FUTURE OF XYZ

S8 E7: Within the industrial design community, our guest is known as an innovative, global leader who has created hundreds of products and services for major brands, launched over 100 early-stage ventures including Uber and TELO Trucks, received over 300 awards, was named one of TIME Magazine’s Top 25 Visionaries and recognized by Forbes as the “Most Influential Industrial Designer in the World”, and has works included in the permanent collections of museums worldwide incl. MOMA and SFMOMA. The Founder and CEO of Fuseproject- a design and innovation studio based in San Francisco and Lisbon since 1999- Yves Behar has turned his attention to our homes in recent years, most notably the ways in which user friendly ecosystems are created and how “intelligent home” products can “hide in plain sight”. Tune in to learn way more than IoT jargon. Not to miss. ABOUT THE SERIES: FUTURE OF XYZ is an award-winning interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- FUTURE OF XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. New episodes every other Thursday. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

S8 E6: “Embodied presence.” “Intelligent gestures.” “Vulnerability is the real humanity inside us.” This week, we host Artist & Experience Designer, Annabelle Schneider, for a seemingly esoteric, abstract conversation about ‘What’s Real’. However, Annabelle quickly shows the topic to be anything other than nebulous. Based on her long-time interiors practice and now multiple award-winning installations that have traveled the globe – we learn how ‘what’s real’ is ultimately fully grounded in the physical, emotional, and spiritual experience all human beings share. In the face of accelerating digitalization and collective overstimulation, Annabelle says: “Discernment- the ability to feel what is authentic, to slow down enough to notice, and to consciously choose depth over distraction- becomes essential!” ABOUT THE SERIES: FUTURE OF XYZ is an award-winning interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- FUTURE OF XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. New episodes every other Thursday. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

S8 E5: Humans have been covering our feet with shoes to protect from injury and disease for over 5000 years. Sportsmen have been harnessing shoe innovation to maximize performance since the 1800s. The global footwear industry today produces millions of SKUs every year tailored to the unique demands of every imaginable sport, demographic, and style preference. Once a highly valued handcraft, technology has increasingly taken over. And yet, nearly 12% of the world’s population remain “unshod”. This week’s guest is Charles Johnson who has spent nearly four decades in the footwear business- developing products for Puma, Converse, adidas, and others. He is now an academic at Carnegie Mellon University and social entrepreneur working to deliver change at scale. ABOUT THE SERIES: FUTURE OF XYZ is an award-winning interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- FUTURE OF XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. New episodes every other Thursday. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

S8 E4: “It’s about the orchestration of human judgment and machine capability towards a shared outcome.” This week’s episode is about (Hu)man-Machine Collaboration, and our guest is Matt McElvogue, the Vice President of Design at Teague - a century-old Seattle-based design firm renowned for solving complex challenges at the forefront of technology. Whether we’re looking to space or deep into the internet, the fact is that when people and automated technology work together, leveraging each other's strengths to achieve goals better and faster – the collaboration enhances efficiency and innovation. This is a fascinating conversation with a design leader at the forefront of what’s next in the universe literally, not only of design! ABOUT THE SERIES: FUTURE OF XYZ is an award-winning interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- FUTURE OF XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. New episodes every other Thursday. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

S8 E3: Of all the spaces in the world that people flock to, admire, and emulate in recent decades – few are as iconic as NYC’s The High Line- the old, elevated railroad tracks on Manhattan’s West Side, turned native garden and cultural space. In this episode, we speak with the project’s co-Founder, Robert Hammond, about 'Third Places'- what they are, why they matter, and how they’re evolving. From their sometimes-grandiose role in urban renewal (such as the High Line) to their essential everyday purpose as a space for connection – third places include parks, libraries, cafes, bars, gyms, and other community gathering spots. Tune in to learn more. You’ll also hear about Robert’s newest vision – bringing public bathhouses to the US after their millennia of importance as third places in Europe, Asia, and throughout human history. ABOUT THE SERIES: FUTURE OF XYZ is an award-winning interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- FUTURE OF XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. New episodes every other Thursday. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

