Future of XYZ
Presented in collaboration with Rhode Island PBS, Future of XYZ is a bi-weekly interview series that explores big questions about where we are as a world and where we want to go. Through quick and candid conversations with innovative leaders and courageous changemakers, we share unique perspectives that provoke new thinking about what’s coming down the pipeline on topics ranging from business and technology, to art, science, and humanity broadly. Listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, watch on ripbs.org/XYZ, and follow @futureofxyz on Instagram. More information available at future-of.XYZ.
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.