12 Best Web Design Podcasts for 2020

If you’re self-isolating thanks to Covid-19, or simply a fulltime remote worker, keeping in touch with the industry can be tricky; There aren’t any water-coolers to gather around, and your cat is less knowledgeable about CSS than she likes to pretend. One of the best solutions is web design podcasts. They’re a great way to grow your skills and ideas, while enjoying a fun, informal chat. Web design podcasts are entertaining, insightful, and easy to consume, even when you don’t have a great deal of time or focus to give. We’ve put together this list of some of the top contenders to inspire you, no matter how long you’re working from home.

1. Resourceful Designer

is both a graphic design podcast and a blog, so you can choose to access content in the way that’s most suitable for you. Both tools are designed and managed by designer Mark Des Cotes, who provides endless access to useful tips and resources for professionals. Intended for passionate designers who want to turn their talents into a paying career, the resourceful designer podcast will help you to grow. It shows you how to deal with deadlines, manage your home office, and find new clients. There are hundreds of episodes to explore, and you can listen in whenever and however you like. 

2. Syntax

is a slightly more specific web design podcast, created for people who want to learn a bit more about web development based on CSS and JavaScript. The podcast, hosted by Scott Tolinski and Wes Bos, provides guidance from dedicated developers and full-stack designers. If you want to go beyond the basics of web design and explore what’s possible with things like code and frameworks, then Syntax is the solution for you. Both hosts for this site have endless experience with running online courses, and they’re great at breaking down the complicated parts of complex topics, so they’re easier to consume. 

3. Motion and Meaning

Another of the best web design podcasts on the market for 2020 is Motion and Meaning. This unique podcast explores the importance of movement and dynamic design in user experience. If you want to play around with more immersive experiences on your websites, but you don’t know how to get started, then you should definitely listen in. Hosts Val Head and Cennydd Bowles will guide you through digital design concepts like progressive enhancement, web animation tools, and UX choreography. This is a great podcast for anyone who wants to take their design skills to the next level. 

4. Developer Tea

isn’t exactly the most long-form podcast on the market right now, but it’s a great option for designers and developers who want to top up their knowledge as part of their afternoon coffee break. The regular selection of new podcasts will give you insights into things like how to make your work more satisfying, or what you can do to speed up production. The host, Jonathan Cutrell, is fantastic at delivering thought-provoking ideas, state-of-the-art resources, and tips into a range of topics, from career development, to coding, mindset, habits, and problem-solving too. 

5. User Defenders

As user experience continues to stand out as one of the most critical considerations for business leaders today, podcasts that focus on UX are going to be great for 2020. One of the most popular options for this year is User Defenders, a podcast that covers everything you need to know about user experience and its role in digital design. The host, Jason Ogle chats with amazing UX designers from around the world, each one offering a unique insight into how other professionals can connect with end-users through design. This is a great web design podcast for people who want to learn about all things web development while gaining insights from other professionals. 

6. Front End Happy Hour

While many of the leading web design podcasts are quite professional and formal, there are a handful that combine professional insights with fun. If you like the idea of discussing web design over a glass of wine, the Front End Happy Hour could be the perfect podcast for you. Published on a weekly basis, this podcast not only discusses important topics, but also welcomes experts from organizations like LinkedIn, Evernote, Netflix, and many others. It’s a great way to discover how the minds behind some of the world’s biggest websites tick. Additionally, the topics are broken down into a useful and easy-to-consume format. 

7. Design Life

Being a successful designer is often about keeping up with the latest trends, from the color of the year to new UX strategies. However, when you’re staying up to date, it’s also nice to connect with experts that you can relate to. Unfortunately for women in the web design world, there aren’t as many inspiring podcasts hosted by women. That’s why Femke van Schoonhoven and Charli Prangley created Design Life. This podcast discusses the ins and outs of being a woman working in tech. There are also insights into the latest industry news, landing clients, and how to create a portfolio. 

8. JavaScript Jabber

If JavaScript isn’t something that you enjoy working with, then this isn’t likely to be the best web design podcast for you. However, since about 94.9% of websites use JavaScript, there’s a pretty good chance that you might want to know more about this language. The JavaScript Jabber podcast concentrates on keeping experts up to date on the world of ECMAScript. Every episode features a new crucial topic and a selection of amazing guests too. You’ll learn about everything from JS communities to building your career. However, you are expected to have a basic knowledge of the language when you tune in. 

9. Code Newbie

From a podcast designed for growing professionals, to one that’s all about supporting beginners in the design world. Code Newbie is a podcast that covers unique stories from people who are pursuing their dreams of full-time design and development jobs. Designed for those who need both inspiration and guidance, the website covers a range of different topics. With this podcast, you’ll discover interviews from front-end developers, programmers, and a bunch of other people who have discovered how to be successful in the world of code. Additionally, the podcast approaches each topic in an easy-to-follow manner, so it’s great for newbies. 

10. Adventures in Design 

Another excellent web design podcast for those who need a good combination of information and inspiration is Adventures in Design. This podcast, hosted by Mark Brickey, takes the format of a daily talk show for people who want to learn about all aspects of design. The podcast conducts interviews with creatives and well-known designers, as well as offering tons of information for professionals and freelancers. This particular option has a unique structure, however. You need to pay a monthly or yearly subscription fee to listen in. While most podcasts are free, the AID network can offer something incredibly useful and exciting, if you’re willing to shell out some cash. 

11. Design Details

All great designers know that the smallest details can transform user experience instantly. That’s why it’s essential to get deep into the different components of every design. With the Design Details podcast, you’ll have an opportunity to learn more about the small changes that can make a big difference to your development efforts. The hosts, Brian Lovin and Bryn Jackson, interview some of the world’s most brilliant developers, including those behind apps like Google Search, Stripe, and even the social site, Instagram. Despite some high-profile guests, the show is fun, insightful, and informal – great for those who don’t want anything too deep. 

12. Responsive Web Design 

Last but not least, we have an oldie-but-goodie. The Responsive Web Design podcast is hosted by Ethan Marcotte and Karen McGrane. The hosts focus on interviews with leaders in the responsive design world and discuss strategies for implementing various designs into websites. The interviews touch on a number of incredible industries and deliver exciting perspectives into design. Previous guests on this podcast include people from companies like Expedia, Microsoft, and even the Guardian newspaper. The Responsive Web Design podcast has received critical acclaim over the years. Although there hasn’t been a new episode for a while, it’s well worth going back through the 157 episodes for some incredible tips.