With Intent

IIT Institute of Design
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  • DESIGN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. SEP 30 · BONUS

    Bonus: Design As Fast | Design As Slow from Design As

    In this episode of Design As, host Lee Moreau explores a key tension in AI development: moving fast vs slowing down. This roundtable conversation with Ruth Schmidt, Albert Shum, David McGaw, and Ruth Kikin-Gil examines the role of design in responsible AI and what happens when innovation outpaces our ability to reflect on its impact. 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.

    55 min

  2. SEP 16 · BONUS

    Bonus: Preview of the New Season of Design As

    In this trailer, host Lee Moreau previews the upcoming season of Design As, which was recorded at ID’s Shapeshift Summit in May. The summit brought together leaders from the creative, technology, and business communities to discuss the implications of AI on design and human culture. This preview offers a glimpse of their new season as it continues the conversations that started at Shapeshift— conversations that don’t oversimplify AI, but explore the many complicated ways it intersects with 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.

    4 min

  3. AUG 5 · BONUS

    Bonus: AI and Democracy with Terry Williams-Willcock and Chelsea Pratt

    In this episode from ID's Shapeshift conference, Terry Williams-Willcock, Chief Customer Officer at RUSH Digital, and Chelsea Pratt, Design Lead & Strategist at Thoughtfull, discuss ways that intentionally designed AI can address challenges to democracy. Key Topics Why "AI won't save democracy, but design might."The democratic crisis of trust: why people aren't disengaging from voting because they don't care, but because they don't know who or what information sources to trust.Designing for the margins to benefit everyone: how focusing on visually impaired voters revealed universal barriers to accessing political information and participating in democracy.Their work on Chime: using various AI tools to transform complex policy content into engaging, multi-perspective audio experiences.Why human values must drive AI design principles and move beyond commercial incentives toward transparency, accessibility, and shared truth as the foundation for democratic participation.Additional 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.

    36 min

  4. 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

  5. JUL 22 · BONUS

    Bonus: Designing for Trust in Urban Systems with Ryan Powell of Waymo

    In this episode from ID's Shapeshift conference, Ryan Powell shares how Waymo uses design to tackle one of the world's most pressing challenges: the 1.35 million annual traffic fatalities and 50 million injuries from vehicle crashes.  Key TopicsThe challenge of building trust between passengers and autonomous vehicles in the absence of human driversThe evolution from Phoenix's suburban environment to San Francisco's dense urban challenges, requiring "legible motion" and LED signals to communicate with pedestrians and other road usersWorking with cities as stakeholders to integrate autonomous vehicles into existing transportation systems, including first-and-last-mile solutions for public transitGrowing evidence that autonomous vehicles are making roads safer, particularly for vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclistsThe importance of maintaining human-centered design principles when developing AI applications, focusing on human needs rather than technological capabilitiesAdditional 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.

    34 min

  6. JUL 15 · BONUS

    Bonus: Design Visionary Patrick Whitney

    In this episode, Patrick Whitney shares his path from reluctantly accepting Jay Doblin's invitation to teach a single course to discovering his passion for helping students grow. He reflects on the challenges of teaching design, particularly to eager freshmen students, and how that experience shaped his understanding of design education. Key TopicsThe fundamental tension between business's focus on financial prediction and design's human-centered approachWhy traditional business metrics fail to capture design's true valueHow design value is measured in human moments: laughter, social interaction, and improved daily experiencesPatrick's prediction of a crisis in prediction-based business model and the shift from "economy of scale" to "economy of choice" in modern businessWhy businesses must demonstrate value rather than simply predict it How designers can generate richer arrays of strategic optionsAdditional ResourcesID Honors Design Visionary Patrick Whitney 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.

    12 min
  7. 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
  8. 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.

Information

  • Creator
    IIT Institute of Design
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Institute of Design
  • Show Website
    With Intent