156. Creative Communication: How Our Design Choices Illustrate Our Values | Think Fast, Talk...

Design and Its Process

• Design is defined as the intentional act of bringing an idea into existence. Design focuses on desirability, in contrast to business which focuses on viability and engineering which focuses on feasibility. (2m8s)
• The design process involves understanding what should exist in the world by externalizing work. This can involve observing how people use things, talking to people facing challenges, creating prototypes to test assumptions, and seeking feedback. (3m50s)

Communication in Design

• Communication is crucial in design, as it influences how people use and understand things. Examples of communication through design include product marketing, team collaboration, and even the design of physical spaces like offices and schools. (4m33s)
• People often fail to manipulate their environment to facilitate better communication and interaction. Instead of accepting a space as it is, people should actively arrange it to suit their needs. (6m19s)

Runaway Design and Leadership

• Runaway design, a phenomenon driven by rapidly changing materials and technologies like artificial intelligence, demands adaptability and curiosity from individuals. Recognizing its impact and expressing concerns about its direction is crucial. (7m50s)
• Leaders should embrace curiosity, even if it challenges the traditional view of leadership as solely focused and directive. Acknowledging uncertainty and seeking diverse perspectives are essential in navigating the evolving landscape shaped by Runaway design. (10m21s)

Actionables in Design

• Designers seek hidden elements and "actionables," which are consequential but hard-to-see aspects of life, such as interconnected systems and internal feelings. (11m1s)
• An example of an actionable is "lose the object," which involves subtracting technology and material objects from a situation to reveal intangible elements, such as connections and feelings expressed through eye contact and posture. (11m40s)

Storytelling and Communication

• Short stories, similar in structure to jokes, effectively illustrate future scenarios because they necessitate specific details and a clear setup and payoff, highlighting the interconnectedness of beginnings and endings in communication. (15m20s)
• To create a compelling story, the beginning should pose a question that the ending answers in a satisfying and unexpected way. (16m11s)

The Power of Feelings and Metaphors

• According to research by Baba Shiv and Antonio Damasio, feelings play a crucial role in innovation, design, and communication by motivating, focusing intentions, aiding decision-making, and driving action. (17m26s)
• Metaphors are an underutilized thinking tool, and like stories, help us think. (21m54s)

Examples of Effective Communication

• The speaker is currently developing a communication strategy based on the cookbook "Salt Fat Acid Heat," exploring the essential elements of effective communication. (20m40s)
• Hospital emergency rooms can improve performance by using Formula 1 Crews as an analogy for their work, changing the way they approach problems. (21m25s)
• James Baldwin is an admirable communicator because he spoke his mind clearly and directly, even when facing adversity. (22m16s)