a.co/d/iEoL2WoIf you would like to support the podcast please like, share, and rate it! Or you can support me on Patreon."Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Music by Guidon from Pixabay.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

What is mapping in the context of design and how can you implement it in your products? Through examples and personal experiences I describe how to recognize both good and bad mappings in the products you interact with everyday. "Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Music by Guidon from Pixabay.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

In this final part of the Design More Despair Less mini-series I discuss the role of design. How can design and design thinking principles help understand the problems we have and provide insight into the best possible solutions? That and more will be discussed!Thank you to our sponsor Viper Outdoor Tools! (https://viperoutdoortools.com/shop)*Full disclosure, I am working with Viper Outdoor Tools to design many of their products and have an interest in them selling. Obviously I think they are awesome products!"Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Music by Guidon from Pixabay.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

This week I provide my solution to the despair I see in response to all of the problems we face in the modern world. I challenge people to reframe and to focus not he opportunity we all have to solve meaningful problems. How can we strive to be the hero in the adventure of our lives? Thank you to our sponsor Viper Outdoor Tools! (https://viperoutdoortools.com/shop)*Full disclosure, I am working with Viper Outdoor Tools to design many of their products and have an interest in them selling. Obviously I think they are awesome products!"Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Music by Guidon from Pixabay.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

In part 1 of this series on Design and Despair, I dive into the problem of despair being pushed in society via the news, coffee shop conversations, social media, and the media in general. Climate change, the end of democracy, gun violence, and nuclear war; just to name a few of the problems we are bombarded with daily.How can we expect to provide hope to the next generation when everything they see and read spells doom? Why would we expect this strategy to improve innovation and creativity? Both of which are needed to solve the very real problems we face today.Thank you to our sponsor Viper Outdoor Tools! (https://viperoutdoortools.com/shop)*Full disclosure, I am working with Viper Outdoor Tools to design many of their products and have an interest in them selling. Obviously I think they are awesome products!"Design more. Despair Less." Trademark of Design30 LLC.Music by Guidon from Pixabay.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

"In Review" is a series where I will be reviewing books, products, articles, or basically anything that is design related and interesting! In this episode I review The Practice By Seth Godin. This book is absolutely full of thought provoking ideas, unending positivity, and some good old fashioned helpful advice. I can't recommend it enough!Buy The Practice here! (No affiliation)Music by Guidon from Pixabay.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

There has been a lot of change in my life over the past few weeks! So, I decided to do an episode on change, primarily how to change efficiently and productively in a design or engineering environment. I've got tons of new ideas for this podcast and am so excited to be back! Thank you to our sponsor Viper Outdoor Tools! (https://viperoutdoortools.com/shop)*Full disclosure, I am working with Viper Outdoor Tools to design many of their products and have an interest in them selling. Obviously I think they are awesome products!Music by Guidon from Pixabay.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

Big things are happening! I moved and am getting married this week! That being said, there is plenty of design content in the works but I'll be off for a bit longer while I enjoy this time in my life. I hope every one is enjoying their fall and stay tuned for some exciting design content coming out soon!Thank you to our sponsor Viper Outdoor Tools! (https://viperoutdoortools.com/shop)Full disclosure, I am working with Viper Outdoor Tools to design many of their products and have an interest in them selling. Obviously I think they are awesome products!Music by Guidon from Pixabay.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

What Failing Fast is not and what Failing Fast is. Often Failing fast is used as an excuse to ship bad products or to implement unrealistic timelines, but what is the spirit behind the Failing Fast motto? Find out on todays episode!Thank you to our sponsor Viper Outdoor Tools! (https://viperoutdoortools.com/shop)Full disclosure, I am working with Viper Outdoor Tools to design many of their products and have an interest in them selling. Obviously I think they are awesome products!Music by Guidon from Pixabay.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

