Reviews
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“I don’t know where you went but I miss listening to these conversations.”
crompsy via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
11/23/21
“It’s obvious that Michael”
J. Barshop via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/08/20
“These two people are just super thinkers, they are endlessly interesting to listen to.”
7950mc via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/06/20
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“I have had this on 'my list' for a while, but sadly, until now, I haven't really made it to the top of my queue. Listened to e125, and found my self rushing to write notes to find the references - so much relevance. The paradox of this episode at least is that it was both wide ranging...”Read full review »
ajmalone via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
06/06/20
“Whether you’re well established as a change agent in the design ecosystem, or just getting started carving out your authentic niche - this is a must-listen podcast for you! Michael and Jessica do an incredible job leading conversations that cover a huge breadth of topics related to the ins and...”Read full review »
obacker19 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/16/20
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“There is no better podcast around if you are after thoughtful design commentary.”
Fufurasu via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
02/26/20
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“I just discovered this show and listened to Episode 120, The Federalist. I did enjoy it, but where are the links Jessica mentions??? She says “on our website” but I can’t find them on Design Observatory site.”
5339kln via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/23/20
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“Topics nicely varied. But what i love most are the voices of michael and jennifer.”
Fritz Loewe via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/13/19
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“Smart and intelligent conversations about design.”
Yeanno. via Apple Podcasts ·
Estonia ·
01/29/19
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“I really enjoy listening to these two, but the audio gets really loud then really quiet a lot and I am constantly turning it up and down in my car.”
noahpippen via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/09/18
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“Professional Designers with always relevant topics about design and the world today. Should be on every designers podcast list.”
13243546758 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/27/18
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“Love the thoughtful insights but the fluctuating volume swells is so distracting I have to be careful when I listen. Please fix!! Honestly- I listen to tons of podcasts and never have a problem except this one. The hosts deserve better production.”
So Long Farewell via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/29/18
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“Content in The Observatory episodes is great and always worth a listen. However, the episodes can be hard to listen to because of the fluctuating volume of the speakers' voices. Seems like Michael and Jessica move their heads too much when they are talking while the microphone stays still. On...”Read full review »
Darwork via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/12/18
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“Listening to Michael Bierut geek out over design is the best. Both he and Jessica are so smart, so knowledble, so articulate and so well read I learn so much from every episode.”
aricebowl via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/19/18
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“Love the insights, storytelling and insider look at the design world scene.”
Mountain Lou via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/17/18
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“The hosts always find topics I missed in the week's design news, and I love it. They have a great rapport and speak with intelligence and humor. Thanks for a great podcast.”Read full review »
Kf2104 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/11/17
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“Jessica and MIchael present more than concepts for thought. They often change minds through their in-focus recall of their education. Brilliant minds well prepared. Easily my favorite podcast. I save every episode for times when I can listen undisturbed. I am always smarter for listening.”
PKCarney via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/29/17
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“A podcast about design that can be enjoyed by non-designers too. Michael and Jessica tackle topics in an interesting way, and offer alternative points of view and a designer's eye. This podcast is definitely one of my favorites.”Read full review »
Danny/K via Apple Podcasts ·
Lebanon ·
10/24/17
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“Not a designer but love design talk and listening to Jessica and Michael is like having cool friends to talk with about what we love. I blast them without headphones and walk around Australian streets to cure homesickness and whilst having to drive, re-park the car or do dishes and daily life...”Read full review »
withlovefromoz via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
10/19/17
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“Often design podcasts are connected to professional practices only. This could be good. But Design Observer goes beyond that. It infuses design in Daily culture, it looks at society and current facts from a designer’s perspective. I absolutely love the interaction between Michael and Jessica. I...”Read full review »
Vinicius Lin via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/15/17
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“As an engineer/ product designer, I used to find this episode valuable for the occasional insight on topics I haven't considered.
Sadly, it's degraded into regurgitating the same political tropes which abound in media these days. There are far more people that do a much better job/ are...”Read full review »
alfin8r via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/20/17
“Michael and Jessica connect the dots of what's happening in the worlds of pop-culture, politics, entertainment, and design. It's always engaging, usually pretty nerdy, and often makes me laugh. I most appreciate that it's a living testament that the best designers stay curious by...”Read full review »
DJTrischler via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/23/17
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“Such a great opportunity to listen to design heavyweights nerd out over fonts, discuss ethics and wax lyrical about pop culture. Always fun and educational!”
alicek24 via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
07/21/17
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“Helfand and Bierut are smart, well spoken and on top of design. I always learn something interesting. The show notes at the DO website are thorough and provide links to the designs, essays, history, objects, etc. discussed in each show. As another reviewer mentioned, Helfand has a tendency to...”Read full review »
Kristen_Smith via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/15/17
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“Hey guys,
Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to provide such an interesting discussion and some really wonderful references!”
Enj_y via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
04/06/17
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“I love their critiques and the way they dive deep into style and design decisions.”
neptunerpw via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/14/17
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“Never mind that you have two of the best current design thinkers in one podcast, The Observatory keeps the discussion refreshingly expansive. No insular design talk here—or at least when MIchael and Jessica do get design-nerdy, there's always some connection made to the world outside the...”Read full review »
E. Foster Heiman via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/02/17
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“These delightful podcasts are always intriguing, rich in insight, and thought-provoking. They're (both the podcasts and podcasters) smart, humorous and humble—with a healthy dash of snark. Renaissance people, Helfand and Bierut place design in the crucial large arena of . . . well . . ....”Read full review »
Beth Tondreau via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/07/17
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“Smart and witty weekly discussions about the latest design news. Brought to you by designers, Michael Bierut and Jessica Helfand. Both hosts are a deep well of design knowledge. Also both hosts are refreshingly contrarian, and open about their favorite television.”
Luk.Inc via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/02/17
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“I feel like I'm eavesdropping in on conversation that I'd love to be at the table, except they are much smarter and aware on all things design. Excellent, interesting content.”Read full review »
Cuprado via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/19/16
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“I always look forward to these discussions they are very engaging and keep people up to date on current design topics that you may or may not know about. Best design podcast I have came across so far.”
SPVCE_VGE via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/06/16
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“I always learn so much from these two. They keep it casual and current, makes for an enjoyable weekend listen (when there's time to Google all of the books and people they mention).”Read full review »
kedkedkdkdkk via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/05/16
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“One of the few programs (podcasts, TV Shows or anywhere) that has indepth discussions about design, and not limited to graphics, illustration and typography but film, adverstising, products and experiences.”
perogersYYZ via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
09/28/16
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“At times it lacks energy but the information is thoughtful and interesting enough I continue to look forward to listening to it.”
Zhaojanelle via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
09/27/16
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“I love this podcast and how you have two incredibly articulated, open minded, and brilliant designers that talk about recent issues and controversies. I definitely feel smarter after listening to Bierut and Helfand as a graphic design student so please please continue producing this amazing podcast.”
Carolyn Marshall via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/23/16
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“I discovered Michael Bierut & Jessica Helfand's The Observatory late in the game, but soonlistened to all the previous episodes back-to-back from the beginning. Fantastically relevant and all-things-design stimulating, this duo make a great podcast which I hope continues on and on. Anyone...”Read full review »
jwspence via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
09/21/16
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“There are many interesting interview podcasts, but it is much more of a rarity to find one that focuses on discussing the state of design and culture. Bierut and Helfand provide great insight and are always interesting to listen to.”
danielle_marie_ via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/21/16
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“Love this podcast, never miss it.”
Matt Laws via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
09/21/16
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“Essential listening for those interested in contemporary phenomena from a designer perspective. Jessica and Michael offer an exceptional framework for whichever the topic. Well researched, clearly articulated — topped with bold connections and surprising insights. So happy this is free and easy...”Read full review »
Ellaveera via Apple Podcasts ·
Finland ·
09/20/16
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“Love this podcast. Great way to start my day. Thank You Jessica and Michael ;)”
Ghana Ba via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
09/18/16
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“I'm trying to wrap my head around what I like (a lot of things) and don't like (a whole lot) about design. Helfand and Bierut help out a lot, by presenting a broad view of design and its place in my life. I almost said our lives, but I'm interested right now in what it (design) does...”Read full review »
mlhineline via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/18/16
“I subscribe to so many podcasts that it is hard to keep up however I never miss an episode of The Observatory.
It is essentially a review of the previous weeks design news with a commentary from the always insightful and entertaining Bierut and Helfand. it is an opinionated podcast that presents...”Read full review »
PaoloDelaney via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
09/17/16
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“I Strongly recommend TO to anyone interested in design. The show is presented by two industry luminaries who I could listen to for hours.
Thanks Jessica, Thanks Michael.”
Djtorca via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
09/17/16
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“Beautiful and intelligent, love this podcast”
Али Исмаилов via Apple Podcasts ·
Russia ·
09/17/16
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“The Observatory is the smartest discussion on design I've come across in the podcast world. Michael and Jessica bring a great deal of experience and design thinking to each episode, and it's enthralling to hear their commentary on everything from current events to typography. As I listen,...”Read full review »
danman31 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/16/16
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“Michael Beirut is truly an expert and his way of taking, anyone can understand and keep engaged even when it's something as mundane as type. One of the better design podcast available to date.”Read full review »
zorathian via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/16/16
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“Nice to get thoughts on current events/products/designs from two prominent designers. Always alerts me to things I should check out”
EPM91 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/15/16
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“Michael Bierut is better than this.
I've heard Michael Bierut speak at a number of design conferences. He always delivers a great lecture. But this podcast regularly sinks to partisan political sniping. It's boring and tends to rehash of what the hosts have read in the New York Times.”Read full review »
DoubleCheese via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
07/25/16
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