The Hidden Design of Everyday Objects

Send us a text Ever wondered why smartphone corners are rounded or why keyboard letters aren't arranged alphabetically? The world around you has been meticulously designed with purpose, function, and ingenuity—you just might not have noticed it until now. From the humble pen cap with its life-saving air hole to the strategic placement of the "57" on Heinz ketchup bottles, everyday objects contain hidden design elements that make our lives easier, safer, and more efficient. We dive into these overlooked innovations, revealing how thoughtful engineering shapes our daily experiences without our conscious awareness. Did you know stop signs were originally yellow because weather-resistant red paint didn't exist until the 1950s? Or that toilet paper perforations not only help you tear sheets but also prevent the roll from unspooling too quickly? Beyond physical objects, we explore what we call "invisible design"—the systems, strategies, and methodologies that organize our lives. This includes everything from meeting structures to conversation approaches to the innovative underground garbage collection systems in the Netherlands. As Steve Jobs understood, great design isn't just about how something looks—it's about how seamlessly it works. The next time you pick up scissors, use a coffee cup that fits perfectly in your car's cupholder, or type on your computer keyboard, take a moment to appreciate the countless iterations and refinements that created these seemingly simple objects. We'd love to hear your examples of hidden design elements you've noticed! Share them with us through Instagram or directly through this podcast as we continue our journey exploring how design thinking shapes our world in visible and invisible ways. Learn more at: https://twinteriors.com/podcast/ https://scottwoolley.com