The first secret of great design | Tony Fadell

As human beings, we get used to "the way things are" really fast. But for designers, the way things are is an opportunity ... Could things be better? How? In this funny, breezy talk, the man behind the iPod and the Nest thermostat shares some of his tips for noticing - and driving - change.
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[@Buddharey]

He was so angry about stickers on apples, he decided to make a whole ted talk

[@TGTID]

lol XD Gotta start somewhere

[@MsCarrionswarm]

that's why they removed the stickers on apply logo

[@vapidrabbit198]

I kind of liked the stickers when I was a kid... I would carefully remove them and stick them on myself... usually my forehead.

[@nzdoris6717]

I’m currently working at a fruit packing company - the amount of wastage of those stickers is horrendous! For every sticker you see on the actual fruit there’s about 100 left on the machine. So much waste

[@X0XO_O]

@@nzdoris6717 what about laser-printing on fruits itself ?? I mean eatable stickers.

[@kaijukajju8354]

1.Look broader 2.Look closer(tiny details) 3.Think young(curious questions)

[@amalguptan6716]

4. Don't let habits get in the way of problem solving

[@genkiferal7178]

"Question everything"...an old saying that is 'simply elegant'.

[@TeamMayku]

This is awesome. Love the process of seeing a problem, getting an idea to fix it and working hard to make it real. So rewarding.

[@MsCarrionswarm]

So that's why apple logo has bit on it, they remove the sticker

[@loola456]

haha you bite off the sticker yes

[@cheesecakelasagna]

good one lmao!

[@s.bhutto]

Logical point

[@sincemayiv]

lmfao 😂😭

[@yeswecancreate]

definitely not, the bite was to represent a byte, the entire logo represents a byte. A byte about 8 bits, you could say it's the smallest unit of storage.

[@bplus2932]

a little hard to do when your boss goes "im going to need that design comp in about an hour" lmao

[@purpleandpeach]

Ruben Blam LOL

[@GragonV]

I'm in tear As an aim-to-be product designer, this is the best speech I've ever listened to. I'm now more confident than ever that product design is my path, to make the world better. Thank you so much Mr. Tony Fadell

[@yusrarehan7950]

hey, hope you are doing good and are a VERY VERY successful product designer now!

[@GragonV]

@@yusrarehan7950 thank you, I'm graduating this summer. I'm glad I choose the right path :X. Still have much to learn but I'm always ready to contribute by trying my best ^^

[@epicpickle0179]

His lex Friedman interview is awesome it’s the same stuff but he dives into it for a couple hours and talks about real world situations he’s been in, it’s great design fuel

[@colbyzur4642]

You should read his book, I finished it a few months ago and it was very eye opening to considering all of design

[@snehithbattu4373]

Hi,Hope u became successful product designer?

[@mrwilliamdmoss]

13:59 really sums it up for me. My childhood was such a creative time.

[@balisticsquirel]

I know everyone's thinking it, so i'll say it.... Edible stickers?

[@ericcartmansh]

balisticsquirel they are already edible.

[@IgBtac0]

ericcartmansh The stickers? No... But it's a great idea to have barcoded stickers that are edible and don't have to be peeled off.

[@ericcartmansh]

www.hlntv.com/article/2014/01/15/fruit-label-sticker-facts >1. Fruit stickers are edible! Should you peel them off? Yes. But, if you happen to eat one or two it’s not a big deal. They’re actually made out of “edible paper” or other food grade materials with that possibility in mind! www.wikihow.com/Wash-Fruit-and-Vegetables >Remove stickers from produce.The stickers on fruit are made of edible paper; however, it is best to remove them before washing. Otherwise, the part underneath the sticker will not be cleaned.

[@thepjmlover]

IgBtac0 Your username seems like you stand for equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transexual people...

[@IgBtac0]

thepjmlover the first letter is a capital i yah dumb

[@khoa2449]

I've been thinking about why I am way more stupid as I grow up. I viewed the world was super-duper different when I was a child and I feel like all of my potentials is gone now. Thanks for giving the answer.

[@nikyabodigital]

As a Designer I've learnt things that there are 2 parts to be a good designer. 1. You have to be good at the technical tool 2. You have to be good about principles. No number 1 means it's just an idea No number 2 means you just know how to do it but doesn't know why you do it.

