Future Future artwork

Future Future

41 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 months ago -

What big ideas in technology and design can build better, more human experiences? In Future Future, Phnam and Mardis Bagley, Creative Directors at Nonfiction, talk about what the future looks like and how we can get there.

Nonfiction is a San Francisco-based creative studio turning science fiction into reality for a better future. Our team of industrial designers, business strategists, architects, engineers, and more create innovative products, places, and systems for clients around the world, from Fortune 500 companies to VC firms to governments to funded startups.

Led by Phnam and Mardis Bagley, Nonfiction is on a mission to demystify creative fields through informative videos, podcasts, and public speaking events, where they talk about the future of everything from a designer’s perspective.

Marketing Business Education
Homepage Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Designing for the Planet

June 22, 2023 16:00 - 7 minutes - 9.92 MB

Planet Earth is beautiful, but she's suffering. We're polluting ecosystems. Displacing people because of climate change. And we're seeing species disappearing every day at alarming rates. This needs to stop. In this episode of Future Future, hosts Phnam and Mardis Bagley cover the myths and misconceptions around the word, "sustainability," and instead advocate for regeneration. Then, they'll share how good design can influence major positive change. This podcast is brought to you by Nonfi...

Future of Humans

April 13, 2023 16:00 - 9 minutes - 15.6 MB

It is estimated that by 2058 the Earth will have 10 billion people on it. How will those humans survive and thrive? This latest episode of Future Future, starring futurists Mardis Bagley and Phnam Bagley, talks about what behaviors, activities, and technologies keep people healthy today, and what transformative technologies scientists and technologists are developing to turn us into superhumans in the near future. This podcast is brought to you by Nonfiction, a design firm based in San F...

Thriving Humans

March 27, 2023 16:00 - 6 minutes - 8.97 MB

Life today can often feel daunting. How can we find balance? One way is to identify our life's purpose and trigger a cycle of abundance. In this episode of Future Future, hosts Mardis Bagley and Phnam Bagley emphasize the importance of abundance and resilience mindsets. They explain that these mindsets help individuals thrive, and how they in turn enable collective societies to thrive. Practices like ikigai and using transformative technologies can help people get there. Learn more by watch...

Design for Disability

March 02, 2023 16:00 - 8 minutes - 14.8 MB

Most people might think design for disability equals medical devices that do the job. But it's so much more than that. Today's great innovators are thinking differently about who to design for, and what they actually need: dignity, taste, look, motivation, even pride. Designing for disability is a process that involves human-centered design research, material science, machine learning and AI, and so much more. And it actually benefits all of us. Find out what we mean in this latest episode...

Air, Water, & Food

February 03, 2023 16:00 - 7 minutes - 7.13 MB

We need air, water, and food to survive. Unfortunately, the 7+ billion people on this planet today don't have access to these essentials. In this episode, hosts Phnam and Mardis Bagley share how good design, how good science, and how good technology working together can help us create of a future where we can all breathe, eat, and drink water safely. They talk about how humans have survived in the past, what we're seeing in the present, and how near-future innovations are going to transfor...

Design for Humanity

February 03, 2023 16:00 - 8 minutes - 7.72 MB

Pre-historic humans designed the sewing needle to survive the elements, and started planting crops to feed their growing tribes. Today, we have customized transformative technology to help us perform better, like the Oura Ring and Fitbit. And soon, we'll have AI and machine learning powered technology to help us become even healthier and happier. In this episode of Future Future, hosts Phnam and Mardis Bagley talk about the past, present, and future of designing for humanity. They'll share...

Design for Impact

February 03, 2023 16:00 - 8 minutes - 7.59 MB

Design is powerful. But if you're not designing to positively impact humans and the environment, then you shouldn't be designing. At Nonfiction, we think about systems around the product that we design. Where do the materials come from? How are they being transformed? How do they impact the lives of the people they're designed for? What happens after you throw them away? Season two of Future Future is here, and in this episode you'll hear hosts Mardis and Phnam Bagley talk about how Nonfic...

