Let’s introduce to our audience Phnam Bagley! Who are you? If you had to describe yourself in 1 sentence, what would you say?

I’m a designer who turns science fiction into reality, on and off planet Earth.

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What are the most
A- Fascinating research
B- Impactful research
C- Fun and whimsical research
You are leading these days?

Fascinating research: Space medicine and how safety in spaceflight will make it possible to bring more people to space and properly kickstart the commercial space economy.

Impactful research: How giving African villagers access to affordable solar energy and employing young women changes everything.

Fun and whimsical research: Solving physical and mental health issues by using sensors, fields, or electricity.

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You often talk about designing for extreme environments. What has been your most unexpected design challenge in space architecture?

Microgravity affects every aspect of building, living, and working in space. We have to use our imagination extensively to come up with assumptions that may or may not be validated by the time we can test them. Humans are unpredictable systems with personalities, feelings, good days, bad days, and cultural differences. All these aspects influence how we make decisions in space architecture.

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Space exploration requires thinking beyond the present. If you could fast-forward 50 years into the future, what role do you see design playing in humanity’s survival and exploration of space?

A central role hopefully. Design has been on the backburner of space due to its extreme cost and difficulty. When you ask most people in the space industry today, “design” to them means “mechanical engineering.” Although engineering is primordial to the success of space exploration, we need design, as it completes function and cost (engineering’s focus) with value, appearance, and experience. Going to space today is dangerous, uncomfortable, devoid of privacy, and requires extensive physical and mental training. I believe in a future of space where most can go, whether you suffer from diabetes or are missing a limb.

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AI…AI…AI…is AI doing anything useful in your field as an industrial designer and space architect?

Systems are becoming increasingly complex. AI already helps us with simulations, data interpretation, and concept development. AI could also help us show how space innovations can benefit life on Earth and be economically viable.

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If you could design an experiment without any limitations of time or money… what would it be?

Build a space hospital, fly people with various health conditions, and figure out how to best care for them.

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If you could have a superhero power. What would it be?

To bring unlimited access to renewable power, clean air, humane shelter, healthy communities, nutritious food, potable water, and mindfulness teaching to everyone on Earth. I genuinely believe this would end all conflict.

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Mystery dinner party…Dead or Alive, who would be 3 guests you would invite to your dinner party?

David Bowie, Cleopatra, Maya Angelou.

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If you could leave a question for the next guest, what would that be?

What is the one thing standing in the way of fear-based leadership?

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What is some recent research in another field which really surprised you? (This question was posed to you by our previous interviewee.)

Animal consciousness. Cephalopds in particular. Fascinating stuff.

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What is your favorite equation...and why...what does it signify? ( And it can be as nerdy...long or complicated as possible…)

Fogg Behavior Model
B=MAP is an equation that represents the Fogg Behavior Model, which states that behavior (B) is a result of three factors: motivation (M), ability (A), and a prompt (P): The model suggests that when these three factors are present at the same time, a person is more likely to perform a behavior. The model also suggests that motivation and ability can be traded off, meaning that if one is high, the other can be low. For example, if someone has high motivation, they may be able to overcome barriers to perform a behavior, even if their ability is low. The model's use of prompts, or triggers, is especially popular in digital environments because triggers are often environmental factors. Triggers can come from people, objects, or environments, and they must occur at the right time to have an impact. The Fogg Behavior Model is considered universal and applies to human behavior across all ages and cultures. It has been used to design products and services, and is referenced in over 1,200 academic publications.