A show about the past, present, and future of design. The Design Vault is a conversation hosted by Albert Shum and Thamer Abanami, reflecting on iconic products...
Season 1 Wrap-Up: See You in December for Season 2!
Thank you to all our listeners for your incredible support throughout Season 1! Your feedback and engagement have helped us learn, grow, and adapt, and we can’t wait to continue this journey with you.
Season 2 is just around the corner, launching in December! We’re excited to bring you even more stories about iconic products and their impact on design, business, technology, and culture.
In Season 2, we’ll dive deep into a wide range of topics, including the fascinating story behind the original Casio G-Shock, the world of Tamagotchi, the innovation that made the Polaroid Camera a cultural icon, and a closer look at the Technics SL-1200 turntable and its influence on music and culture—along with many more iconic designs that have shaped our world.
Stay tuned for another season packed with captivating stories, unexpected insights, and inspiring designs.
Thank you again for being a part of this journey. We look forward to seeing you in December for Season 2!
Join us as we shape the future of design by learning from the past.
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Hosts: Albert Shum and Thamer Abanami
Production and Post-production: Romina Hakim, Toño Tellez and Poonam Patel
Music: Red Lips Media LLC
Brand Design: Rafael Poloni
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1:50
Roland TR-808: The Drum Machine that Revolutionized Music
Welcome back to another episode of The Design Vault with your hosts Albert Shum and Thamer Abanami. Today we explore an absolute game changer in the world of music technology—the Roland TR-808 drum machine.
Despite its initial commercial failure, the TR-808 revolutionized music production and left an indelible mark on various genres—from early hip hop and Detroit techno to pop music and beyond. We'll take you through the fascinating origins of drum machines, the unexpected cultural phenomenon of the TR-808, and its lasting influence on the music industry.
TAKEAWAYS
How did the Roland TR 808 transition from a commercial failure to a cultural icon in music?
Introduction of programmable drum machines in the late 70s and early 80s
Initial adopters and experimental musicians like Yellow Magic Orchestra, Kraftwerk, and pioneers in hip hop and electronic music
The iconic "boom" of the kick drum
Reflections on unintended consequences of product design
Join us as we shape the future of design by learning from the past and present
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Hosts: Albert Shum and Thamer Abanami
Production and Post-production: Romina Hakim, Toño Tellez and Poonam Patel
Music: Red Lips Media LLC
Brand Design: Rafael Poloni
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27:10
Braun ET66 Calculator: The Power of Principles
In this episode of The Design Vault, we explore the iconic Braun ET66 calculator, designed by Dieter Rams in 1987. We discuss how this calculator, now featured in the Museum of Modern Art, embodies Rams' 'less, but better' philosophy through its distinctive features like convex circular buttons and a high-contrast color scheme. We highlight how the ET66's ergonomic design and intuitive layout demonstrate the lasting impact of thoughtful industrial design.
Our conversation then shifts to Dieter Rams' influential career as Chief Design Officer at Braun and his ten principles of good design. We examine how Rams' approach has shaped modern design, including its notable influence on Apple's product aesthetics. We also discuss how the ET66's design principles have been adapted for digital interfaces, as seen in the iPhone's calculator app.
We conclude by challenging the myth of the lone design genius, exploring the shift towards collaborative, user-centered design approaches in today's complex technological landscape.
Join us as we shape the future of design by learning from the past.
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Hosts: Albert Shum and Thamer Abanami
Production and Post-production: Romina Hakim, Toño Tellez and Poonam Patel
Music: Red Lips Media LLC
Brand Design: Rafael Poloni
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32:57
Nintendo Game Boy: Lateral Thinking and Embracing Constraints
In this episode of The Design Vault, we dive deep into the fascinating story behind one of gaming's most iconic devices—the Nintendo Game Boy. We uncover how Nintendo's history as a playing card and toy company shaped the development of this revolutionary handheld console. Our discussion explores the intriguing philosophy of lateral thinking in design, revealing how embracing technological constraints actually propelled the Game Boy to incredible success. We also examine the profound impact this device had on gaming culture, making video games more accessible than ever before.
We also introduce listeners to Genpei Yokoi, the visionary designer behind the Game Boy, and delve into how his approach of using simplified technology led to the creation of efficient, long-lasting products. We take a look at the state of the gaming industry in the early 1980s and how the Game Boy's arrival shook things up. Perhaps most importantly, we highlight the crucial role that lateral thinking and working within technological constraints played in the design process, ultimately leading to one of the most beloved gaming devices of all time.
Join us as we shape the future of design by learning from the past!
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Hosts: Albert Shum and Thamer Abanami
Production and Post-production: Romina Hakim, Toño Tellez and Poonam Patel
Music: Red Lips Media LLC
Brand Design: Rafael Poloni
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33:45
The Creation of the Microsoft Mouse with Steve Kaneko - Part 2
In today’s episode, we continue our fascinating discussion with designer Steve Kaneko, as he shares his insights into the development and impact of the Microsoft Mouse 2.0. From integrating human-centered design into technology to the evolution of design thinking in creating system-wide solutions, this conversation is a goldmine for anyone interested in the intersection of design, technology, and human experience.
Steve draws intriguing comparisons between the design philosophy of the late '80s and early '90s and today's approach, highlighting the evolution of design thinking over the decades. He emphasizes the meticulous attention paid to product performance, including seemingly minor yet crucial adjustments like weight optimization for enhanced usability. Beyond the device itself, Steve explores the far-reaching implications of design decisions on hardware, software, and the intricate dance of human-computer interaction. As a seasoned design professional and leader, Steve also imparts valuable wisdom for aspiring designers, offering thoughtful advice on how to navigate their careers and approach projects with a holistic, user-centered mindset. This episode serves as a testament to the profound impact of thoughtful design on our daily interactions with technology.
Join us as we shape the future of design by learning from the past
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Hosts: Albert Shum and Thamer Abanami
Production and Post-production: Romina Hakim, Toño Tellez and Poonam Patel
Music: Red Lips Media LLC
Brand Design: Rafael Poloni
A show about the past, present, and future of design. The Design Vault is a conversation hosted by Albert Shum and Thamer Abanami, reflecting on iconic products and ideas from the past, and rethinking them from new perspectives.
FOLLOW US
@thedesignvaultpodcast
designvaultpodcast.com
Hosts: Albert Shum and Thamer Abanami
Production and Post-production: Romina Hakim, Toño Tellez and Poonam Patel
Music: Red Lips Media LLC
Brand Design: Rafael Poloni