Abstract: The Art of Design
Go inside the minds of the world's greatest designers
Step inside the minds of the most innovative designers in a variety of disciplines and learn how design impacts every aspect of life.
Seasons
E1Christoph Niemann: Illustration
Feb 10, 2017
From New Yorker covers to Instagram sketches, illustrator Christoph Niemann plays with abstraction and interactivity -- and questions authenticity.
E2Tinker Hatfield: Footwear Design
Feb 10, 2017
Tinker Hatfield's background in architecture and athletics sparked his game-changing shoe designs for Nike, including the iconic Air Jordan series.
E3Es Devlin: Stage Design
Feb 10, 2017
Stage designer Es Devlin crafts evocative sets for concerts, operas, plays and runway shows using light, film, sculpture -- and even rain.
E4Bjarke Ingels: Architecture
Feb 10, 2017
Architect Bjarke Ingels unites function, fantasy and sustainability in “pragmatic utopian” designs like a clean power plant topped with a ski slope.
E5Ralph Gilles: Automotive Design
Feb 10, 2017
As Fiat Chrysler’s global head of design, Ralph Gilles steers the brand into the future with sleek new sports cars and a self-driving electric van.
E6Paula Scher: Graphic Design
Feb 10, 2017
Graphic designer Paula Scher paints with words, developing the visual language of iconic brands and institutions around the world.
E7Platon: Photography
Feb 10, 2017
Platon’s fearless portraits capture the souls of world leaders and ordinary people. A shoot with Gen. Colin Powell provides a window into his process.
E8Ilse Crawford: Interior Design
Feb 10, 2017
Interior designer Ilse Crawford creates spaces and objects that engage the senses and promote well-being, from high-end hotels to Ikea furniture.
E1Olafur Eliasson: The Design of Art
Sep 25, 2019
Olafur Eliasson creates sensory-rich immersive installations, including a lamp-lit sun at the Tate Modern and chunks of Arctic ice on city streets.
E2Neri Oxman: Bio-Architechture
Sep 25, 2019
Can we design our way out of an ecological crisis? At the MIT Media Lab, professor Neri Oxman cultivates new materials that emulate nature.
E3Ruth Carter: Costume Design
Sep 25, 2019
A visual storyteller and frequent Spike Lee collaborator, Ruth E. Carter won an Oscar for her Afrofuturistic costume design for "Black Panther."
E4Cas Holman: Design for Play
Sep 25, 2019
As founder of toy company Heroes Will Rise, Cas Holman crafts tools and objects designed to inspire kids (and adults) to play creatively.
E5Ian Spalter: Digital Product Design
Sep 25, 2019
On the heels of leading influential projects for Nike and Instagram, Ian Spalter explains the process of experimenting with new product designs.
E6Jonathan Hoefler: Typeface
Sep 25, 2019
While researching vintage watches as inspiration for a new font, Jonathan Hoefler delves into his work for Apple, Obama's "Change" campaign and more.
Videos
Storyline
Step inside the minds of the most innovative designers in a variety of disciplines and learn how design impacts every aspect of life.
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