What We Do at Nonfiction

January 27, 2022 16:00 - 8 minutes - 7.84 MB

"What exactly does Nonfiction do?" is a question we hear often. We merge science, technology, business, art, and design to create solutions that put our clients at the forefront of their industries, from healthcare to aerospace to consumer electronics and more. Why? We believe that science validates magic. That technology creates possibilities. That business should meet people's needs. That art triggers emotion. That design enables connections. And because we are committed to transforming l...

The Future of Food

September 28, 2021 16:00 - 3 minutes - 5.03 MB

How did we feed humanity's growing population in the early 1900s? How will we feed our growing population in the very near future? Revolutionary technologies like hydroponics will enable us to feed people wherever they are - whether in food deserts, on the Moon, or even on Mars. In this episode of Future Future, hosts Phnam Bagley and Mardis Bagley talk about why, how, and what's next for the future of food. Credits: Adrienne Ciuffo, Producer Cat Ganson, Editor Fifile Nguyen, Marketing

Hydroponics

September 07, 2021 16:00 - 6 minutes - 10.9 MB

By 2050, we will be an estimated 10 billion people living on Earth. How will we feed ourselves? How will we keep our air clean? One way we can do this is through hydroponics. Applied solutions like vertical farming enables us to grow delicious, nutritious food and remove toxins from the air while using less soil and space. In New York, people are already experimenting with integrating vertical farms into human-inhabited skyscrapers, so farm-fresh food is just down the hallway! In this epis...

Material Libraries

July 23, 2021 16:00 - 5 minutes - 8.21 MB

What is your stuff made out of? When we look at the products around us - consumer electronics, furniture, food containers - it's always that same fifteen materials. It's plastics. Glass. Aluminum. Wood. At Nonfiction, we insist on getting more creative with materials. One of the ways we do that is by accessing a material library. Our headquarters hosts a world-class material library created by Material ConneXion, a New York City based material science company that gathers a lot of materials...

Material Storytelling

June 30, 2021 16:00 - 3 minutes - 5.9 MB

Good designers know how to use materials to tell brand stories. In other words, materials are a way a brand's vision, mission, and purpose can be translated to the end user. Thanks to our in-house material library in partnership with Material ConneXion, we at Nonfiction access the latest in material science advancements to apply renewable materials and tell beautiful stories. Materials that are self-healing. Living materials. Materials that react to temperature fluctuations. Each of these ...

How Design Can Help

June 16, 2021 16:00 - 7 minutes - 11.1 MB

Design can help in all kinds of ways! We work with clients at all kinds of stages, from pre-seed to well-established. Sometimes, they come with an idea, or a technology, or a partially-baked design. Then, we help turn those things into market leading products. At Nonfiction, we are trained to think ​critically from a business perspective, from a design perspective, from a user experience perspective, and all the aspects that make a product a reality. Learn some of the major ways design can...

Ergonomic Design

May 26, 2021 16:00 - 8 minutes - 12 MB

Ergonomic design is about design that works for you rather than you working for it. It can help counteract fatigue caused by repeated interactions with construction equipment or even computers. In this episode of #FutureFuture, hosts Phnam and Mardis Bagley share a short history of ergonomic design, why it's important, and how industrial designers today make the right decisions when it comes to ergonomic design. Watch the episode, then check out some of Nonfiction's ergonomically excellen...

Color on the Moon

May 12, 2021 16:00 - 7 minutes - 13 MB

Space has been in the news a lot lately. In 2024, we'll be going back to the Moon for the first time since the 1970s. The Moon is going to be used for mining and as a launching point for an even bigger mission to Mars. But how can lunar miners live happily and healthily on the Moon? We've designed Color on the Moon: high-tech habitats and structures that integrate color psychology to make space more human. Listen to this latest episode of Future Future to learn more about how humans will s...

The Right Questions

April 27, 2021 16:00 - 13 minutes - 6.28 MB

At Nonfiction, we've crafted a series of six questions to help us make the right decisions as we design innovative products, services, and environments. In this episode of Future Future, hosts Phnam and Mardis Bagley share what these right questions are, how they define, "good design", and invite you to try this six question methodology out for yourself. Want to see what we've been up to at Nonfiction? Visit us at https://www.nonfiction.design​. Credits: Adrienne Ciuffo, Producer Ca...

