Unpacking the Hype

Joe and Samantha discuss the much-anticipated release of a new productivity suite in Boston.

Unpacking the Hype

Listen and choose the right answer

What is Samantha's initial opinion about the new productivity suite launch?

• She believes it is entirely derivative.
• She thinks it is a groundbreaking achievement.
• She feels indifferent towards the new aesthetic.

What does Samantha find ironic about the product?

• The fact that nobody bought it.
• The fact that the best feature is the old search bar.
• The fact that the critics hated it.

Why does Joe think the product team made these design choices?

• They are under immense pressure from the new acquirer.
• They lacked professional experience.
• They wanted to copy European studios.

What personal revelation does Samantha share at the end of the conversation?

• She invested money in the target company.
• She designed the controversial icons herself.
• She interviewed for the head of design job and turned it down.

Listen again and complete the sentences

• Joe: That's a strong ____ right out of the gate!
• Joe: The ____ in the morning papers was surprisingly positive though.
• Samantha: Most ____ consists of people either raving about the icons or panning the navigation.
• Samantha: Yes, his ____ of their design representation at the board level was spot on.

Sources: photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels