Ready to change how you see the space around you? In this Season 1 closer for Incredible Mind, Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics post-doc researcher Vasiliki Meletaki explains neuroaesthetics from the perspective of architecture and nature. In this conversation, we revisit the aesthetic triad, explore the three psychological dimensions of architecture and design, and learn how we can apply these insights in the real world. You’ll be surprised how this information changes your awareness of the built environment!

Episode Guide

0:00 Intro

2:03 Architecture, nature, and the Aesthetic Triad

9:30 Impact of personal experience on our perception of spaces

11:17 Philadelphia’s unique architecture

14:54 What people generally like or dislike in building design

16:08 Coherence, fascination and hominess

22:24 Biophilia and nature

29:33 Applying neuroarchitecture to improve quality of life

31:58 The nuance of research results and how to use them

34:24 Conclusion

What does it mean to be an artist in today’s world? How do you practice your art and survive? This episode features Simon van der Ven, ceramicist and owner of van der Ven Studios. Siem walks us through the life of an artist-craftsman, the ceramic process, and what it means to follow a deep calling to create. If you know an aspiring artist, you’ll want to share this with them!

Episode Guide

0:00 Intro

1:45 Sim’s journey to ceramics

6:08 Clay wants to be itself

09:38 Ceramics, humanity & philosophy

14:34 The ceramic-making process

18:30 Workflow strategies during repetitive processes

24:16 What is a professional artist, really?

25:53 Potter-Artist or Artist-Potter

32:14 Conclusion

You interact with the human-made world every day, from apps and login accounts to furniture and supermarket checkouts. Behind all these things is a designer, crafting the product with your experience in mind. In this episode we hear from Cathy Bergstrom, a Director of Product Design with deep knowledge of the process. If you want to learn how products are born, this episode is for you!

Episode Guide

00:00 Intro

02:18 What is product design?

06:55 Product design vs. UX design

07:50 Elements of good design: Apple Notes

11:00 Cathy’s journey to product design

12:50 The product design process

17:38 How new products are born: Amazon Prime

22:51 Defining the problem

27:52 Great design: familiarity or novelty?

30:40 Alternate use: Segway

32:23 Cathy’s final thoughts on product design

34:36 Conclusion