What Do Designers Listen To? Discover Podcasts That Advance Design Thinking

In an era where information is exploding every second, how can we avoid being “drifted” along with the flow and still stay ahead of the trend and update essential knowledge? For Designers, finding inspiration and new working methods is always an urgent need. Podcasts are the ideal tool for you to both entertain and learn – you can listen while on the go, practicing, or simply relaxing after stressful working hours. From professional knowledge to sharing stories about the profession of people in the industry or inspiring stories about the design and creative industry… all are included in the 9 podcasts below.

Listening to podcasts is becoming a top trend among designers because of its convenience and the variety of in-depth content. Instead of having to sit in front of a screen or a book, listening to podcasts allows you to listen to the story behind each work, authentic sharing from experts and unique creative secrets. Accordingly, it is not just knowledge, but you also experience inspiration from the personalized and emotional storytelling - what each audio conversation brings.

1. Definition of Podcast

Podcasts are a form of audio content that allows listeners to receive information, learn and be entertained in a flexible and convenient way. Listeners can download or listen online via dedicated applications such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or other podcast platforms. This makes it easy for people to access content anywhere and anytime they have time.

2. Podcast Channels For Designers

2.1. Design Matters

Design Matters is the world's first design podcast, hosted by brand strategist Debbie Millman. Design Matters' guests include designers, architects, writers, artists, and more.

The appeal of this podcast channel is the intimacy and sincere sharing from the guests. Throughout the conversation are their thoughts and reminiscences about their creative journey from the beginning to achieving certain successes in the profession.

2.2. Being Freelance

This is a Podcast channel that contains everything related to Freelance. Shared from the experiences of freelance creators from the fields of UX/UI design, experience design, to digital marketing or content creation...

If you are planning to become a Freelancer, this will be a useful Podcast channel for you. This Podcast is full of “survival” skills such as quoting, working with customers, or managing personal finances. And most importantly, how to adjust your lifestyle to nurture creative inspiration and balance life.

2.3. UXVN – Design Stories

Design Stories Podcast is a series of stories and perspectives in the fields of UI, UX and Product Design, told by Designers working in Vietnam or Vietnamese Designers working abroad.

UXVN – Design Stories is hosted by Thai Lam – Lead Product Designer at Baemin and Founder of UX Vietnam Community. Each episode will be a different topic with a conversation between host Thai Lam and a Designer such as: Tri Nguyen – Product Designer at Quaestor, Nguyen Chung – Senior Product Designer at Techcombank…. If you are interested, remember to save it right away, you will definitely learn a lot of useful knowledge from people in that profession.

2.4. DevDesPro

A podcast series of perspectives, stories and sharing from insiders in the field of design, UX/UI Design with host Tony Le - Head of UX-UI at Be.

Each DevDesPro podcast episode is like a very close and intimate coffee chat between colleagues and friends revolving around "industry" stories, thoughts about the career and creative journey of the host and guests.

2.5. M.A.D Podcasts

A new podcast series that brings a lot of knowledge about Marketing, Art, Design, developed by Vietcetera and led by host Tuan Le - Creative Director and Co-founder at The Lab SaiGon.

In each episode, you will hear stories from a guest who is an agency and media representative, a designer or an independent artist... The guests promise to bring an overview of the creative field in Vietnam with countless useful knowledge and lessons.

2.6. The Futur

The Futur is not only a popular podcast channel but also a symbol of innovation in the approach to design art, creative business and personal development. Founded by Chris Do and his team, The Futur brings valuable lessons to Designers not only in the technical aspect but also in branding strategy and business thinking. Here is an overview and details of this podcast channel.

2.7. DesignBetter.Co

DesignBetter.Co is a unique podcast developed by InVision, designed specifically for design professionals and teams around the world. It is a place where strategies, processes, and methods for optimizing design from concept to final product are shared in a clear, practical, and experiential way. Here is a detailed look at DesignBetter.Co, its content, strengths, and why it is an indispensable source of inspiration and knowledge for designers.

2.8. Wireframe

Wireframe is a podcast produced by Adobe, providing in-depth content on user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design. This is a valuable resource for designers who want to grasp new trends, technologies and better understand the process from idea to finished product in digital design.

2.9. 99% Invisible

99% Invisible is a unique podcast focused on uncovering and sharing the details in the world around us that we often overlook. Known for its clear and insightful storytelling, the podcast offers listeners a unique look at the principles and meanings behind every design, from architecture to everyday products.

3. Why Podcasts Help Designers Find Inspiration

3.1. Boost Creativity Through Inspiring Stories

Podcasts often feature experts who have gone through the challenges and innovations of the design industry. These stories not only tell the journey of success but also open up a view of failures, obstacles and how to overcome them. Through this, Designers not only learn knowledge but also get inspiration and motivation to overcome themselves.

Podcasts help you see things from different angles. Open dialogue, interviews, and discussions about design projects help stimulate creative thinking, stretch your imagination, and uncover new ideas that might not come up in your day-to-day work.

3.2. Optimize Workflows and Update New Trends

Many design podcasts focus not only on theory but also on methods, workflows, and strategies to optimize work performance. This knowledge helps designers apply to real work, thereby improving the creative process and providing effective solutions, from ideation to production.

The design world is constantly evolving with new trends, tools and software. Podcasts are a fast-paced way to stay up to date with the latest developments, so you can not only learn from them but also apply them to your design projects, keeping your style current and competitive.

3.3. Inspire and Stimulate Creative Thinking

Listening to experts share their creative process helps you visualize the big picture of a design project. Lessons on how to face challenges, test new ideas, and compare them to reality will stimulate your imagination and expand your creative thinking.

Podcasts provide a diverse platform for communication, through which you can access ideas from different fields such as art, architecture, technology, etc. These perspectives can be a catalyst for you to think, connect seemingly unrelated elements and create unique creative ideas for your projects.

3.4. Learn Anytime, Anywhere

One of the great things about podcasts is their flexibility. You can listen to them while commuting, working out, or relaxing at home. This allows designers to optimize their time, turning their free time into valuable learning sessions, thereby constantly refreshing their knowledge and ideas.

No need to sit in front of the screen or read heavy documents, through podcasts, you can receive knowledge in audio form. This form not only helps reduce pressure on the eyes but also brings a friendly learning experience, easy to absorb and easy to remember.

3.5. Community Building and Creative Interaction

Many design podcasts provide a space for designers from around the world to share their experiences, ask questions, and discuss industry-specific issues. This community is not only a place to learn, but also a source of motivation and encouragement for each other to continue creating.

Each podcast episode features industry experts and leaders. The interviews and open discussions create a multi-dimensional learning environment where you can listen, exchange and gain valuable practical experiences, thereby contributing to improving your creativity and expertise.

We believe that by listening and learning from the sharing in the podcast, each Designer will find the motivation and inspiration to implement breakthrough ideas, thereby constantly creating and affirming their position in the market.