99% Invisible is a fantastically realized podcast about some of the small design decisions that impact our lives in ways that we may never even know.
This podcast has some seriously great discussions, so you probably want to know what the fuss is about.
Read below to find out the 15 best episodes of 99% Invisible!
Table of Contents
- 1 Episode 154 – PDX Carpet
- 2 Episode 369 – Wait Wait… Tell Me!
- 3 Episode 301 – Making It Rain
- 4 Episode 397 – Wipe Out
- 5 Episode 285 – Money Makers
- 6 Episode 300 – Airships
- 7 Episode 287 – The Nut Behind The Wheel
- 8 Episode 456 – Full Spectrum
- 9 Episode 214 – Loud And Clear
- 10 Episode 422 – In The Unlikely Event
- 11 Episode 182 – A Sweet Surprise Awaits You
- 12 Episode 144 – There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
- 13 Episode 292 – Speech Bubbles
- 14 Episode 142 – And The Winner Is
- 15 Episode 139 – Edge Of Your Seat
Episode 154 – PDX Carpet
Have you ever wondered why carpets in airports are so odd and quite iconic in their own right?
You are not alone, and this episode perfectly explores the design work that created the pattern and why it became so iconic.
Listen on 99percentinvisible.org.
Episode 369 – Wait Wait… Tell Me!
There is nothing more frustrating in this world than a slow computer.
This episode explores what it is like when a computer begins acting slowly, freezing or crashing, and how this is often visualized for the user.
There’s some very fascinating stuff in here. Don’t miss out!
Listen on 99percentinvisible.org.
Episode 301 – Making It Rain
This episode explores the fascinating case of a freak rainstorm that was able to put out a fire in the White House and the subsequent attempts to control the weather for human benefit.
Listen on 99percentinvisible.org
Episode 397 – Wipe Out
This episode explores the simple but genius beauty of toilet paper and how it goes unsung. Yes. You heard that right. Toilet paper deserves to be celebrated!
Listen on 99percentinvisible.org
Episode 285 – Money Makers
We don’t often think about the design work that went into the average US dollar, but there is some pretty genius design to be found in there.
This episode explores the history of the dollar. Find out how it gained its current look and how it has looked in the past.
Listen on 99percentinvisible.org
Episode 300 – Airships
In the past, the skies were indeed the next frontier, and our lives would be lived in them.
This took the form of incredible towering airships. However, these airships did not become the vehicle of the future. Why is that?
Listen on 99percentinvisible.org
Episode 287 – The Nut Behind The Wheel
Car crashes can often be fatal, and many cars are designed with failsafe to lower the likelihood of this.
These fail-safes are largely invisible, so this episode seeks to highlight and celebrate them in style!
Listen on 99percentinvisible.org
Episode 456 – Full Spectrum
Remember ‘The dress’? Remember how some people viewed it as white with gold stripes, and others could see it as blue with black stripes?
This episode explains why such a phenomenon occurred, which illuminates how the human eye perceives color. Very fascinating!
Listen on 99percentinvisible.org
Episode 214 – Loud And Clear
Cassette tapes may now be an old and defunct form of media technology, but they were once prevalent and revolutionary within the music industry.
This episode is dedicated to the humble box that once contained a whole world of music. It explains the intricacies of their design and why they were so successful.
Listen on 99percentinvisible.org
Episode 422 – In The Unlikely Event
Due to their grim contents, we may not like looking at them, but airplane safety manuals can teach us a lot about design.
In fact, the design of these manuals is so iconic that it has almost become an aesthetic unto itself. This is an episode you owe it to yourself to hear!
Listen on 99percentinvisible.org
Episode 182 – A Sweet Surprise Awaits You
Fortune cookies are a perfect way to finish off a delectable Chinese meal.
These sweet cookies containing fortunes are iconic symbols, but how did they reach that status? Who designed them in the first place and why?
Listen on 99percentinvisible.org
Episode 144 – There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
This episode discusses the lightbulb’s incredible history and recounts the strange tale of a lightbulb that has been illuminated without stopping for over 120 years.
You can watch as this bulb glows in real-time on its website. This episode features such a strange and slightly inspiring story.
Listen on 99percentinvisible.org
Episode 292 – Speech Bubbles
This episode is fantastic as it features the amazing guest Scott McCloud who has been writing and theorizing about comics for many years and has lots to say about the hidden design genius of comic books.
Listen on 99percentinvisible.org
Episode 142 – And The Winner Is
There are few things quite as ubiquitous as a trophy. Trophies signify victories and successes and thus are highly sought after.
This episode endeavors to discover the history of trophies and understand why they became such iconic symbols worldwide.
Listen on 99percentinvisible.org
Episode 139 – Edge Of Your Seat
We use them every day, yet we rarely sing their praises. This episode is dedicated to the wonder of chairs and a celebration of how they improve our lives.
Listen on 99percentinvisible.org
