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Stefan Sagmeister on design and happiness
Merlin Mann | Jun 14 2007
TED | Talks | Stefan Sagmeister: Yes, design can make you happy (video) I really enjoyed this 15-minute TED presentation by Stefan Sagmeister (watch out: flashy page with grabby browser javascript) on how specific instances of design have made him happy. The replacement subway signs he mentions (recreation below via Chris Glass) really are pretty terrific. (Anyone have more info or links on the artist and the guerilla campaign?)
Like, Chris, I also really like what Sagmeister has to share about the patterns in his own life that have made him more happy than not. It’s easy to see how striving to live these sixteen bullets could help a person enjoy a more creative, open world.
Like Chris said, “Good stuff.” Link and recreated graphic via: Chris Glass: “Making Happy” 15 Comments
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 "Thanks to Merlin Mann and...Submitted by fly888 (not verified) on June 17, 2007 - 4:31am.
“Thanks to Merlin Mann and David Allen, I’ve gone from a stoned slacker to a stoned overachiever. Thanks Merlin and David!” That’s priceless. Slowly making my way towards the same goal myself. »
These talks are in the...Submitted by Steve (not verified) on June 18, 2007 - 12:48am.
These talks are in the iTunes podcasts section, just search for “TED”. »
Thanks for the post Merlin, I've...Submitted by robert thor (not verified) on June 15, 2007 - 8:19am.
Thanks for the post Merlin, I’ve always enjoyed Sagmeisters work, extremely sharp work and these points are very good stuff. I must admit to having removed 43 folders from my “shortlist” after the last months of software related post frenzy, perhaps I’ll start checking in again. »
I dunno. Most of...Submitted by TomK (not verified) on June 15, 2007 - 12:12pm.
I dunno. Most of these sound good … but drugs are good anytime. If you can’t handle your drugs without feeling down later, you must have a leak somewhere in your workflow. I used to think drugs were slowing me down. Then I started reading 43 folders and GTD, and now I realize it’s other productivity blocks slowing me down, not my prolific drug ue. I can use the time I get and freed productivity from following these messages to handle the harsh day after and fogginess after the heightened lucidity wears off. In fact, some of their insights about capturing data and processing later are great if you use a lot of drugs. For example, if you’re a musician, and think of a good tune while in a 3 day heroin binge, you might get so frustrated you take a handful of Quaaludes with some grey goose vodka if you try stumble into the studio and fiddle with the knobs to record it. But, if you use Merlin Mann and David Allen’s advice, you could hum the melody into the mic on your macbook pro, and enjoy the rest of your heroin binge like a real artist, without being driven to suicide by guilt over your failure to immediately capture it. You’ll know you’ve stored the idea in a recording bin you will empty later, and your drug addled brain won’t have to constantly revisit it, leaving your mind free to wander the deathless void beyond this life until your dose wears off and your conscious mind is plunged, screaming, back into your body. And, because you have a trusted system in place to capture all of your thoughts, you’ll know that while you’re detoxing and crying for three days straight, that thats where you are supposed to be, and won’t have to deal with the excess psychic strain of thinking about that drug dealer you owe 2,250 for that last ounce for. Thanks to Merlin Mann and David Allen, I’ve gone from a stoned slacker to a stoned overachiever. Thanks Merlin and David! »
Great share on guides to...Submitted by Todd Jordan (not verified) on June 14, 2007 - 4:01pm.
Great share on guides to happiness in life. Quick and relevant. »
 [OT Admin Note: Sorry it...Submitted by Merlin Mann on June 15, 2007 - 3:58am.
[OT Admin Note: Sorry it took so long for everyone’s comments to show up — I think my Wordpress install is chasing the dragon or something. Working on it, but sorry about that.] »
Great share. Love the...Submitted by Todd (not verified) on June 14, 2007 - 4:04pm.
Great share. Love the tips on happiness. »
I always like hearing him...Submitted by Chip Cullen (not verified) on June 14, 2007 - 5:37pm.
I always like hearing him speak - I saw him in person at the AIGA 2002 conference in DC. If you want to see another clip about him, I always find this one inspiring: http://hillmancurtis.com/hc_web/film_video/source/sag.php He mentions some of the “life lesson spreads” that were in the TED clip, too. »
I am a law abiding...Submitted by Martha Garvey (not verified) on June 14, 2007 - 11:41pm.
I am a law abiding human, but I would SO put these signs in my subway. Happiness science supports design theory: Daniel Gilbert, in his book “Stumbling Toward Happiness” talks about how we overestimate both how much bad stuff and good stuff is going to affect us. »
Merlin - you might also...Submitted by Matt (not verified) on June 14, 2007 - 11:56pm.
Merlin - you might also enjoy Milton Glaser’s similar list from 2002 “This is what I have learnt”: http://voiceconference.aiga.org/transcripts/presentations/milton_glaser.pdf I had the privilege of being in the audience for this. Stirring stuff. »
I'm going to print and...Submitted by Sleeping Dude (not verified) on June 15, 2007 - 7:32am.
I’m going to print and put those on door in my office. There are people who need to read and re-read these things every day… »
Nice post, Merlin. LOVE the...Submitted by Matthew Chamberlin (not verified) on June 14, 2007 - 8:38am.
Nice post, Merlin. LOVE the subway sings and the rules on life. I have two little kids and my wife and I own our own businesses. Can make for a slightly overstressed life. Gonna print this and post it EVERYWHERE!! Thanks. »
Sagmeister has always had interesting...Submitted by Brad Blackman (not verified) on June 14, 2007 - 9:59am.
Sagmeister has always had interesting things to say, and is sometimes deified a bit too much in my opinion, but he does turn out some good work (although some of it is too artsy for your average project). I’ve always been inspired by his “year without clients” project, and these are pretty inspiring points. »
I've been looking for more...Submitted by Dan W (not verified) on June 14, 2007 - 10:47am.
I’ve been looking for more info on those “life instructions” for quite some time now but with no luck. If you find anything could you please let me know or post it? It’s a damn awesome campaign »
I find it bizarre that...Submitted by Gala (not verified) on June 14, 2007 - 1:05pm.
I find it bizarre that he says “trying to look good limits my life”. Admittedly, I run a fashion & style website, but I know that for most people, dressing well always makes them feel better & MORE confident, not the opposite! »
About Merlin MannBio Merlin Mann is an independent writer, speaker, and broadcaster. He’s best known for being the guy who started the website you’re reading right now. He lives in San Francisco, does lots of public speaking, and helps make cool things like You Look Nice Today. Also? He looks like this, answers questions, and has something like a life. |
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Inbox ZeroThe original 43 Folders series looking at the skills, tools, and attitude needed to empty your email inbox — and then keep it that way. Don’t miss the free video of Merlin’s Inbox Zero presentation. Making Time3-part series on attention management for artists and makers. Read Bad Correspondence, The Job You Think You Have, and One Clear Line. |
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