S8 E2: At the start of the year, what else is there for us to do than imagine all the bright wonderful possibilities ahead? And color helps guide us into sense and feeling. Our guest this week is Laura Guido-Clark, an expert in color, materials, and finishes whose career has touched interiors, education, public works, automotive, electronics, and household appliances. Science says the spectrum of light offers infinite color variations, though estimates the human eye can distinguish between 7-10 million different colors – hear in this week’s episode about how color works and its outsized impact on our lives from nature and design, to pure aesthetics, wellness, and beyond. ABOUT THE SERIES: FUTURE OF XYZ is an award-winning interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- FUTURE OF XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. New episodes every other Thursday. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

S8 E1: To kick off the new year, we are opening Season 8 with a conversation about a favorite holiday entertainment and pastime, ‘moviegoing’. Our guest is Jed Harmsen, VP & General Manager of Cinema & Group Entertainment at Dolby Laboratories, famous for revolutionizing audio with noise reduction and compression to significantly reduce high background noise and now the world leader in spatial audio and high dynamic range imaging for movies, streaming, music, gaming, PCs, mobile, licensing, and more. Quoting famed film director George Lucas, Jed says “Sound is more than half the picture”. Tune in today to learn more about moviegoing in 2026 and beyond! ABOUT THE SERIES: FUTURE OF XYZ is an award-winning interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- FUTURE OF XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. New episodes every other Thursday. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

S7 E19 Rerelease (150th episode overall): Acclaimed industrial designer and recent author, Nick Foster RDI, joins XYZ for our 150th episode of the series! In this special episode, we celebrate not only 150 episodes of future exploration, but also Nick’s recently released book ‘COULD SHOULD MIGHT DON’T: HOW WE THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE’ by MacMillan. And we’re going meta here to talk about the ‘Future of Thinking About the Future’. As musician, filmmaker, and cultural curator, Questlove writes in a testimonial “the book helps provide a meaningful framework for considering the big questions of “Where are we going? Who will we be when we get there?”.” As a Futures Designer who spent an esteemed career at globally renowned tech companies like Apple, Nokia, Sony, Dyson, and most recently as Head of Design at Google X - this conversation is spot on in terms of timing, content, and curiosity for the moment we currently face. Tune in to learn how we can better think about the future in terms of business, culture, technology, mental health, the planet and more. Happy 150th episode XYZ! ABOUT THE SERIES: FUTURE OF XYZ is an award-winning interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- FUTURE OF XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. New episodes every other Thursday. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

S7 E25: For our final new episode of 2025, we’re speaking with Dr. Delfina Fantini van Ditmar - a Senior Researcher at the Royal College of Art where she co-directs the Becoming Regenerative Lab and a Professor in Research at CARADT in the Netherlands where she also Chairs the Regenerative Art & Design group. With an academic background merging biology with design, her practice seeks to empower the next generation of designers to address the social, ecological, and cultural transitions of our time. In this episode, Delfina walks us through what regenerative design is, how it differs from sustainability or circularity, and why she believes healing past damage and creating resilient, equitable systems that support both human and environmental wellbeing is humanity's best path forward across design disciplines, commercial industries, and economic and political systems. An inspiring conversation for closing out one year and heading into the next! ABOUT THE SERIES: FUTURE OF XYZ is an award-winning interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- FUTURE OF XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. New episodes every other Thursday. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

S7 E24: Happy Thanksgiving, America! And happy eating everyone everywhere! In this special edition, we’re speaking about food, and specifically, fine dining. Our guests are both formally trained top chefs and acclaimed restaurateurs who have each had restaurants in New York City recognized with a Michelin star, as well as James Beard Award wins and nominations. Together, we explore fine dining as it has been, as it is, and as it’s becoming. From quality of ingredients to innovation in the kitchen, ambiance of the space to special attention to service – we hear how fine dining is moving beyond white tablecloths and fussiness, while remaining an immersive experience transports diners into a special occasion. Bon appétit! ABOUT THE SERIES: FUTURE OF XYZ is an award-winning interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- FUTURE OF XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. New episodes every other Thursday. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

S7 E23: Our guest this week is Martha Tsigkari, a Senior Partner at Foster + Partners, among the world’s most acclaimed architectural firms founded by Lord Norman Foster. For over 20 years, Martha is also the Head of their Applied R+D group. Developing machine learning, optimization and simulation tools, integrated processes and physical interfaces - the group pursues state-of-the-art research that blends architecture, engineering, and computer science to support the firm’s globally recognized projects that push the limits on what we thought was possible. In the ‘Future of Applied R&D’, Martha talks about facilitating cross-team collaboration, enabling emotionality, and being “dreamers of the impossible”. Don’t miss! ABOUT THE SERIES: FUTURE OF XYZ is an award-winning interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- FUTURE OF XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. New episodes every other Thursday. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