What is the Aesthetic-Usability Effect and why is it important for product design? Essentially, the Aesthetic-Usability Effect tells us people tend to give the benefit of the doubt to products that look good. Aesthetics matter!A huge thank you to our first podcast sponsor, Viper Outdoor Tools (VOT). Check their product list out here: https://viperoutdoortools.com. (Full disclosure, I have worked with VOT and am quite partial to their products!)Show Notes: Universal Principles of Design by William Lidwell, Kritina Holden, and Jill Butler.Music by Guidon from Pixabay.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

"In Review" is a new series where I will be reviewing books, products, articles, or basically anything that is design related and interesting! In this first episode I read through and discuss a few quotes from one of my favorite books, Creative Confidence by Tom and David Kelley.I highly recommend Creative Confidence! Buy it here (no affiliation).Music by Guidon from Pixabay.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

"Feel The Pain" - What does this mean and how can it improve your products, decision making, and even policy implementation? Find out in this episode of the Design30 Podcast.If you find this episode helpful, please share it with your friends and coworkers. Also, please rate and review the podcast!Music by Guidon from Pixabay.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

I know what you're thinking... What in the world is a "prototype"? Isn't that just prototype being misspelled? Well, if that's what you're thinking then you definitely need to listen to this episode! I discuss the differences between the two, when to use them, and how to use them effectively to improve your products and overall product development process.As always, find me on Instagram @learndesign30 or email me at [email protected]. Please reach out! And don't forget to rate the podcast!Music by Guidon from Pixabay.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

Happy Labor Day everyone! I took today off, so here is mini episode on the history and purpose of Labor Day as told by the U.S. Department of Labor (link to article below). I will be back tomorrow with a normal episode. In the meantime, enjoy your Labor Day!Article: https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/historyMusic by Guidon from Pixabay.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

We can all use a little reminder on how to work more efficiently, right? In this episode I provide a quick description of Little's Law and how you can reduce your Work In Progress (WIP) to complete projects/tasks faster and improve your overall efficiency in design, at work, and at home.If you're enjoying this podcast, please rate it and follow Design30 on Instagram (@learndesign30). Have questions or comments? DM on Instagram or shoot me an email at [email protected] by Guidon from Pixabay.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

A shorter episode this week discussing affordances and signifiers. What are they, what are the differences, and how can they be used to vastly improve your designs!Books quoted in this episode (no affiliation):Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman (https://www.amazon.com/Design-Everyday-Things-Revised-Expanded/dp/0465050654/ref=sr)Universal Principles of Design by William Lidwell (https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Principles-Design-Revised-Updated/dp/1592535879/ref=sr)Music by Guidon from Pixabay.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

In this episode I provide a brief introduction to Mind Maps, give some simple examples, and look at a few papers discussing the effectiveness of Mind Mapping. Finally, I end the episode with an aside on simplicity and, of course, end with the Design30 Discipline for the week.Articles mentioned in this episode:https://philpapers.org/archive/DAVCMM.pdfhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12028392/https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/c6a5/c65363c2823ee56215636cc35c229f4d2318.pdfhttps://www.qsen.org/wp-content/uploads/formidable/1-s2.0-S1557308715000050-main-Mind-Mapping-4.15.pdfSuggested Mind Map app: Mindly (no affiliation).Music by Guidon from Pixabay.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

In this episode of the Design30 Podcast Mental Models are discussed. What are they? How are they used? What are examples? Essentially they are a users internal image or concept of how a product works and operates. A users Mental Model is strongly influenced by the design of the product as well as by the marketing, packaging, and manual. A user with an accurate or useful mental model is a more confident and satisfied user!Music by Guidon from Pixabay.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.

A top level overview of rapid prototyping. This episode goes over some general techniques/ideas as well as provides some companies to work with for quick turn parts.The two companies mentioned in this episode (no affiliation):ProtolabsXometryMusic by Guidon from Pixabay.Copyright 2022 Design30 LLC.