[@colbyzur4642]

I think a lack of 2. Is what frustrates me most when I encounter something designed by someone without it, it’s like I just have this sense

[@tourajvaziri9840]

Loved it! Think younger, experience the world as kids do and you also will live happier.

[@intelos1249]

You make the world a better place, Tony.

[@ANSEYA89]

That is 100%, design is all about problem solving & enhancing user's experience, whether it's visual or product design

[@anamae9502]

I like the stickers on them apples and peaches coz it reminds me to wash the fruit before I take a bite..

[@jaiskreno]

if stickers need to remind you,,, I think there’s a problem

[@diggibify]

@@jaiskreno Hahah! indeed

[@barabara9855]

I get a strange gut feeling if I don't wash it

[@YitianTheSword]

make a sticker that disolves under dish wash soap!?!?

[@krupali607]

All events are so fun because people from far get together to help work on something people would need.. its an amazing talk though, I loved

[@youngperspectivestudio7183]

I love the way he presenting his speech. It has own rhythm and pace which is really good to absorb yet engaging. Overall I could say that he pay attention to little things around him well👌💪

[@wanderer4694]

Thank you ted and tony for improving my mindset.

[@user-fw9zl7dx4x]

This class gives the basic perspective that product designers should have. Just as a comedian made us laugh by presenting our habitual behavior in our daily lives, not only product designers but also all designers are aware of everything and make small changes. In order to look at the small things, I think it will take a look at everything in the world, not a general and habitual one.

[@gregoirebessette8536]

This is called User experience and there is some in every product, service, digital things not only app and website. Product designer are trained to it before modern UX appear.

[@incampodesign3009]

Gregoire Bessette So true! UX is just a fancy term for what designers have been doing forever.

[@MissDianaTerry]

I didn't seek out this video, it popped up after a UI review by Antony Conboy, but its exactly what I needed to hear today. Especially the end bit about thinking younger. I was telling my husband today that I think I may be suffering creatively and career-wise because there are not many young creatives at my work. I miss working with interns and entry level designers but wasn't sure why. Now, I think it might be necessary to find a new environment where I can think younger in order to flourish. Thanks for getting my wheels going. :)

[@zairoballack]

There is five years, i watched this video for the first time. And i was student in web Designer. Today i listen for the second time and i noticed that i changed. I shared it with many people.

[@oumaimazizi9560]

I totaly agree with him it's 100% true we need to see the tiny details to change the world to the best and this is the meaning of creativy, we have firstly to gather the knowledge required and to reforme it in order to bring out some new alternatives

[@Rottentwinkerz]

How about putting the sticker on a part we don't eat... like the stem? #mindblow

[@MrC0MPUT3R]

I believe the stickers are already edible. It just doesn't taste good. lol

[@scottcollege213]

How about genetically modifying apples so the skin is a barcode? #mindblowX10

[@luizavazquez7029]

Tom Foolery the stickers are already edible

[@aftermoonwalkerwert]

Scott College. lol... you have made my year ..

[@jacoblpeterson]

And the sticker that attaches to the stem can be in the shape and color of a leaf!

[@kays3599]

I currently work in produce at a grocery store and am studying UX Design on my days off. This video really resonated with me.

[@timetofocus5124]

did u make it to be a ux designer?

[@kays3599]

@@timetofocus5124 I made it to be an app designer, then had to take a break to be a mom and lost it after that. Too many gaps in my career and recruiters got turned off by my inconsistent career changes, so I decided to leave it in the past. Oh well! but yes, I did, for a time.

[@texemplarstudios5481]

I liked the idea of going back to the basics with ideas children usually have!

[@KiranVarri]

Absolutely eye opening & thought provoking!! 🤩🤩🤩👌👌👌🙏thank you

[@pankajbhandarkar6841]

This is the most useful and inspiring video for me. This is about our life and our career to improve day by day. This is awesome.

[@TGTID]

+1 ;)

[@Distantfathersdiary]

Wonderful talk to make us think out of the box

[@Butler.C]

Mind blown, well done Tony!

[@user-di9ys7su4r]

I am just starting my career in design and fashion industry. I am really overwhelmed that I saw this podcast as a newbee.

[@Jame5Mead]

I recommend watching this at 1.25 speed.

[@msl5131]

James Mead I advise 2.0

[@sunny666k]

yes!!!!