S7 E22: Everyone is talking nonstop about how machines, robots, and AI are going to replace humans in the workforce and beyond. But what’s true? This week, FUTURE OF XYZ speaks with Tey Bannerman, a trained product designer and software engineer with over 20 years in the tech sector, including designing and building AI systems for startups, large retail players, and multinationals in regulated industries like banking, insurance, and fintech. Most recently, a Partner and Head of McKinsey Design Europe, and co-author of ‘The AI Revolution’ – Tey believes the best place for AI tools is in supporting humans and to support our professional roles in such a way that they are reshaped and success in them redefined, versus causing the roles themselves to disappear. Tune in for this timely and robust discussion about one of the hottest topics of today. ABOUT THE SERIES: FUTURE OF XYZ is an award-winning interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- FUTURE OF XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. New episodes every other Thursday. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

S7 E21: In this episode, we speak with Gita Rebbapragada, COO at Crunchyroll, the global entertainment platform specializing in anime, manga, and Asian media. Anime is a hand-drawn or computer-generated animation style typically originating from Japan– but now coming from all corners of the planet. And it’s an entertainment sector estimated to reach $60B over the next few years. This is a fascinating and far-reaching conversation about community and creative processes, big business and the convergence of art, culture, TV, film, music, gaming, live events, and merchandise. ABOUT THE SERIES: FUTURE OF XYZ is an award-winning interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- FUTURE OF XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. New episodes every other Thursday. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

S7 E20: What is creativity and why does it matter? How does creativity differ from innovation? What is the role of imagination? Of education? In the Future of Creativity, we speak with Doreen Lorenzo, Assistant Dean at the School of Design and Creative Technology at the University of Texas and former President of frog design. In this expansive conversation, we talk about the importance of research, human-centered thinking, ideation, iteration, evolution, and execution. This is an amazing discussion no one in the design or creative worlds should miss. ABOUT THE SERIES: FUTURE OF XYZ is an award-winning interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- FUTURE OF XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. New episodes every other Thursday. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

S7 E19 (150 overall): Acclaimed industrial designer and recent author, Nick Foster RDI, joins XYZ for our 150th episode of the series! In this special episode, we celebrate not only 150 episodes of future exploration, but also Nick’s recently released book ‘COULD SHOULD MIGHT DON’T: HOW WE THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE’ by MacMillan. And we’re going meta here to talk about the ‘Future of Thinking About the Future’. As musician, filmmaker, and cultural curator, Questlove writes in a testimonial “the book helps provide a meaningful framework for considering the big questions of “Where are we going? Who will we be when we get there?”.” As a Futures Designer who spent an esteemed career at globally renowned tech companies like Apple, Nokia, Sony, Dyson, and most recently as Head of Design at Google X - this conversation is spot on in terms of timing, content, and curiosity for the moment we currently face. Tune in to learn how we can better think about the future in terms of business, culture, technology, mental health, the planet and more. Happy 150th episode XYZ! ABOUT THE SERIES: FUTURE OF XYZ is an award-winning interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- FUTURE OF XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. New episodes every other Thursday. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

S7 E18: If you were to read Brittan Heller’s CV, you might wonder why we’re speaking with her about the ‘Future of 3D Computing’. A Yale-educated lawyer who prosecuted war crimes in Rwanda and the Congo, supported refugees from North Korea and Afghanistan, and served in the U.S. Dept. of State and Dept. of Justice before becoming a Teaching Fellow & Law Lecturer at Stanford University’s Law, Science & Technology program - Brittan is now a globally-recognized leader in technology and human rights. In this important conversation about our fast-moving shift into XR, spatial computing, and from 2D to 3D internet- we address topics around convergence, neuroscience, dark patterns, AI, privacy, and platform governance. This episode serves as a primer for everyone to consider what is the intersection of emerging technology and legal protections. Brittan explains how we got here and shares her expert belief that if only we can get the “rights” part “right”, the future will be beautiful. Don’t miss! ABOUT THE SERIES: FUTURE OF XYZ is an award-winning interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- FUTURE OF XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. New episodes every other Thursday. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

