“The term designer can be applied to so many different people in so many different experiences. Designers see firsthand how important it is to be influential and inspiring teachers, not just makers.”
– Jon Wettersten
Thomas and Jerome are but two humble software engineers with some big questions: what is design? What makes a designer? Jon Wettersten is the Head of Design at 8th Light and has an equally big answer: anyone can be a designer.
For the inaugural episode of Collaborative Craft, Thomas, Jerome, and Jon discuss design, creativity, and the marriage of the two when teams are up against deadlines. Listen in to learn why the design process is similar to learning to play the violin.
- 04:08 – Welcome Jon
- 06:04 – The Design of Everyday Things
- 07:10 – What is Human Centered Design?
- 09:59 – Designing for clients
- 12:14 – Design is like playing the violin
- 16:20 – Who is a designer?
- 21:06 – Empowering people to be designers
- 24:01 – Creativity and Deadlines
- 26:39 – First-hand Experience
- 32:07 - Everyone is a Designer
- 32:43 - Thomas’ Experience of Human Centered Design
- 34:31 - Jerome’s Experience of Human Centered Design
Jon Wettersten is 8th Light’s Head of Design, where he leads 8th Light’s design capabilities and strengthens our multi-disciplinary, integrated approach to crafting human-centered software. Jon joined 8th Light after 13 years at IDEO, an award-winning global design firm, where he most recently served as an Executive Design Director. He has over 25 years of experience guiding companies through the design-to-delivery process, and is particularly passionate about crafting ambitious products that make a difference in people’s lives. Jon is a champion of the broader liberal arts, actively pursuing new disciplines while failing to perfect existing ones. He enjoys camping, hiking, cycling, tennis, playing musical instruments, attempting art, practicing mindfulness, and accumulating books faster than he can read them… some day. You can also follow Jon on Twitter @jwettersten.
Thomas Countz is a Senior Software Crafter at 8th Light where he works with a variety of ambitious teams on a variety of ambitious projects. A true curious nerd at heart, Thomas digs into everything from robotics and cider making to bouldering and Shakespeare’s comedies. To hear even more about Thomas, you can follow him on Twitter at @thomascountz and visit his blog at https://thomascountz.com.
Jerome Goodrich is an adoring husband, new dog dad, and all-around curious explorer. Through his work as a Principal Software Crafter at 8th Light, Jerome leads amazing software teams to design and develop thoughtful solutions to complex problems. He loves pairing strenuous hikes with deep conversations and is always trying to see things clearly and with an open heart. Jerome lives much of his life off of the internet, but he occasionally writes on his website: https://jeromegoodrich.com
8th Light partners with businesses and community groups to craft software that unlocks human potential and makes the world a better place. We’re passionate about designing for people, inspiring through education, and empowering the future. With teams spread across the globe—including Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York, Austin, and Madison—we’re always eager to hear about ambitious new projects. Learn more about our team and reach out at https://8thlight.com
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Podcast episode production by Dante32.
