In this episode of the AIGA Design Podcast, Lee-Sean Huang and Giulia Donatello engage in an inspiring conversation with Devika Menon, a service design and delivery lead at the City of Philadelphia. They explore Devika's diverse career journey, from her early days in animation film design to her current role in civic design. The discussion highlights the importance of human-centered design, the challenges of working within government systems, and the significance of participatory service design. Devika shares insights on navigating uncertainty, the impact of cultural experiences on design thinking, and the value of collaboration in creating sustainable change.

Episode Recommendations:

Book: Good Services: Decoding the Mystery of What Makes a Good Service

Book: Braiding Sweetgrass

In this episode of the AIGA Design Podcast, Lee-Sean Huang and Giulia Donatello engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Kevin Flores, an experienced product and design leader, founder and coach. They delve into Kevin's diverse career journey, from his early days in Silicon Valley to his experiences with major corporations like LinkedIn and Verizon. The discussion highlights the importance of adaptability in design careers, the evolving role of design leaders, and the significance of personal branding. Kevin shares insights on navigating the challenges of the design industry, the impact of AI on design processes, and the value of cultivating a unique design sense. He reminds designers that even as AI evolves, maintaining a sharp critical lens remains an essential skill.

Episode Recommendations:

Kevin's Book: Design Career Handbook

Short Film: Powers of Ten

Book recommendation: Orbiting the Giant Hairball

In this episode of the AIGA Design Podcast, Lee-Sean Huang and Giulia Donatello engage with George Aye, co-founder of Greater Good Studio, to explore the concept of 'pissed off optimism' in design. They discuss the balance between recognizing societal issues and maintaining hope for change, the importance of community among like-minded individuals, and the challenges of transitioning from designer to business owner. Aye reflects on his experiences with race in design, the principles guiding his studio, and the need for ethical considerations in design education. The conversation culminates in recommendations for media that inspire social change and a call to action for designers to engage with local nonprofits.Takeaways- Being a 'pissed off optimist' means balancing anger and hope.- Designers can create new worlds and challenge the status quo.- Community events can foster connections among like-minded individuals.- Race and identity play significant roles in the design profession.- Transitioning from designer to business owner presents unique challenges.- Saying no to certain projects is crucial for maintaining integrity.- Design should prioritize social change and community impact.- Teaching ethics in design is essential for future generations.- Breaking traditional design rules can lead to authenticity.- Engaging with local nonprofits can amplify design's social impact.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Pissed Off Optimism02:42 The Angry Hour for Pissed Off Optimists05:53 Reflections on Race and Design11:36 Navigating Leadership and Management Challenges17:08 The Importance of Saying No23:04 Designing Collaborative Cultures29:08 Redefining Performance in Design33:30 Aligning Business Goals with Social Impact37:44 Breaking Design Rules and Embracing Authenticity41:10 Transforming Design Education for Social Good46:53 Inspiration and Recommendations for Designers