Fast, Cheap, & High Quality

April 06, 2021 16:00 - 8 minutes - 13.1 MB

We get hit up all the time by people who want us to quickly design high quality products for cheap. But realistically, they can't expect to get all three. In this episode of Future Future, hosts Mardis and Phnam Bagley share why companies developing products can't have it all, rookie mistakes they've seen, and how we at Nonfiction help companies look at these three different factors. Thanks for listening! If you'd like to see some of our high quality work, visit us at https://www.nonficti...

The Future of Business Class

March 23, 2021 16:00 - 6 minutes - 10.8 MB

Business class needs some serious updating. How can airlines transform the business class flight experience to make it more exciting and aligned with how people actually do business today? Nonfiction has redesigned the business class experience with the goal of reinstating pleasure in flight. Networking, connections, privacy, productivity, entertainment, relaxation. We've incorporated the needs of today's business travelers. Tell your airlines to call us. This is an episode of Future Futur...

Productive Leadership

March 09, 2021 16:00 - 3 minutes - 5.25 MB

Are you a leader by paycheck, or by practice? True leadership shows through behaviors, like micromanaging (don't), delegating (do), being decisive (do), and much more. Watch the latest episode of Future Future, where hosts Mardis and Phnam Bagley share the productive leadership attitudes and behaviors they've picked up on their journey from early career designers to creative directors at Nonfiction. Learn more about Nonfiction at https://www.nonfiction.design. Credits: Adrienne Cuiffo, ...

Hyperproductivity

February 23, 2021 16:00 - 7 minutes - 11 MB

We want to have happy personal lives, AND we want to very productive at work. What we want to do is to do less and achieve more. What if our tasks every day were propelling us towards a goal in life, instead of slowing us down? In this newest episode of Future Future, hosts Mardis Bagley and Phnam Bagley will tell you the hyperproductive attitudes, behaviors, and habits we at Nonfiction adpot to feel personally fulfilled while doing great work, and how you can do it, too. Get to know us a...

The Future of Space

February 09, 2021 16:00 - 15 minutes - 7.21 MB

We can't talk about the future of human flourishing without talking about the future of space. That's because much of the technological innovations we enjoy today on Earth were researched and developed in space. In the last twenty years alone, there have been over 6,000 experiments conducted on the International Space Station. In 2024, humans are planning on sending the first woman to the Moon, and in 2030 will have the first crewed mission on the surface of Mars. Now that we know how astr...

Non-Toxicity and Sustainability

February 04, 2021 16:00 - 6 minutes - 10.3 MB

We live in a world that is very toxic, from our pipes to our packages to the food we eat. How can we live a non-toxic life? One way is to dramatically reduce the toxicity of the products we manufacture. At Nonfiction, we're always trying to move away from toxic materials in our designs. Innovations in materials science have introduced new, non-toxic materials like seaweed plastic, and innovations in business models are enabling trees to be planted with product purchases. In this latest e...

Advocating for Sustainable Brands

January 26, 2021 16:00 - 4 minutes - 2.21 MB

We often hear from venture capital firms is that money is always number one while sustainability is always an afterthought. At Nonfiction, we firmly believe that good design and sustainability go hand in hand, and must be integrated into every aspect of a product. Find out more about what we do and what you can do to advocate for sustainable brands and products in this latest episode of Future Future, hosted by Phnam Bagley and Mardis Bagley. To see some of the sustainable products we have ...

Finishes

January 11, 2021 16:00 - 13 minutes - 6.2 MB

Like colors and materials, finish is a design element that impacts how people experience products. From glossy painted coating to etched metal (knurling!), finishes do many things: establish brand look and feel, elicit human emotion, and make products easier to use. Find out more about how we at Nonfiction choose finishes for products we design in this latest episode of Future Future, hosted by creative directors Mardis Bagley and Phnam Bagley. Note: this is an audio version of our visual...

Seduction & Sustainability of Finishes

December 22, 2020 16:00 - 6 minutes - 2.8 MB

Some designers choose finishes that simply serve the functionality of a product. At Nonfiction, we intentionally incorporate sustainably made finishes that work with the product to forge emotional connections with users. Water-based wood stains, virtually-enhanced finishes, self-healing paint, these are just some of the many finishes we think about when we design desirable products and experiences for our clients. Note: this is an audio version of our visual episodes, which can be found at ...