S7 E17: Off the shelf or highly bespoke, interior designers know that the choice of floor coverings is one of the most important decisions they can make for the feel of a finished space. From throw rugs to area rugs, wall-to-wall carpeting or other wovens – this is a highly-specialized industry where local and global mills and weavers work hand in hand with designers to produce products based on material, color, pattern, weave, thickness, ecologic, price point, and even timeline needs and preferences. In this episode, we speak with Ana and Ali, Managing Partners of Toronto-based Creative Matters, a design studio founded in 1988, focused on stunning, bespoke, ethically-produced floor coverings. In our conversation, we address how aesthetics are always the #1 decision driver, but that functional concerns weigh heavily in more high-use commercial settings, including hospitality. Tune in to learn more about this often taken-for-granted interior component that has a big design, community, and environmental impact! ABOUT THE SERIES: FUTURE OF XYZ is an award-winning interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- FUTURE OF XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. New episodes every other Thursday. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

S7 E16: The fashion industry is one of the world’s largest polluters, responsible for 10% of total greenhouse gas emissions and with 87% of textiles ending up in landfills or incinerators every year. Recent forecasts suggest that the trend is rapidly continuing in a negative direction with the resulting climate change impact anticipated to displace tens of millions around the world. Other than consumers consuming FAR less, fashion and other manufacturing industries need to shift towards sustainable manufacturing. Our guest this week is Shelly Xu- a fashion entrepreneur, holder of multiple technology patents, multi-time nominee for the prestigious Earthshot prize, winner of multiple other international awards, and CEO & Founder of SXD- a software platform that uses AI to reimagine pattern making for zero waste in the fashion industry and beyond. This is the application of technology at its best – a simple but real revolution that saves businesses money and the planet’s health too. Tune in to learn more. ABOUT THE SERIES: FUTURE OF XYZ is an award-winning interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- FUTURE OF XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. New episodes every other Thursday. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

S7 E15: John Roescher and I met at SXSW earlier this year. When asked what he wanted to speak about on XYZ- the Founder and CEO of the Austin-based design agency, Raw Materials, which was named 2024's D&AD Design Agency of the Year- thought long and hard, ultimately deciding on the ‘Future of Different’. In this episode, the creator, investor, design leader, and former US Marine who taught himself to code as a child in the 90’s, shares with us his passion for technology, dedication to fostering creativity, and how he applies their combined power to advance various fields and industries through his work. His underlying belief is that “everybody has the ability to be creative, to make things different in the world”. Or, as he quoted Dolly Parton as saying, “Figure out who you are and do it on purpose.” That is the difference. Tune in to this meta conversation with an award-winning creative mind today! ABOUT THE SERIES: FUTURE OF XYZ is an award-winning interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- FUTURE OF XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. New episodes every other Thursday. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

S7 E14: You may never have heard of a Passive House, or the Passive House movement, but building to Passive House standards means meeting specific criteria related to heating and cooling demand, airtightness, and thermal comfort to achieve certification. It’s an approach to building and construction that significantly reduces energy consumption, carbon footprint, and operational costs. Curious yet? This week, we learn all about Passive House- what it is, what it achieves, what it requires, and why not everyone is building or can build to these standards. Joining us is Ken Levenson, an architect himself and Executive Director of The Passive House Network, a non-profit organization specialized in Passive House education that supports the internationally-recognized Passive House Institute, and Luis Medina, a Certified Passive House Designer (CPHD) and Principal at the award-winning Brooklyn firm, STUDIO 397 Architecture. This is a fascinating and informative discussion about climate change, resilience, mitigation, efficiency, affordability, health, wellness, and of course, design. Tune in today. ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

The hospitality industry encompasses various sectors including hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and tourism. Our guest this week is Neil Jacobs- a seasoned entrepreneur with a journey through hospitality including running hotels and building them from the ground up, financing venture deals and closing successful sales. He has been CEO of Six Senses since 2012 and oversaw its sales to InterContinental Hotels Group, a multinational hospitality company headquartered in England and listed on both the London and New York Stock Exchanges. In this transitional moment in Neil’s career, he joins us to reflect on the hospitality industry he’s helped to shape and the future of an idea he still wants to build. “People want to come together and share and learn and have a personal experience with a takeaway that is different to other hotels and also what has been done in the past.” Tune in for this fantastic conversation with a trailblazer in eco-luxury, destination travel, wellness, design, and more. | S7 E13 ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

S7 E12: Global toymaker Mattel knows a thing or two about Play. Operating in 35 countries with products sold in over 150 countries, the toy giant who employs over 30,000 people across its Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, UNO®, Polly Pocket and other brands – is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year! Tied to the release of a large new study called the “The Shape of Play”, XYZ speaks with Chris Down, Mattel’s Chief Design Officer and iF DESIGN AWARD Juror about the state of play in 2025, the importance of play in combating stress and restoring happiness no matter your age and stage, and what he’s learned over more than three decades creating play in everything from dolls and cars, to board and video games. This is a fun conversation that sparks serious joy. ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

Ever wonder how the “mouse” evolved? Or, how the graphical interface that introduced clicks and drags and the hover state changed the human-computer relationship? Learn about the history, evolution, and future of the most famous "pointing device” out there from the very international, cross-disciplinary designer who oversees user experience (UX) design for both physical and digital products at Logitech’s Personal Workspace group (~$1B annual revenue). She’s also an iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 juror. One of the most interesting conversations you didn’t know you needed! | S7 E11 ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

Neuroaesthetics is all about how human-focused design affects our wellbeing. Our guest is an award-winning architect guided by the philosophy that "form follows feeling". Integrating neuroscience and architecture, her New York City-based studio creates environments that push the boundaries of architectural tradition to shape a more empathetic, equitable, and enriching built environment that positively influences human experience. | S7 E10 ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

This May 1st- known in Europe as May Day or International Workers' Day- we’re exploring the intersection of capitalism, people, and planet. A distinguished leader, academic, and researcher from New York University's Stern School of Business joins us to explore 10+ years of quantitative research that evidences bottom line benefits for companies who integrate social and environmental sustainability as a core part of business operations. Across sectors- from consumer-packaged goods to energy, automotive, construction, agriculture and retail- businesses that de-risk, optimize loyalty, and take care of their employees, suppliers, customers, and nature outperform their peers across financial metrics. Current policy and politics aside, this Labor Day, let’s look at what value creation really means. | S7 E9 ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

Of the world’s 8.2 billion population, nearly 6 in 10 people live in urban areas. By 2050, it’s expected to be 7 in 10, and closer to 8 in 10 by 2100. What does this mean for the future of cities, of nature, of climate change, of business, of humanity? And moreover, what is the role of architecture and urban planning in addressing the present and preparing for the future? Hear from an award-winning architect whose New York City firm does work around the world from huge corporate headquarters and large retail flagships, to cultural institutions and hotels about the future of urbanization. | S7 E8 ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

What is sexier than a beautifully-designed car? From vintage classics to newer EVs and autonomous vehicles, this episode explores the many ways that car design brings value to customers, how brands can harness this, and the complexity of managing across sophisticated technical and emotional requirements. Our guest, Sam Livingstone is a car and mobility design strategist, Principal at Car Design Research in Cambridge, England, and iF DESIGN AWARD Juror. If you love car design or are simply interested in the future of mobility, tune into this week’s episode to learn more. | S7 E7 ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

Starting in the last mid-century, companies and consumers began moving away from commonly reusable/refillable packaging for goods like milk, eggs, liquor, shampoo, detergent, etc. into buying branded, single-use versions from grocery and drug store shelves. Then at the turn of this century came even greater variety and convenience through globalization, e-commerce, and Amazon. We probably don’t have to convince anyone of the large negative impact of this industrial packaging waste on the planet. But there are solutions, and they’re pretty good. Tune into this week’s episode to learn more. | S7 E6 ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

Fascinated by the intersection of tech, business, society and our own expanding consciousness- with experience ranging from frozen foods to reinventing the internet– our guest is a bestselling author, sought-after speaker, founder of a consultancy that “helps visionaries play bigger”, and recognized as one of the world’s top female futurists. It’s 2025, and we find ourselves living in a world where everything feels more fragile than ever. In this conversation, we discuss what the 21st century demands of us as stewards and leaders, and where we can find hope amid the challenges. Don’t miss it. | S7 E5 ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