[@zearcjustice7837]

now you tell me

[@rickpaul2177]

Good Call

[@rebbleshark]

yep

[@sultaanasaeed1002]

I like your video presentation. It is informative too, at the same time. Thanks a lot for your guidance!

[@carmenhughes6219]

Bravo! Loved the tips you provided. Great stuff --- again!!

[@TokyoXtreme]

You need to wash the apple anyway though.

[@johnzuo8022]

Actually in Australia most supermarket you can buy and eat it directly

[@haoli9112]

Not really in NZ

[@RainOn2SunnyDay]

John Zuo i'd feel uneasy if i don't wash the apple no matter how ready to eat it is

[@bkgcom]

superlike. Huge thanks to ted for bringing in such an amazing speaker.

[@NgoNLong]

Thank you Tony, a great presentation.

[@IsmailElazizi]

I have looked for that man for a long time.

[@blahber222]

This makes me so happy because I'm a transportation design student

[@Vibe_Raider]

Same

[@user-tl8cf8cy5t]

+Andres Gonzalez me too

[@stephenlin3166]

so in Vancouver they pretty much run an honor system for their public transit

[@TGTID]

The world of product and transportation design expands further! Nice!

[@DoomDeity]

what software u guys use because I'm a high school student about to do that major in college next year

[@ShakilAhmed-ji4sy]

One of the best video on this topic.

[@ReflectionOcean]

The secret to great design is to: Notice everyday things and improve upon them. Habituation is the enemy of noticing product problems. See from the eyes of the customers. How to to fight habituation: 1. Look broader 2. Look closer 3. Think younger: ask better questions

[@MikeDownes]

some people never accept even the tiniest of things around them - watch this to be reminded of the little things that surround us, and the little things that are yet to come ..

[@strengthxphilosophy]

This was a pretty cool perspective. Thanks Tony.

[@sabamaghsoudi1697]

That was an awesome view to this world and things around us

[@shadymoawad2163]

this is one f the most useful videos I saw lately

[@biubiubiu976]

my favourite ted talk!

[@philiplagho4666]

I rember when I got my first computer and had to wait for ages to get driver's before it could play sounds.. And it was a totaly different experience when I got my first Mac.

[@doomtomb3]

and i wonder how many years separated those purchases

[@vinayseth1114]

Yep-the main reason behind Mac's success is its attention to the user experience. But the issue now is that it has ended up becoming a closed system which the user can't pick apart and customize for himself/herself.

[@TheClassicWorld]

If I can recall, Steve Jobs wanted it to be a closed system.

[@user-pe5rr8qr6c]

looking broader, closer and younger for making the world better

[@nanamon_]

My dream is designer like...industrial,product...so i received this video an incentive! his accent is funny and his words was well understood. I really thanks to this video!

[@EITFM]

Tony is a really bright and charismatic guy.

[@salimlyoussi9608]

How can we experience the world better ? That's a damn good question.

[@loomonda18]

Damn, I love TED Talks.

[@Fashion-ideas912]

excellent, charismatic presentation

[@GeorgeMutambuka]

fantastic. I've got some training to do, looking at the world differently.

[@TGTID]

Yes! This view has the possibility of make a person very cynical so don't loose yourself in the process! :) lol

[@kaiqueoliveirasouza1725]

See this video em 2021! It continues make sense

[@gianni206]

1. Look broader - see the problem from the outside, then combine categories to try to solve it 2. Look closer - focus on the details, think of updating or getting rid of screws 3. Think younger - like kids, like people with young minds

[@suvojitd.9832]

Opened my eyes to where I am lacking in my job as a photographer...Thank you Tony. Thank You TED.

[@vinayseth1114]

Really? Could you elaborate please?

[@snicksabea]

You’re fantastic! Never forget that.

[@pyroghost11]

such a great speaker!