Materials

December 10, 2020 16:00 - 16 minutes - 7.57 MB

In the product development process, designers and companies consider cost, performance, the environment, desirability, authenticity, and so much more when choosing the right materials for a product or built environment. Learn how designers at Nonfiction think through these decisions, and how we all can make better decisions around what products we purchase. Note: this is an audio version of our visual episodes, which can be found here https://www.nonfiction.design/projects/future-future ...

Sustainability Of Materials

December 03, 2020 16:00 - 7 minutes - 3.31 MB

Companies, designers, and consumers all have a responsibility to produce, design, and consume products more consciously - but how? In this episode of Future Future, hosts Phnam Bagley and Mardis Bagley share creative behavior changes we can adopt to mitigate harm to the planet. Please note: this is an audio version of our video episode, which is viewable at https://www.nonfiction.design/projects/future-future Credits: Adrienne Ciuffo, Producer Cat Ganson, Editor Fifile Nguyen, Marketing

Logic, Experience & Intuition

October 16, 2020 16:00 - 7 minutes - 10.9 MB

Over the years at Nonfiction, we've realized we can't use the same methodology for all our clients' projects. Instead, we use logic, experience, and intuition to get creative, be productive, mitigate risk, and shorten timelines. Learn more about how we do this in this latest episode of FUTURE FUTURE, hosted by Nonfiction co-founders Mardis and Phnam Bagley. To see more of our work, visit https://www.nonfiction.design. Credits: Adrienne Ciuffo, Producer Cat Ganson, Editor Fifile Nguye...

Conceptual Design

September 18, 2020 16:00 - 8 minutes - 11.2 MB

Conceptual design is where industrial design starts. It’s when we at Nonfiction start thinking about ideas of how to use a technology, how to use a product, and how to revolutionize an industry. As we do this, we think about usability, the market, the sales opportunity, and the stakeholders. We ask questions, surround ourselves with the right people, and collaborate. Learn more about Nonfiction’s conceptual design process in this latest episode of Future Future, hosted by co-founders Phnam ...

Transformational Technology

September 10, 2020 16:00 - 9 minutes - 12.9 MB

Transformational technologies merge cutting edge science, technology, and good design to create solutions for humans to be the best versions of themselves. In this latest episode, hosts Phnam and Mardis Bagley show the six ways in which transtech can help you become the best version of yourself both today and in the future. To learn more about transtech designed by Nonfiction (like the HaloSport2 featured in the video!) visit us at www.nonfiction.design. Credits: Adrienne Ciuffo, Producer...

Evolution vs Revolution

September 02, 2020 16:00 - 14 minutes - 19.3 MB

It's a designer's job to understand the status quo of any industry and identify opportunities for products and services to undergo evolution or revolution. In this latest episode of Future Future, our co-founders Phnam and Mardis Bagley show Nonfiction-designed examples, and what hurdles must be overcome in order to bring innovative, revolutionary ideas to life. To see revolutionary products designed by Nonfiction, visit www.nonfiction.design. Credits: Adrienne Ciuffo, Producer Cat Ganso...

Design for Manufacturing

August 24, 2020 12:00 - 14 minutes - 19.5 MB

After concept design comes design for manufacturing. In this phase, designers have to consider value engineering, maintain design intent, and source materials, manufacturers, and more. A truly great designer prioritizes strong collaboration with engineers and anticipatory problem solving that results in the manufacturing of high quality products with minimal loss rates and cycle times. To see some of the award-winning products designed and manufactured with this approach, visit www.nonfict...

Who We Design For

August 07, 2020 01:00 - 7 minutes - 10.4 MB

Who do we design for? It is the designer's imperative to understand the needs and considerations of multiple stakeholders beyond the end user to make a truly impactful, effective, and innovative product or service. Learn more about how we do this at Nonfiction in this latest episode of Future Future. To see some of our award-winning work, visit https://www.nonfiction.design. Credits: Mardis Bagley, Host Phnam Bagley, Host Adrienne Ciuffo, Producer Cat Ganson, Editor Fifile Nguyen, Ma...

