Trying to figure out why things work. Mixed results.
Dan Bond writes about the decisions, systems, and incentives that shape why things succeed or fail. Marketing, behavioural psychology, architecture, housing policy, and whatever else is interesting.
Category or tag:
Where ideas come from
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The Menu: 7 podcasts about the way the world works (and marketing)
Recently, I was asked to share some marketing podcast recommendations. Rather than sticking strictly to industry-focused shows, I believe it’s far more valuable to explore…
READ TIME:
4–6 minutes -
The tyranny of options and the idea diet
In 2000, psychologists set up two jam-tasting booths at an upscale grocery store. One offered 24 types of jam; the other, just six. You’d think…
READ TIME:
4–6 minutes -
The Menu: 5 books about understanding people
Last week, someone on LinkedIn recommended I read a book called something like “Crushing It in the Digital Space: 47 Hacks for Exponential Growth.” I…
READ TIME:
4–5 minutes -
The 64k universe
There’s a specific moment from 1991 that I remember standing in my friend’s bedroom, watching a brown and beige computer boot up. I’d been using…
READ TIME:
3–5 minutes -
Efficiency can kill magic (or why trains are so plastic)
In 1938, stepping aboard the Flying Scotsman felt like entering a gentleman’s club that travelled at 100mph. Mahogany panelling gleamed under brass fittings. White-jacketed stewards…
READ TIME:
4–7 minutes -
Why Jam2nd (and why geography matters sometimes)
The woman at the National Trust café looked genuinely offended. Not the polite, British sort of offended where you tut quietly and write a strongly…
READ TIME:
6–9 minutes -
The return of the milkman
In 1967, Britain had the largest electric vehicle fleet in the world. Not Tesla—Elon was probably still figuring out how to tie his shoelaces. Not…
READ TIME:
9–14 minutes -
A Strange Museum – dark comedy audio drama
Right, so imagine if the British Museum had a particularly twisted sense of humor and decided to curate an exhibition specifically designed to make visitors…
READ TIME:
1–2 minutes -
Action Science Theatre – science comedy audio drama
Right, so here’s the thing about Action Science Theatre—picture the breathless excitement of a 1940s radio serial, throw in enough actual science to make your…
READ TIME:
1–2 minutes
