Design Theory Courses

How Governments Use Design and Propaganda to Control You

1 rating

Explore how governments use design and visual communication to shape public opinion, from ancient scribes to modern propaganda techniques in architecture, art, and product design.

• YouTube
• 42 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Why Companies Can't Design Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Products

1 rating

Explore the challenges of sustainable product design, examining systemic issues, material complexities, and conflicting incentives that hinder eco-friendly innovation in the industrial design process.

• YouTube
• 22 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Most Controversial Designer of the 20th Century

Discover Luigi Colani's revolutionary biomorphic design philosophy and his six-decade battle against conventional design establishment principles.

• YouTube
• 29 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The People Who Secretly Decide How Everything Looks

Uncover the hidden forces and decision-makers who secretly control the visual design of our modern world and why everything looks the way it does.

• YouTube
• 27 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The Most Beautiful Curve - According to Science

Explore the science behind aesthetic beauty through optical illusions, the Line of Beauty, composition principles, symmetry, and the Golden Ratio in design.

• YouTube
• 25 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

How We Designed the Soul Out of Everything

Explore how modern design's pursuit of seamlessness and convenience strips away curiosity, connection, and meaning from our daily experiences.

• YouTube
• 26 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Why Creative Success Destroys People

Explore the dark side of creative achievement and why brilliant artists, designers, and creatives often burn out despite their success through real-world examples.

• YouTube
• 37 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Why Simple Everyday Objects Are Impossible to Make

Uncover the hidden complexity behind everyday objects like toasters and pencils, revealing centuries of innovation and global supply chains that make "simple" items incredibly sophisticated.

• YouTube
• 26 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Debunking the 10 Most Iconic Minimalist Design Principles

Challenging iconic minimalist design principles, exploring their relevance and limitations in modern product design while offering fresh perspectives on creating effective, user-centric solutions.

• YouTube
• 24 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Eastern & Western Design - How Culture Rewires the Brain

Explore how cultural differences between East and West influence brain processing, visual perception, and design approaches, shaping unique creative perspectives and methodologies.

• YouTube
• 37 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Why Designing for Different Cultures is Challenging - Lessons from Global Projects

Explores challenges in designing for diverse cultures, examining case studies like Playpump and One Laptop Per Child to highlight complexities and potential pitfalls in cross-cultural product development.

• YouTube
• 28 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

How to Make Useless Things Feel Priceless

Explore the fascinating psychology behind why seemingly worthless items can command extraordinary prices, from rare Cheetos to million-dollar art pieces, and how cultural context shapes perceived value.

• YouTube
• 20 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

The System Is Rigged Against Repairable Products - Beyond Corporate Greed

Explore the complex barriers to product repairability beyond corporate greed, examining systemic challenges, consumer expectations, design constraints, and potential solutions for sustainable manufacturing.

• YouTube
• 28 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Why Some Designs Are Impossible to Improve - Quintessence in Design Theory

Explore quintessential designs that have reached perfection, from paperclips to iconic products. Uncover the manufacturing, legal, and cultural factors that make some designs impossible to improve upon.

• YouTube
• 33 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Why Society Hates Creative People and What to Do About It

Explores societal challenges for creatives, discussing the tension between innovation and conformity, and offering insights on navigating these obstacles in professional and personal spheres.

• YouTube
• 26 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video