Natural Design

July 30, 2020 16:00 - 8 minutes - 12.4 MB

So many devices today feel like consumer electronics tacked onto your body. We need better designs that integrate technology with our bodies. Infusing natural design into engineering, interactions, ergonomics, and aesthetics will create a user experience that is subtle, simple, comfortable, and intuitive. Watch this latest episode on Natural Design to learn how. To see Human Headphones and other award-winning designs by Nonfiction, visit https://www.nonfiction.design. Credits: Mardis Bagl...

The Future of Work

July 23, 2020 16:00 - 7 minutes - 11 MB

Did you know that 65% of the jobs kids of today will have in the future do not yet exist? In this episode, Creative Directors Phnam and Mardis Bagley tell you what employers and employees should develop to prepare for the future of work: critical thinking, communication, safe and healthy environments, and leadership. Discover the work of Nonfiction at https://www.nonfiction.design. Credits: Adrienne Ciuffo, Producer Cat Ganson, Editor Fifile Nguyen, Marketing

The Future of Education

July 16, 2020 16:00 - 7 minutes - 10.3 MB

What do successful children of tomorrow need today? Educational systems should be designed to provide children with a safe space for unstructured play, to develop community, awareness, and connections with others. In this episode, Creative Directors Phnam and Mardis Bagley introduce you to 5 tools Nonfiction has developed to revolutionize educational systems: sensory experiences, living sustainably, emotional intelligence, diverse learning spaces, and connections beyond the school. To learn...

Sustainability

May 26, 2020 01:10 - 12 minutes - 17.4 MB

What makes a truly sustainable product? This episode covers design for disassembly, monstrous hybrids, innovative new materials borrowed from nature (like mushrooms!), and faux environmental products. Join us to learn how glues and tapes make recycling more difficult, while 3D printing reduces the need for these fasteners. Visit our website at https://www.nonfiction.design to see some of the many innovative products we've designed for clients around the world. Credits: Mardis Bagley, Host...

Agile Hardware

May 26, 2020 01:05 - 10 minutes - 15 MB

You've probably heard the old adage, "hardware is hard." In this episode we dive into the process of hardware design, from agile vs. waterfall methods, to molds and tooling (soft vs. hard), to the use of additive manufacturing techniques, to the power of generative design, to the benefits of fabricating locally, to virtual prototype testing using VR. To see some of the innovative, award-winning products and services we've designed at Nonfiction, visit https://www.nonfiction.design. Credit...

The Cost of Design

May 26, 2020 01:00 - 3 minutes - 5.26 MB

Designing and developing hardware - it's not cheap! It always takes more time and money than you'd want or hope. Designing a good hardware product requires experienced professionals working in great teams who think about the sourcing of materials, manufacturing process, functionality, user experience, end of life disposal, and more. This podcast is brought to you by expert designers at Nonfiction. Find out more about what we do at https://www.nonfiction.design. Credits: Mardis Bagley, Ho...

The Future of Airlines, Part 2

May 26, 2020 00:00 - 3 minutes - 4.43 MB

Tired of being treated like cattle? We are. What if we celebrated the journey as much as the destination? Let's make flying a pleasurable experience again. Learn how designers at Nonfiction are dreaming about opportunities for innovation and reinstating pleasure in flight. See with your own eyes Nonfiction's vision for the future of flight by visiting https://www.nonfiction.design. Credits: Mardis Bagley, Host Phnam Bagley, Host Adrienne Ciuffo, Producer Cat Ganson, Editor Fifile Ngu...

The Future of Airlines, Part 1

May 25, 2020 23:45 - 2 minutes - 4.14 MB

Flying in a post-COVID world will require different standards in: hygiene, human-machine interaction, hospitality, efficiency, and more. Learn how designers at Nonfiction are dreaming about opportunities for innovation and reinstating pleasure in flight. To learn more about Nonfiction, visit https://www.nonfiction.design. Credits: Mardis Baglely, Host Phnam Bagley, Host Adrienne Ciuffo, Producer Cat Ganson, Editor Fifile Nguyen, Marketing