With Intent

IIT Institute of Design

With Intent is a podcast from ID where we talk to a range of people—writers, designers, business strategists, policymakers, doctors, community organizers. The common thread? Whether they self-identify as designers or not, they're using design in their work.

  1. JUL 29 · BONUS

    Bonus: Shaping an Inclusive AI Future with Anamitra Deb of Omidyar Network

    In this episode from ID's Shapeshift conference, Anamitra Deb, Senior Vice President of Programs and Policy at Omidyar Network, makes the case for "hardwiring humanity" into our digital future. Drawing from his grandmother's remarkable use of technology at age 100, from health monitoring to Netflix streaming, he illustrates how innovation succeeds when embedded in structures of human care and compassion.  Key TopicsWhy shared agency and societal governance are essential countervails to concentrated tech powerHow expanding who sits at the decision-making table, from kids and teens to workers and faith leaders - creates better technology outcomesThe case for "rules of the road" in digital technology, comparing current Wild West conditions to safety standards in automotive and pharmaceutical industriesStories where partners have had success in developing better approaches, from youth-led advocacy to fashion models winning IP rights over AI-generated likenessesThe three-to-five-year window of opportunity to shape AI's development toward inclusive, equitable outcomesHow designers can be central to creating technology defaults that work for the most vulnerable usersAdditional ResourcesID’s Shapeshift Summit: Shaping Our Future with AI ID Events Institute of Design at Illinois Tech Discover programs and resources on design and systems thinking. Subscribe to With Intent for more explorations into how design shapes our world, whether we call it design or not.

    28 min
  2. ClearRx: Designer as Entrepreneur

    11/12/2024

    ClearRx: Designer as Entrepreneur

    Hosts Thamer Abanami and Albert Shum explore the revolutionary Clear RX prescription packaging system, created by designer Deborah Adler. What began as a personal experience with her grandparents' medication mix-up evolved into a groundbreaking design that transformed how medications are dispensed in America. The episode reveals how thoughtful design thinking, strategic partnerships, and persistence can create meaningful impact in healthcare. Through an engaging conversation with Deborah Adler herself, this episode uncovers how a designer's entrepreneurial spirit, combined with deep observational insights and strategic collaboration, can overcome complex regulatory challenges to bring innovative solutions to market. Key TopicsThe Genesis of Clear RX Deborah's pivot from a thesis on curly hair products to prescription bottle design following her grandmother's medication mix-upThe concept of "Gemba" (Japanese for "the real place") and its importance in identifying real-world problemsInitial prototype development using dollhouse materials and tubingDesign Evolution & Features D-shaped bottle design evolution to accommodate child safety capsCollaboration with industrial designer Klaus RosbergKey design elements:Upside-down orientation for better grip and accessibilityEnhanced label space for improved readabilityColor-coding system for family member identificationInformation design and layout highlighting crucial label informationHigh-contrast text for better visibilityStrategic Implementation Navigation of regulatory challenges through FDA consultationPartnership with Target as a strategic choice for market entryRapid development and implementation within one yearBalance between innovation and practical constraintsBeyond Clear RX Development of Adler RX system for managing multiple medication regimensContinued innovation in healthcare design through collaborations with CVS and Johnson & JohnsonImpact on both pharmacy and design communitiesDesign Principles & Lessons Importance of working within constraints rather than fighting themValue of direct observation in identifying design opportunitiesRole of strategic partnerships in bringing innovations to marketBalance between creativity and practical implementationSignificance of understanding regulatory landscapes in healthcare design  Additional ResourcesClear Rx Medication Systsem Visual Overview Adler Design Institute of Design at Illinois Tech Discover programs and resources on design and systems thinking. Subscribe to With Intent for more explorations into how design shapes our world, whether we call it design or not.

    34 min
  3. OXO Good Grips Peeler: The DNA of Good Design

    11/05/2024

    OXO Good Grips Peeler: The DNA of Good Design

    In this episode, hosts Thamer Abanami and Albert Shum explore the groundbreaking design of the OXO Good Grips Peeler, an everyday tool that transformed how people interact with kitchen products. Featuring an exclusive interview with Davin Stowell, the founder of Smart Design and the visionary behind the peeler, the episode unpacks the story of how one small tool became a design revolution. Created with a focus on accessibility and universal usability, the peeler emerged from Sam Farber’s inspiration to help his wife, Betsy, manage kitchen tasks despite her arthritis. This intention not only sparked the iconic Good Grips Peeler but also launched OXO as a household name synonymous with thoughtful, inclusive design. The conversation delves into the essence of what makes the OXO Good Grips Peeler an enduring example of good design—its intuitive handle, ergonomic form, and careful balance of signaling and functionality. This episode highlights the peeler’s journey from concept to market, showing how Stowell’s commitment to observation, prototyping, and user-centered design practices set a new standard. Listeners will come away with a richer understanding of how design principles and values can create products that improve lives and build stronger market connections.   Key PointsOXO Good Grips Design Origins and beginnings of Inclusive Design- Discover how Sam Farber’s insight into his wife’s struggle with kitchen tools inspired a radical redesign focused on accessibility. Learn how this user-first approach laid the foundation for OXO’s success.Interview with Davin Stowell- Davin Stowell shares behind-the-scenes insights into the development process, from partnering with the Arthritis Foundation to testing prototypes with users. He discusses how OXO’s commitment to user centered design and inclusive design has impacted the industry.Form and Function in Balance- The episode explores how the OXO peeler’s tactile handle and intuitive blade orientation create an inviting, easy-to-use tool. Albert and Thamer highlight the peeler’s distinctive “fins” on the handle as an example of both a functional and branding element.Testing and Prototyping- Stowell emphasizes the value of iterative prototyping and user testing, sharing anecdotes about testing materials, blade alignment, and even listening for the perfect peeling sound to ensure the final product met OXO’s high standards.Legacy and Impact- Reflect on how the OXO Good Grips Peeler set a benchmark for good design that is inclusive, becoming an iconic example in product design history. The episode questions how these design principles remain relevant and are applied today.  Additional ResourcesSmart Design- Discussion with Tucker Fort, Smart Design Partner on  How Smart Design is Inclusive Design Fast Company- Davin Stowell shares his thoughts on The Untold Story of the Vegetable Peeler That Changed the World OXO Website- The company shares the history Behind the Design: OXO's Iconic Good Grips Handles   Institute of Design at Illinois Tech Discover programs and resources on design and systems thinking. Subscribe to With Intent for more explorations into how design shapes our world, whether we call it design or not.

    25 min

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About

With Intent is a podcast from ID where we talk to a range of people—writers, designers, business strategists, policymakers, doctors, community organizers. The common thread? Whether they self-identify as designers or not, they're using design in their work.