Design Episodes

Discovering the transformative power of global community at UC Berkeley's International House What if your academic journey at the UC Berkeley International House was more than just studying abroad—what if it was a profound personal transformation? This episode of This Anthro Life, hosted by Dr. Adam Gamwell, delves into the vibrant, dynamic world within I-House, exploring the deep cultural, social, and intellectual exchanges that redefine student experiences. We sit down with Sean Confer, CEO...

How do our physical spaces shape the way we live, connect, and thrive? In this episode of This Anthro Life, we delve into how design and the built environment impact today’s biggest challenges—climate change and social division. Featuring Vishaan...

Have you ever thought about the power of questions in shaping your relationships? In this episode of This Anthro Life, we explore how Emmy-winning filmmaker Topaz Adizes uses questions to create connection, trust, and clarity in relationships.

In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell talks with anthropologist and design educator Michael Leube about how design, ethics, and anthropology intersect to shape the future of human behavior and culture.

In this episode of This AnthroLife, host Adam Gamwell dives deep into the concept of "cultural moats" and how tech giants like Apple leverage design, technology, and cultural influence to cultivate an intensely loyal customer base. Adam examines the...

In this episode of Anthro Life host Adam engages in a fascinating discussion with Chris Carter, a geoscientist-turned-design-educator, and Scott Dorely, a filmmaker-turned-design-educator. They explore how design and anthropology intersect to shape...

Delve into the world of software development, work culture, and the philosophy of 'good enoughness,' with Paula Bialski. I'm Adam Gamwell as a cultural anthropologist and award-winning media creator, I specialize in storytelling. My diverse...

In this insightful episode of This Anthro Life, we delve into the transformative power of the COVID-19 pandemic on the shift to online work. We discuss the potential of remote work to create a more equal playing field in the job market, Fredrik sharing his experience of building Superside, a platform that helps marketing and creative teams overcome design bottlenecks. Through this insightful discussion, we explore how this transition not only enhances productivity but also levels the playing field for individuals worldwide. From the importance of speed and quality in creative endeavors to the pivotal role of values and psychological safety in organizational success, we unravel the keys to building a future where talent knows no bounds. Join the conversation as we explore how remote work, accelerated by the pandemic, is reshaping industries, amplifying creativity, and paving the way for inclusive and innovative organizations.

In this compelling episode of This Anthro Life, we engage with filmmaker David Donnelly, delving into the depths of his documentary "Cost of Convenience." Donnelly's exploration uncovers the intricate web of consequences spawned by technology, spotlighting the covert toll of social media and search engine usage. Through a narrative woven with two years of intensive interviews and research, Donnelly unveils the unseen impacts of our digital age. The conversation traverses the power dynamics inherent in data collection, emphasizing the imperative of transparency. We advocate for a cultural shift, calling for an evaluation of our relationship with technology and its pervasive influence on modern society. Explore the intricate repercussions of technology through David Donnelly's lens in "Cost of Convenience." Delve into two years of intensive research revealing unseen impacts.

In this insightful episode of career anthropology, we speak with Amy Goldmacher and Amy Santee, professionals who seamlessly blended anthropology into their careers. Amy Goldmacher shares her journey from UX research to career coaching, using anthropology to empower individuals in communication. Amy Santee discusses transitioning from academia to industry, highlighting anthropology's adaptability in diverse settings. We explore the evolving perception of anthropology in the business world, advocating for increased visibility and mentorship to support aspiring anthropologists in carving out fulfilling career paths. Our dialogue underscores the invaluable contribution of anthropology to various fields and inspires listeners to embrace the multifaceted possibilities within the discipline.

In this episode, we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Byron Reese about the concept of superorganisms. Reese draws parallels between the structure and behavior of bees in a hive and the potential for humanity to function as a superorganism.

In this episode of The Anthro Life, we delve into the intersection of technology and compassion in the field of end-of-life care. Faisal Abid, founder of Eirene Cremations, shares his journey from working in AI to revolutionizing the funeral industry by combining technology and empathy. We explore how Irene Cremations uses innovative tools like Funeral OS and Obituary Writer to streamline processes and empower families during the grieving process. Additionally, we discuss shifting cultural norms in end-of-life care and the potential future advancements in the industry.

