Small Thing Big Idea

Small Thing Big Idea is a speaker-driven event that explores design, creativity, and cultural significance across multiple disciplines. The event has run across three tracked editions in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Notable speakers have included architect David Rockwell, design partner Michael Bierut, legendary book cover designer Chip Kidd, and designer Yves Behar. The speaker lineup reflects themes spanning brand design, transformative experiences, technology, journalism, music and culture, and social impact. Other speakers have included author A.J. Jacobs, journalist Jennifer 8. Lee, music researcher Kyra Gaunt, podcast host Debbie Millman, and science journalist David Biello, indicating the event draws from creative industries, academia, publishing, and journalism to examine how small concepts and designs shape broader cultural understanding and innovation.

2018 - 2020
15 speakers
15 talks

Topics Covered

Design Thinking6
Creative Thinking4
Entrepreneurship4
Creativity3
Innovation3
Product Market Fit2
Social Impact2
Journalism & Nonfiction2
Communication & Influence2
Brand Strategy2
Personal Brand2
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion1

Industries

Media & Publishing10
Consumer Technology6
Marketing & Advertising Agencies6
Higher Education3
Corporate Training & L&D2
Creator Economy2
Management Consulting2
Consumer Goods (CPG)2

All Talks at Small Thing Big Idea

Showing 1-15 of 15 talks

How surfboards connect us to nature

Yves Behar
2020
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The power of the Afro pick

Jon Gray
2020
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Why books are here to stay

Why books are here to stay

Chip Kidd
2020
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Why 1.5 billion people eat with chopsticks

Why 1.5 billion people eat with chopsticks

Jennifer 8. Lee
2020
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The function and fashion of eyeglasses

Debbie Millman
2020
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How the compass unlocked the world

David Biello
2020
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The evolution of the coffee cup lid

The evolution of the coffee cup lid

AJ Jacobs
2019
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Why pasta comes in all shapes and sizes

Why pasta comes in all shapes and sizes

Paola Antonelli
2019
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How the button changed fashion

Isaac Mizrahi
2018
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How the hyperlink changed everything

Margaret Gould Stewart
2018
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How the jump rope got its rhythm

Kyra Gaunt
2018
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The 3,000-year history of the hoodie

The 3,000-year history of the hoodie

Paola Antonelli
2018
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The genius of the London Tube Map

Michael Bierut
2018
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The hidden ways stairs shape your life

David Rockwell
2018
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Why the pencil is perfect

Caroline Weaver
2018
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