It’s a week after Valentine’s Day, the annual hallmark of romantic love, and we’re exploring a related idea- that of pleasure. Our guest is an award-winning industrial designer who pioneered the category of pleasure jewelry with the aim of honoring the female perspective. This episode is all about how we can create emotional experiences through beautiful product design. Watch, listen, and learn more at www.lovecrave.com. Happy belated Valentine’s. | S7 E4 ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

Typography is a graphic art that involves selecting typefaces, point sizes, line lengths, line spacing, letter spacing, and spaces between pairs of letters. It affects how we perceive and comprehend written words, phrases and ideas from historical documents to books, advertising posters to TikTok reels. This week, we speak with Charles Nix – designer, typographer, educator, and Senior Executive Creative Director at Monotype- the “apex of typography” to geek out about this all-encompassing design discipline. | S7 E3 ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

Worldwide video gaming revenue was estimated at nearly $455 billion in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.4% expected through the end of the decade. This big and growing business is fast-changing – calling in new ideas, technologies and talent. Our guest is a designer himself with serious street cred with many of the industry’s biggest players, as well as being a passionate educator in Arts & Entertainment Technologies. If you’re a gamer or even just interested in the future of entertainment - this episode is for you! | S7 E2 ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

Welcome to a new year! For our first episode of 2025, we are speaking about customer experience. Our guest is the Global Head of Design Strategy in the CX Office of Samsung Mobile Experience based in Seoul, South Korea, where he directs all aspects of enterprise design- elevating the multitude of touchpoints that make an ‘experience’ in the modern commercial world. Join us to learn how brands and designers can ensure a positive customer experience and why it matters. | S7 E1 ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

Tis the season for SNOW! And what better seasonal re-release than our amazing conversation from early 2023 about the ‘Future of Snow Sports’?! Our guest is the Founder of Snowboard Magazine and Tailgate Alaska, a former professional snowboarder and Olympic commentator. From the industry’s growth and the impact of climate change, to self-reliance in the backcountry and the power of presence, this is a holiday episode for everyone. Be sure to tune in! | S4 E4 Re-release ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

In our final new episode of the year, we have the privilege to speak with visionary architect and activist, Pascale Sablan, only the 315th living African American woman registered architect in the United States and the youngest African American ever to be inducted into the AIA College of Fellows. In addition to being President of the acclaimed Adjaye Associates’ NYC studio, Pascale has served in various capacities at the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), including as Global President from 2023-2024. Her forthcoming book, ‘GREATNESS: Diverse Designers of Architecture’ builds on her work at NOMA and the nonprofit, Beyond the Built Environment, she founded to empower women and BIPOC designers. Pre-order today and hear more from Pascale in this excellent episode! | S6 E7 ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

Digital has become such a part of our lives, intertwined with everything we do, that most of us- personally or professionally- never pause to think about the environmental impact of our online interactions. Our guest this week is an expert in digital strategy with an eye towards people and planet. In the Future of Digitality, we are provoked to think differently about our digital engagement and resulting carbon footprints. For anyone interested in sustainability topics, this is a don’t miss episode. | S6 E6 ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

This fascinating episode begins with the etymology of the Italian word “mobilia”, then continues into the historical evolution of furniture design, current trends, material innovation, the complexities of sustainability, and the importance of deep research. Furniture is not singular or monolithic, and neither is this conversation with our guest, a renowned Icelandic industrial designer based in New York City, which explores what it means to design for human living in so many diverse public and private spaces. | S6 E5 ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

Our guest this week may have the world's (or universe’s?) coolest job! As Creative Director at NASA, David Rager oversees the agency's visual brand. From changing iconic logos to elevating design language on extraterrestrial transports, creating useful artifacts with high-profile artists to producing creative tools for public learning- his team is responsible for “communicating the value of NASA’s [amazing] work”. Also, Happy Halloween! Check out some spooky NASA-designed graphics imagining life on the exo planets: https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/immersive/galaxy-of-horrors/. | S6 E4 ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

Want to learn about circularity, but not sure what it is? Few people are better poised to talk about maximizing systemic change and collective action than this week’s guest from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Tune in to learn about efforts being undertaken to inspire and empower the world’s designers to create products, services, and systems that address the root cause of global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution- and help regenerate nature's bounty. | S6 E3 ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

A musical virtuoso who tours with Jon Batiste and serves as the Musical Director of Grace Farms Foundation- our guest this week brings us an episode that is both bold and beautiful. Touching on the role of music in family, culture, and tradition- to the influence and impact of technology on the music industry especially in the 20th century- this is a heartfelt and profound exploration of what music really is, where it intersects with so many other creative disciplines, what it provides us as human beings, and how we can hopefully ensure a beautiful future. | S6 E2 ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

