Inspiration is absorbed in so many different forms, and for me, it’s part of my everyday creative process. It usually starts with my walk into work as I try to change it up slightly so that I can take in different sights and sounds. Once I’m at the office it’s usually pulling up a collection of digital publications which include The Next Web, Medium, Humanizing Tech, The Drum and one of my favorite TED Talks.

As an interactive strategist, it’s my job to understand people and how digital experiences impact their behavior. You must put your own personal digital preferences aside (navigating, consuming, purchasing, etc.) and empathize with the varieties of ways people accomplish their goals.

For me, TED Talks always provide a fresh perspective to a specific topic that I’m working with. The talks are presented by some of the brightest minds, many of whom aren’t well known, and who provide an uncommon solution to a socially known problem. This type of thinking and insight is truly mind opening and helps drive me with my daily approach.

Recommended Talks

I’ve put together a collection of talks that have inspired me to be more fluid with my process. My recommendations would be a great watch for anyone who strives to make digital experiences increasingly meaningful.

How better tech could protect us from distraction

I’ve been following Tristan Harris for some time because of his extremely interesting perspective on design. He talks about how our tech should have more productive interactions instead of constant distractions.

How Airbnb designs for trust

Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb, is a very well-known name and runs one of the most successful dot-coms. He shares how he’s created crazy new levels of user trust through design, where people agree to let strangers stay in their homes. If you would have pitched this idea to me 15 years ago, I would have laughed you right out the door. Best part of the talk is when he conducts an audience experiment.

Favorite quote – “High reputation beats high similarity.”

The first secret of design is … noticing

As I mentioned above, we all have our preferences in how we interact with technology. Tony Fadell digs deeper into why it’s so important as designers to fully understand people and the experiences they have with the devices they love. Oh yeah, he’s also one of the creators of Nest.

Favorite quote – “Stay beginners. Focus on the smallest of details.”

How to build your creative confidence

David Kelley, Founder and CEO of Ideo, talks about how you need to stay true to your creativity. This is a great talk from five years ago that still impacts me to this day. I usually turn to this talk when I’m stressed or lacking confidence in solving a problem. David gets me back on track.

Favorite quote – “…help as many people possible regain the creative confidence they lost along the way.”

I hope you enjoy these talks as much as I do. There are so many smart people who want to share their stories and their experiences through TED Talks. You absolutely should add it to your list of inspirational sources.