Matters of Experience

Tim McNeil believes that exhibition design is the most transdisciplinary of the design fields, bringing together different design disciplines to create engaging experiences for diverse audiences. In this week’s episode, Tim joins hosts Abby and Brenda in a multifaceted conversation about collaboration, creativity, and the impact of technology in exhibition design. This episode is sure to inspire listeners to rethink conventional approaches and embrace the transformative power of immersive storytelling.

As museums evolve from traditional repositories of art and artifacts to dynamic spaces that reflect their visitors’ diverse voices and experiences, creating inclusive spaces for audiences is more critical than ever. This week’s guest is on a mission to foster inclusivity in cultural institutions. Join Abby and Brenda as they chat with Jamie Lawyer, the Chief Experience Officer at the Rubin Museum of Art, about creating places and spaces to make audiences feel cared for and fall in love with cultural experiences.

What do textiles and technology have in common? Independently, each medium can be used as a form of artistic expression. Together, they can combine to tell stories that blur the boundaries between the digital and the physical. Nicole Yi Messier is a multidisciplinary artist who loves to create experiences that push the envelope in terms of how we interact with them and how they respond to us. If you’re craft-curious or just looking to learn about the possibilities of blending materials and technologies, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, discover the transformative power of mentorship, visitor-centered design, and innovative storytelling with Trent Oliver. From fostering diversity and inclusion to balancing work-life as a parent, Trent shares insights on shaping the future of interactive experiences. If you’re curious about the unique perspectives and challenges of a successful woman-owned business, this episode is for you.

Remember the excitement of exploring new worlds as a child? What if you could step back into that sense of wonder and curiosity? Join us as we journey into the captivating realm of children’s museums with this week’s guest, Anne Fullenkamp. From interactive exhibits to inclusive experiences, this episode embarks on a nostalgic adventure through the art and science of engaging young minds. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or design enthusiast, tune in now to rediscover the magic of playful learning.

In this episode of "Matters of Experience," Abby and Brenda engage in a dynamic conversation with Dr. Kiersten F. Latham, co-author of "Flourishing in Museums: Towards a Positive Museology." Together, they delve into the transformative power of positivity within the museum field, exploring how fostering a culture of flourishing not only enhances visitor experiences but also empowers museum staff to thrive amidst societal challenges and institutional transformations. Through insightful anecdotes and practical strategies, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how museums can serve as catalysts for growth, resilience, and positive change.

This week’s guest believes that the future is not for us to await, but rather to create, and that every idea exists for us to envision and then manifest. In this episode, hosts Abby and Brenda engage in a dynamic conversation with Creative Engineer, Sundar Raman about art, technology, and human experience. From embracing curiosity to fostering empathy, this episode offers a glimpse into the boundless possibilities of experience design. Tune in for insights, inspiration, and a vision of the museums of tomorrow.

Why accept the rules of reality when you can explore the power of possibility? How can immersive experiences invite people to embrace the present moment and challenge the boundaries of what’s possible? The answers to these questions and more, on this insightful episode featuring Ed Purver, a creative director and thought leader whose work encourages people to engage with environments with a renewed eye for possibility and to relate to their surroundings with more aliveness and awareness.

In this episode of Matters of Experience, explore the intricacies of curating stories that breathe life into artifacts, revealing raw emotions and untold narratives. Join Abby and Brenda in conversation with Jan Seidler Ramirez, the founding Chief Curator of the National September 11th Memorial and Museum in New York City. Jan shares insights into the delicate balance between remembrance and hope, illustrating how the museum becomes a sanctuary for healing by fostering connections, transcending boundaries, and offering solace to those who visit.

/imagine two podcast hosts, Abby and Brenda, speaking to a guest, Chris Cooper, at a recording studio in New York City about utilizing artificial intelligence to explore the synergy of human ingenuity and machine intelligence within experience design. --style raw

Are you curious to discover what an abundance mindset, JEDI meeting, or radical hospitality is? In this episode, we’ll talk about these topics and more with special guest Bosco Hernandez, the design director at the SFMOMA. Bosco delves into his approach to making museums more inclusive, enhancing visitor experiences, and the importance of framing questions with possibilities. This episode is a must-listen if you’re passionate about the intersection of art, storytelling, and technology in the ever-evolving landscape of experience design.