In this episode of This Anthro Life, Tobias Dengel, a leading expert in digital transformation, explores the transformative power of voice technology. Dengel discusses how integrating voice tech into existing platforms offers a safer approach, emphasizing the familiarity and trust already established. The conversation extends to the increasing presence of voice assistants like Alexa and Siri in our daily lives. Dengel also highlights the role of voice technology in enhancing security measures in banking applications. Tune in for captivating insights into how voice technology is revolutionizing our interactions with devices and services, envisioning a future where our voices effortlessly transform the way we navigate our surroundings.

This new episode explores the motivations and implications of humanity's pursuit of space exploration. It asks if reaching for the stars should be our top priority. Our guest Savannah Mandel shares her journey from a space enthusiast as a child to a more critical anthropologist studying the space industry. She remains devoted to bringing anthropological methods to the field, diversifying voices, and furthering public understanding. Join the discussion including decolonizing space, diversifying perspectives in the industry, using anthropological research to create real-world impact, and studying speculative futures. This episode aims to provide a grounded anthropological perspective on the captivating world of space exploration and the space industry.

This episode of This Anthro Life delves into the transformative impact of conversational AI, hyper automation, and composable software systems with UX pioneer Robb Wilson. It explores how these technologies are reshaping human interactions with machines, going beyond familiar voice assistants like Siri or Alexa. The conversation emphasizes the potential benefits of embracing conversation and simplifying software interfaces, offering insights on how automation can revolutionize work, enhance customer service, and stimulate creativity in the digital age.

In this episode, Joe Schaeppi, an entrepreneur and leader in the gaming and psychology fields, dives into the realm of designing experiences centered around humans. He explores the complex interplay of AI, design, and technology. He shares his personal journey in creating experiences that nurture mindfulness and self-awareness. The conversation covers challenges in assessing outcomes, the importance of community and constructive feedback, and the limitations of over-personalization. The focus is on understanding the audience and crafting experiences with genuine significance. The episode also delves into the limitations of relying solely on big data for comprehending consciousness, highlighting the crucial role of language in shaping thoughts. The discussion extends to the impact of AI on creativity and successful strategies in the gaming industry. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of self-discovery through psychological assessment, with a consideration of AI's potential role…

When we think of robots, we tend to think of things like R2-D2, the Terminator skeleton, or a piece of machinery that automates the construction of goods in an assembly line. But that’s not all there is to robots — something anthropologist and roboticist entrepreneur Lora Koycheva understands perfectly well.

Consumers today find brands through many online sources, including search engines and social media. And with the rise of hyper-personalized ads, consumers are constantly being bombarded with brands that seem to speak to their needs and interests....

Show Notes Building a New Labor Market for Global Design Talent with Fredrik Thomassen More and more businesses are switching to remote work amid the COVID-19 pandemic. But one startup was ahead of the curve, having been 100% remote since its...

Charles Henry is the president of the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR), a nonprofit that works with libraries, cultural institutions, and higher learning communities to improve research, teaching, and learning environments. Charles shares how creating new digital technologies around cultural heritage allows us to acknowledge the limitations of our current competitive models and opens up new ways to tell better stories that bring people together rather than fragment. Something sorely needed as our interdependence on this planet and as a species continues to rise in urgency in the face of climate or military and political crises.

It's a common truism that history is often written by the victors, but it is equally true that the actual story is more complicated. One of the most poignant examples of this is the "discovery" of the new world by Christopher Columbus. So today I...

Today we're diving into world building, the process of creating realized worlds for (mostly) fictional stories and how anthropology could literally change the game. Michael Kilman and Kyra Wellstrom stop by to discuss to their new book on anthropology for game design, fiction writing and filmmaking.

What is it about coffee and tea - two simple drinks - that both transcends culture and is intimately bound up by it? In this episode, Adam talks with Independent documentary filmmaker and coffee anthropologist Brooke Bierhaus about her film "The Connected Cup" which explores the heart of coffee and tea as global human connectors across cultures and backgrounds. For the film Brooke traveled to over 9 countries to film and capture intimate moments, stories, and portraits of human life around the c...

Today we talk with Voltage Control president Douglas Ferguson and we're taking you beyond the prototype. If you ever run a design sprint, or even if you simply sat down at your desk to think through a really cool idea for a product or a new podcast or how do we improve something in your neighborhood. You started the design process. The question is, how do you go from a good idea to putting something out into the world? Douglas helps us find out. "You gotta slow down to go fast" - Douglas Ferg...