

minor details
Nicholas Baker & James Connors
Minor details is an industrial design podcast hosted by Nicholas Baker and James Connors. They share their opinions and stories about living and working as industrial designers in New York City.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 6, 2026 • 1h 15min
116 - Are Bicycles Actually Beautiful?
James and Nick catch up on recent projects, from a Lego-inspired barricade moment to the surprisingly complex reality of building a two-ton “rock chair.”They then dig into a bigger design question: what makes an object truly beautiful versus merely cool, playful, or hyper-functional—using bicycles, keyboards, and iconic industrial design examples as the spark for a spirited debate.Music by KYOSHY (THE KID)Send questions to minordetailspodcast@gmail.com.

Feb 16, 2026 • 1h 24min
115 - The Return of Tangible Tech
James and Nick discuss the trend of incense holders, the "brutalism" of modern coffee machines, and the five-year development of Nick’s modular Strap Box. They also debate Dieter Rams’ design philosophy and the cultural shift toward "tangible" retro technology like iPods and digital cameras.Music by KYOSHY (THE KID)Send questions to minordetailspodcast@gmail.com.

Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 35min
114 - Reunion
James and Nick catch up. James talks about a road barrier he designed. Nick talks about the Haybale and Jex. They discuss Ikea, Bambulab’s latest printer, and recent AI thoughts.

Nov 27, 2023 • 1h 6min
113 - The Next Wave of 3D Printing
James and Nick catch up. James chat’s about his new son and coffee routine. Nick is writing essays. They discuss a renaissance of 3D printing.Email us your questions at minordetailspodcast@gmail.com Shop our merch at minordetailspodcast.com/shopSupport us by supporting Visune, get 10% off your first purchase by using our affiliate link.visune.io/minordetails

Sep 27, 2023 • 1h 10min
112 - Afshin Mehin
Afshin Mehin is a designer and the founder of Card79. He discusses his design journey, working for Whipsaw and IDEO, starting his design firm, designing for Neuralink, and the future of design. Check out Card79.comEmail us your questions at minordetailspodcast@gmail.com Shop our merch at minordetailspodcast.com/shopSupport us by supporting Visune, get 10% off your first purchase by using our affiliate link.https://visune.io/minordetails

Aug 23, 2023 • 1h 50min
111 - Dan Harden
Dan Harden, founder of Whipsaw and experienced designer, discusses his design journey, working for George Nelson, stories of Steve Jobs, starting his design firm, the business of design, his Skrolla chair, design values, and the future of design.

Aug 4, 2023 • 1h 16min
110 - The Great American Dyson Debate
James and Nick review the Strap Box and answer questions about daily practices, prelaunch jitters, Miro, licensing, and Dyson. Email us your questions at minordetailspodcast@gmail.com Support us by supporting Visune, get 10% off your first purchase by using our affiliate link.https://visune.io/minordetails

Jun 14, 2023 • 1h 8min
108 - Apple Vision Pro
James and Nick discuss their thoughts on the Apple Vision Pro. Email us your questions at minordetailspodcast@gmail.com Support us by supporting Momnt, get 10% off your first purchase by using our affiliate link.https://visune.io/minordetails

Apr 19, 2023 • 1h 16min
107 - Don’t Believe Your Eyes
James gets settled in Pennsylvania. Nick launches the Super Chair. We discuss the future of design as AI matures to become a useful tool. Email us your questions at minordetailspodcast@gmail.com Our sponsor this week is Momnt, get 20% off any purchase with the code MINORDETAILShttps://visune.io/minordetails

Feb 15, 2023 • 1h 47min
106 - Designers Critique Every Game Console
Nick launched his first sofa. James is dreaming about coffee. We discuss talk some juicy design news and rank the design of video game consoles. Email us your questions at minordetailspodcast@gmail.com


