Episode 02. Designing for laughs with Rob Alderson
Design, comedy and the power of first reactions
Episode 02
Designing for laughs with Rob Alderson
Design, comedy and the power of first reactions
🗯️A question for you to think about…
🎧 before you listen to episode 02.
😂 What makes you laugh at first sight? (check out the post here)
✏️ Play along with episode bingo, how many are mentioned in the interview?
This episode is also available via: Apple Podcasts // Spotify // Amazon Music // YouTube
“There aren’t many creative practices where that’s so short: that connection and that sort of intensity between the audience and the artist.”
What do graphic design and stand-up comedy have in common? Writer, editor and occasional comedian Rob Alderson joins Sarah to explore how both design and humour bypass our conscious minds and speak to us before we can explain why.
From navigating the invisible systems of everyday design to the spontaneous chaos of a crowd-sourced comedy show at the Edinburgh Fringe, Rob reflects on the power of structure, timing, and human connection. You’ll hear why Debbie McGee became the accidental mascot of his live show, how parsnips can teach you about creative disappointment, and why a fridge sign reading “Not cool” made Rob laugh. If you’ve ever tried to explain what design actually does, or found yourself laughing at something before you know why, this one’s for you.
Guest
Rob Alderson is the editor of Design Week, the UK’s oldest design magazine (designweek.co.uk). He previously held creative leadership roles at It’s Nice That, WeTransfer and Vimeo. However, the British Comedy Guide website says very simply “Rob Alderson is a comedian”.
What book has inspired you?
Robs’ book recommendation is Range: How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein, see all books here.
“The power of humour is that it can bubble out of you before you’ve had time to process or catch yourself or, or even think, should this be something I’m laughing at?”
Key takeaways
• Humour often exists beyond conscious thought.
• Graphic design impacts daily life in subtle yet significant ways.
• Design is often undervalued in society.
• AI is changing the design landscape.
• Graphic designers need to better articulate their value to clients.
• The intimacy of stand-up comedy creates a unique audience connection.
• Comedy relies on tension and jeopardy, both for the performer and the audience.
• Ephemeral experiences create lasting memories.
• Aesthetics and memory don’t always align.
• Humour packs more of a punch when unexpected.
00:00 // The Power of Laughter and Design
10:06 // The Intersection of Design and Daily Life
19:58 // Navigating the Future of Graphic Design
19:56 // The Art of Comedy and Its Connection to Design
25:52 // Crowdsourcing Creativity in Comedy
27:31 // The Chaotic Final Show
28:48 // Audience Engagement and Unexpected Stories
30:51 // The Joy of Unraveling Personal Narratives
32:14 // The Power of Community and Shared Experiences
35:29 // The Future of Interactive Comedy
37:36 // The Magic of Ephemeral Experiences
39:07 // Childhood Memories and Their Impact
42:42 // The Aesthetics of Meaning and Memory
44:01 // Embracing Humor
“It was an an incredible experience. Once in a lifetime, in both senses of that phrase … but never again.”
Host
Sarah Hyndman is a designer/researcher, author and speaker. You can book her to speak or bring her activity lab to your event or organisation here via Type Tasting. Sarah is the founder of Type Tasting and curator of The Sensologists.
Seeing Senses. Where there’s more than meets the eye.
Episode taster haiku by Matt Parker
Subtle unseen wit
A silent simplicity
Pure integration
How you can support this podcast
As a paid subscriber or recommend Sarah to colleagues or clients to give a talk or run an activity lab event. Senses are a strategy not an add-on. “Sarah’s talk was a game-changer” SXSW, “Left a lasting buzz and excitement behind her” BBC, ‘F*!*ing genius!’ Adobe MAX.
Theme music by AudioKraken. Thank you to Radim Malinic for the inspiration to make a podcast, and to podcasters Mili Tharakan, Klaudia Mitura and Suze Cooper for your generous advice.