[@Trenasist]

Amazing talk, I especially love the point about having a child like mind in order to create and solve problems better. I've always wondered why i've got a non-conforming mind. I'm often bouncing outside old routines all others would be in, finding ways more efficient, even when I was in the Army. The ideas helped my peers but not always my hierarchy, as most were old school and stubborn. But turns out no one likes change until they're child minded also. The sticker is an interesting one, so many ways to identify an apple. But you can't go too nuts, trying to modify it, cause customers still want to buy a normal APPLE. To marking the skin, to sticking the labels on the stalk. I could even think of putting the barcode on the batch of apples, where the apple came from, and then have a machine flash a batch number on the skin where it only pigments it, and then the register can scan that number. Totally edible, but less simple

[@mosesnandi]

I mean the apple sticker thingy is so damn...I can't believe they wouldn't come with a better solution. How about pricing them differently...? Most stores have about two or three types of apples...You could clearly tell the difference. OR How about just putting them inside a package

[@oORiseAboveOo]

We don’t scan the apple barcode anyway, we weigh them on the scale and enter a code. You learn to tell the types of apples apart and memorize the codes. The sticker is useful because it tells the apple type (honey crisp, gala, etc) and it has the code, but the code is not always accurate to the store’s computer. So, without the sticker, you can learn the types of apples your store sells, ask the customer, or go and check. But those are probably the reasons why a sticker was implemented in the first place.

[@getCreativeNdesign]

The best approach to problems solving skill, look broader, look closer and think younger

[@pranaytony]

Great Happy Inspiring Session! Thanks!☺️👍

[@agamaaaron9047]

I think your speech are pretty good, thanks!

[@isaiahokara6362]

Speech is amazing

[@gurramprashanth9090]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWW..............ONE OF THE BEST TED TALK EVER.

Thank you so so much !!!!!

[@bcjammer]

I tend to notice everything all the time. Even driving. I don't just "automatically" shift into drive and hit the gas, I'm literally noticing the exact force required to move the lever, how it feels, how far I'm pushing the pedal...I can't ignore noises around me either. I work in a job with MANY frequent alarms and alerts, my past job too, in both the noises affect me after 10 years the same they did the first day. I think this is why I have such a hard time with memory sometimes. He's right, it IS exhausting, to memorize or even briefly remember something I have to try and ignore the plethora of data flooding my senses which is extremely hard....I then have to keep whatever I'm trying to remember in the fore front while ignoring everything. Even my own pulse is a constant presence that I not only feel but see; as blood pulses into my eyes it distorts the image I see (which I don't see as a solid image but countless dots forming the image before me). Same with sense of touch, I constantly feel a vibration of sorts of input from my skin, same with hearing. Anyone else or am I as odd as I think I am? Might be why I'm not good at anything, I can't get to that "automation" level, playing video games for instance, I'm constantly aware of how far i'm moving the controller and how hard I'm pushing it....meh...course I can automate to some degree, typing is a good example, but even that I'm visualizing where the keys are and hitting them, I've gotten faster at it but I won't get any faster

[@easyandsimplerangoliart7645]

Love your channel. Easy and simple Rangoli art

[@laragutierrez4610]

What a great ted talk

[@designhuddlepodcast]

So many helpful tips. We'd love to get you on our podcast sometime! 👍👍

[@arghamaz]

now that's one heck of a lecture...the guy has amazing presentation skills.

[@grammar_shark]

You should read the book he wrote. Build. It's amazing. Best book on building a product and a product centered business I've ever read.

[@vigneshmoorthy6047]

Awesome speech!

[@Maxsinss]

This is the Best TED Talk, I had Ever Seeeeeen.. I love APPLE

[@orlaithgallagher-ls3uk]

. Thanks a lot for your guidance!

[@vinayseth1114]

On that post-box example-Going to the post-box, finding it empty, or suddenly full- these aspects turn the whole thing into an adventure, different from the email experience. Do we really need to make everything easily accessible?

[@thatscnotk]

Why not?

[@nine-vi7rw]

So dumb. Who in the right world thinks going to the post box is an adventure lmaoo.

[@jack12yearsago25]

This guy is so good at product designing that he can work with Alien Tech also. I saw him building high tech guns and suits. He is the *Vulture* from Spider-Man : Homecoming

[@SIMKINETICS]

As an engineer, I'm a perennial malcontent. When Tony talks about 'noticing', I understand what he means because it can become a bit of an obsession to notice flaws & 'room-for-improvement' everywhere & with everything when you know that *design* is available to facilitate change! The status quo continuously annoys me! Designers have to pick their battles because there's a lot that needs fixin'. We should also consider the occasions when not to fix what ain't broke. Example: has anyone noticed how many designs there are for CD cases? It seems that all CD case designs don't really work very well even if they work at all!

[@GarethField]

But who uses CDs anymore?