Neil Mendoza is a leading figure in new media, experimental art, and technology who challenges preconceived notions and offers fresh perspectives on familiar subjects. In this episode, Neil shares his childhood experiences, discussing the blend of curiosity, technical exploration, and creativity that shaped his path. Discover how Neil’s work connects with viewers on a deeper level, creating a bridge between technology and human experience.

Have you ever wondered how a museum turns the secret world of spies into an exciting experience? Join Abby and Brenda in a captivating conversation with Kathryn Keane, Vice President of Exhibitions & Collections at the International Spy Museum, as she discusses how to create exhibits that are both serious and seriously fun. Explore the challenges and successes of bringing history to life and gain insights into the art of making historical narratives both informative and immersive.

Gretchen Cost is a passionate educator and industry luminary who has been a driving force in cultivating and supporting students and emerging professionals in experience design. Her transformative work as the Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at GINA (formerly Gallagher and Associates) mirrors her commitment to fostering talent. Tune in to this episode of Matters of Experience as she sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of experiential design education and shares her vision for the designers of tomorrow.

Dive into a rollercoaster of emotions with our latest podcast episode and join Abby and Brenda as they explore the fascinating interplay of emotions in the world of experience design. From understanding the emotional volatility of historical figures to managing creative teams and clients, this episode delves deep into the power of emotions in storytelling and design. Don't miss this insightful journey into the heart and soul of experience design

Coming to you live from the American Museum of Natural History, Abby and Brenda provide their unique perspective on museum design as they explore the new Gilder Center on the latest episode of Matters of Experience.Join them as they share their unfiltered impressions about their on-site visit, revealing the museum’s impressive aspects while also addressing elements that fell short of their expectations. Dive into a conversation about the nuances of empathy and education within museum exhibits and the often-overlooked transitional spaces that have the power to create truly welcoming experiences. If you’re a museum aficionado or an experience designer, this is a special episode you won’t want to miss.

This week’s guest genuinely believes that solutions to the world’s most challenging problems, including climate change, are well within our reach. In this episode, hosts Abby and Brenda sit with accomplished advisor, speaker, and changemaker Tom Bowman to explore the intersection of climate change and the design industry, unveiling how innovative design concepts and practices can drive positive environmental impact.Tom shares his wealth of knowledge and experiences, shedding light on the pivotal role that decision-makers and the design industry can play in mitigating climate change. Tune in now to gain valuable insights and be inspired to make a difference.

Imagine being a kid again - that's what this week's guest, Victor Torregroza, challenges designers to do as they create experiences. Victor joins the podcast to talk about the business of connecting people to stories and how experience designers can enrich the human connection to create moments of sensory excitement, information, and delight.

When people think of the event industry, they don’t necessarily think about them as designed experiences. However, industry events and trade shows provide a unique opportunity for companies to create a narrative that resonates with the audience’s needs and challenges. In this episode of Matters of Experience, join Abby and Brenda as they explore the dynamic world of trade shows with seasoned industry expert Liz Nacron. Liz shares her wealth of knowledge and expertise in creating engaging B2B, B2C, and B2E events and discusses the importance of striking the right balance between technology and the human touch. If you’re curious about the art of creating unforgettable trade show experiences and the role of human connection in the mix, this episode is a must-listen.

Live from SEGD’s 50th Anniversary Conference in Washington, DC, join Abby and Brenda for a special episode that captures the essence of design excellence across five decades. As they celebrate this milestone, we bring you exclusive interviews with some of the design world’s finest minds, including Rich Burns (SEGD Founder), Llisa Demetrios (Eames Institute), Gretchen Coss (Gallagher & Associates), and more. This episode is a rare opportunity to tune into dialogue that dives into the past achievements, present innovations, and future possibilities that have shaped SEGD and the design landscape.About SEGD - The Society for Experiential Graphic Design: We are graphic and exhibition designers, fabricators and architects, media developers and creative technologists, students and educators. Each of our members brings a diverse set of expertise, but we all share a common motivation: to make the built environment more inclusive and intuitive, emotive and engaging, sustainable and shared.