What other topic would we discuss in our 125th overall episode and kickoff to a new season, with our new presenting sponsor, @ifdesign and now as part of the Sandow SURROUND Podcast Network- than the Future of DESIGN!? Our three guests represent an incredible knowledge base covering cross-disciplinary design from cars & tech, to furniture & sound. Together, we dive deep on industry trends & challenges, and of course, the importance of good design & educating the next generation of designers. This is a launch episode you won't want to miss! | S6 E1 ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented by iF Design- host of the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD- Future of XYZ is also a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz and @ifdesign on Instagram, listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts and surroundpodcasts.com, watch on YouTube, or visit ifdesign.com/XYZ for show links and more.

Innovation- it's a huge topic ranging from the invention of the wheel or printing press, to mindset shifts or harnessing the technology that fuels our modern world. This week, we speak with the host of another podcast, Barriers to Entry, who focuses on how emerging technologies are being brought to life to solve problems and create new opportunities especially in the design industry. From hot topics like AI and its real-life human implications to the impact of venture capital- don’t miss this exciting conversation. Episode 9, Season 5. ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented in collaboration with Rhode Island PBS. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz on Instagram, and visit www.future-of.XYZ or www.ripbs.org/XYZ for show links and more.

“We are a species of curiosity and survival; I’m convinced that exploration is embedded in our human DNA.” Chris Rainier is the son of an explorer and an artist who started his career as Ansel Adams’ assistant, going on to become one of this generation’s most well-respected documentary photographers and filmmakers, and a National Geographic Society Explorer. He is fundamentally positive and believes deeply in the need to involve the entire human voice, all 6000 languages and our knowledge bases to move into the future. Episode 8, Season 5. www.chrisrainier.org ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented in collaboration with Rhode Island PBS. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz on Instagram, and visit www.future-of.XYZ or www.ripbs.org/XYZ for show links and more.

Imagine a hiring process where all you have to do is put your name on a list. Where you can earn a living wage regardless of your education, disability, race, prison time, homelessness, or other traditional barriers to employment. It’s called ‘open hiring’ and Greyston Bakery- provider of brownies to Ben & Jerry’s ice cream- has been implementing it for 42 years. A positive catalyst for lifting traditionally marginalized employees and their communities out of poverty, it also offers significantly positive returns for implementing businesses. The model may sound radical, but it’s anything but. Learn more at https://www.greyston.org/ and in Episode 8, Season 5. ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented in collaboration with Rhode Island PBS. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz on Instagram, and visit www.future-of.XYZ or www.ripbs.org/XYZ for show links and more.

How can companies ensure long-term mission alignment and drive value beyond just wealth creation for shareholders? Learn about the growing movement towards purpose trusts. An ownership model recently adopted by outerwear giant, Patagonia, this is a way for businesses to protect their values and ensure purposeful commitments endure over time. Episode 6, Season 5.ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented in collaboration with Rhode Island PBS. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz on Instagram, and visit www.future-of.XYZ or www.ripbs.org/XYZ for show links and more.

Happy Leap Year! From cross-disciplinary design and discontinuity, to systems thinking and all that needs to be redesigned in the world – Episode 5, Season 5 dives deep into the topic of complexity. This February 29th, we are encouraged to accept what we cannot yet know and learn tools for adaptation. Tune in as our guest breaks down this fabulously complex topic for us. ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented in collaboration with Rhode Island PBS. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz on Instagram, and visit www.future-of.XYZ or www.ripbs.org/XYZ for show links and more.

ABOUT: Our guest this week runs an education nonprofit whose vast curriculum helps millions of individuals from ages 12-99+ understand more about how their food is produced, packaged, transported, sold, and ultimately consumed. The conversation addresses positive impacts on personal health, the role of technology, deforestation and ocean acidification, systems-level wellbeing, the power of information, and veggie burgers! Tune in for an educational conversation in Episode 4, Season 5.ABOUT THE SERIES: Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we’re going. Presented in collaboration with Rhode Island PBS. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Follow @futureofxyz on Instagram, and visit www.future-of.XYZ or www.ripbs.org/XYZ for show links and more.