Design for Humans Podcast
TEDx Domino Effect
Episode 11
Nova Pierre Louis and Katarina Rodriguez are the powerhouse duo behind Montclair’s first-ever TEDx event. In this episode, we dive into how they took action on a random Tuesday, applied for a TEDx license, and built a community-powered event in just 9 months. From blind speaker selection and rehearsals to creating a vibrant visual identity and leading a team of volunteers, they share the real behind-the-scenes story.
From Chaos to Calm:
The Journey of Malavika Srinivasan
Episode 9
Senior Designer Malavika Srinivasan shares her journey from being a self-taught designer in Bangalore to working at Tandem NYC. She discusses the importance of self-directed learning and her commitment to sustainability in design. She also emphasizes the significance of design education and her experiences working with nonprofits.
Oscar & Emmy-Nominated Producer,
Corinna Sager, on Communication
Episode 8
Oscar- and Emmy-nominated producer Corinna Sager joins Marco to explore the power of communication, from climate change and gentrification to cultural differences, public speaking, storytelling, and the impact of AI. Corinna shares her experience coaching leaders, mentoring students, and helping people truly connect in a digital world.
The Art of Industrial Design | Episode 7
Daryl Shelton shares his journey as an Industrial Designer, discussing his background, education, and the evolution of his design philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of craftsmanship, tactile interaction, and the role of empathy in the design process. Daryl critiques modern design practices for their lack of individuality and craftsmanship, advocating for a more community-oriented approach.
He also explores the intersection of art and function in design, sharing insights on notable projects and the impact of AI on the design process.
Buy a mattress! | Episode 6
NYC-based Marketing Consultant Michael Comeau discusses the importance of understanding customer psychology and needs in marketing. He emphasizes the role of empathy in crafting messages that resonate with audiences and the differences in how men and women approach marketing. Michael shares insights from his past projects, including the balance between data and anecdotal evidence in marketing, as well as the impact of design simplicity.
Bolivia to New York! | Episode 5
I sit down with Visual Communicator Daniela Méndez to explore the many dimensions of designing for—and as—a human. Originally from Bolivia, Daniela takes us through her journey across continents, from studying design in the Netherlands and Argentina to her current role at the design studio TODA in New York City. We dive into how cultural experiences shape creative thinking, the growing role of AI in the design world, and why curiosity remains one of the most powerful tools a designer can have.
Photography as Storytelling | Episode 4
Marco speaks with Tori Allen, a photographer and creative director. They discuss Tori's journey into photography, the importance of claiming one's title, and the significance of identifying personal talents. Tori shares insights on starting a photography business, the intricacies of event and concert photography, and the process of producing music videos. They also touch on the impact of AI on photography, the mindset needed for creative entrepreneurs, and valuable resources for personal and professional growth.
Branding with Heart! | Episode 3
In this conversation, Marco and Zeina Abdo delve into her diverse background in marketing, branding, and sustainability, as well as her journey in developing both personal and corporate brands. They discuss the challenges of creating emotional connections through branding, the impact of her NGO in Nepal, and her passion for mentoring youth. The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of branding in the age of AI, highlighting the importance of authenticity and collaboration in business.
Embrace AI Now and Sketch More! | Episode 2
Marco discusses the imperfections of his podcasting journey, the rapid rise of AI in the design industry, and the importance of sketching as a foundational skill for designers. He emphasizes the need to embrace AI as a collaborative tool rather than a competitor, shares insights on various
AI tools, and reflects on his experiences with sketching to enhance creativity.
Design for Humans Podcast, Inauguration | Episode 1
Marco of Studio de Mel rambles about design and humans in this first episode of the Design for Humans Podcast.
Marco talks about his day with client meetings with people from diverse places and how we humans often get stuck in wanting everything to be perfect before we take action.
Enjoy! And get started on that goal. Now!