[@Syeal7]

Gareth Field People from the 90's do! What? Do you not care about those people? Don't be selfish. The past-people are humans too!

[@SIMKINETICS]

Syeal7 OK... enough ribbing! They're called 'jewel cases', and the designs are also used for DVD's (slimline versions). The point is that there are *many* versions of that generic box design that haven't improved much in 26 years!

[@Syeal7]

SIMKINETICS Ribbing? Hm... (*Googling ribbing*) » rib +‎ -ing; meaning 'teasing', from the common practice of tickling the ribs to cause laughter. « Ahhh, I see. I'm sorry, you probably have a point. :)

[@jbbresers]

+SIMKINETICS What's a DVD?

[@MonikaKumarijha]

Great ideas for budding designers!

[@sangh8]

the best video on youtube i ever seen .......... love it

[@kiwibobe]

San Ghosh /

[@Bursadesain]

great video, thank you

[@jun_xg]

really good talk!

[@resolvanlemmy]

The inventor of the iPod decided to talk about habituation for whatever reason. Best TED talk ever.

[@solomonakinbiyi]

This is beautiful

[@Shiiv4m]

Wonderful talk

[@AMBLloyd]

Hold on. Never mind charging before use; when I bought an iPod Touch, I had to download the fucking operating system!

[@TGTID]

XD The joy of new ownership!

[@surferdudette19]

I just stick that apple logo on the nearest possible thing - like the calender hanging on kitchen wall. It's hard to see days and dates after that but it works

[@anh-tupham6312]

What a speech!

[@raph2550]

Great talk

[@Keymedium_com]

The fruit sticker analogy is great to describe the subconscious and our habits.

[@Skawagon]

If you don´t want to waste 16:41 minutes of your life read this: World is full of complicated objects that we, people, have to work with. If you will design a product or solution, try to look on the problem with fresh open mind and design the simplest way for operating them. Also there was some old lady, that came up with windscreen wiper. We at apple figured out, that when you buy something, you want to use it. So we charge it in the factory. And if you think about it, having stickers on food suck more than you think (That is, because you don´t think about it). Yeah and we designed one screw instead of three so people are not confused with installing Nest on their wall. And my son came up with mail box that check itself if it has mail in it. Thats about it.

[@Bodybypt]

Skawagon thanks!

[@UAllen95]

Thank you sir.

[@monikamoon14]

The windscreen wiper bit was cool, about learning about solving a simple and ingenious solution that makes our lives easier.

[@abdulrashidbinmohdnoor299]

love his outfit

[@uidesignwithfigma]

Wonderful talk.

[@YbbNoo]

We need this man back in Apple.

[@snicksabea]

Most corporations are full of sociopaths. I know from experience. Those of us with healthy values are an oddity there.

[@thasunday]

excellent ted talk.

[@ahmedabdullah3844]

what a words !!! look broader ! look closer ! think younger ! Nice talk

[@TheStagingGuru]

Edible ink / washable barcode stamped right onto the fruit. Easy and more eco friendly 🙂🍎

[@genkiferal7178]

powdered lime maybe ground into a fine powder than made into a spray? your idea sounds possible

[@prashantrawatt]

Wow! That was amazing...

[@tonyb9785]

First off, good talk. I most definitely agree with the 3rd point. On a side note, does this guy remind anyone else of the actor Paul Scheer (Andre) from the TV show The League?

[@Bursadesain]

nice content, thank you

[@onee]

That sticker wasn't there for you to easily check in and out. It is used to promote the company that made these apples. That is why Chiquita banana is so well known. Thanks to those stickers and their ads. It's probably only used in the US to check out. Because where I live the cashier weighs your fruit before it has a price.

[@kledder318]

Same here.

[@madhurbajaj730]

Yup

[@jaiskreno]

even more reasons to get rid of the sticker!

[@lukefrahn8538]

wrong. it's primary purpose is to provide a number which can be traced to the farm where it was grown (source: common sense)

[@canadude6401]

Most produce stickers have four purposes. 1) upc code to scan at cashier 2) 4 digit code to enter in at self-checkout or by cashier. 3) country of origin (legally critical for most grocery store chains) 4) Promotion and Marketing. Chiquita had the stickers for branding long before UPC codes were used)

[@kellygramajo2323]

"Think younger" - thank you.

[@wllianesilva1879]

Thank you!