Design Matters Season 1 Episode 3 Be Our Guest

Design Matters is a podcast that delves into the world of design, exploring the creative process and its impact on society. In season 1, episode 3, entitled "Be Our Guest," host Debbie Millman talks with three guests about the importance of hospitality and the many ways that it can be expressed through design.

The first guest is Michael Bierut, a graphic designer and partner at Pentagram. Bierut discusses his work designing the signage and environmental graphics for the JetBlue terminal at JFK airport, which was intended to make passengers feel at ease and reduce the stress of air travel. He also talks about how design can create a sense of place and identity in public spaces, such as the redesign of the New York Times building.

Next up is Emily Pilloton, the founder of Project H Design and the author of Design Revolution: 100 Products that Empower People. Pilloton discusses her work designing products and spaces that promote social change and improve people's lives, such as the Hippo Roller, a portable water tank for people in developing countries who have to walk long distances to get clean water. She also talks about how design can be a tool for education and empowerment, and shares her experiences working with students in rural North Carolina to design and build community projects.

The final guest is Alain de Botton, a writer and philosopher who has explored the intersection of design, architecture, and psychology in his books The Architecture of Happiness and The News: A User's Manual. de Botton discusses how design can influence our emotions and shape our interactions with the world around us, and how hospitality is a crucial part of that process. He also talks about the importance of beauty and aesthetics in our lives, and how design can help us connect with our deeper selves and find meaning in our experiences.

Throughout the episode, Millman synthesizes these diverse perspectives on hospitality and design, drawing out common themes and insights. She asks her guests thought-provoking questions about the power of design to shape our behavior and emotions, and urges designers to consider the ethical implications of their work.

Overall, "Be Our Guest" is a fascinating exploration of the many ways that design can express and facilitate hospitality, and how hospitality in turn shapes our relationships with others and with our surroundings. It is a must-listen for anyone interested in the role of design in our lives, and the ways in which it can be used to make the world a more welcoming and compassionate place.