Smudge is a design, software and business consultancy based in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Solving Problems with technology is an audio series with Smudge founder Reuben Bijl sharing some of his knowledge and philosophy since starting Smudge in 2008.
Visit www.smudge.com for more information and sign up to our newsletter 'The Fingerprint' to be kept up to date.
Using a powerful chocolate-making metaphor, Reuben Bijl explores why structure and foundations matter more than ever in an AI-enabled world. Just as chocolate requires the right crystal form to be excellent, AI requires the right foundations to amplify—rather than accelerate—your work.
9 Mar 2026
AI and the acceleration of everything
Reuben Bijl explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we solve problems with technology. While the tools and speed have changed dramatically, the core principles of balance, intention, and simplicity matter more than ever.
4 Oct 2024
Simon Hart - The People Place
Reuben Bijl talks to Simon Hart from the People Place
15 Sept 2024
Tim Pitcaithly - Smudge
Tim and Reuben talk about what solving problems well looks like.
30 Jul 2024
Nick Quin from One New Zealand
In this episode, we sit down with Nick Quin, General Manager of Public Sector at One New Zealand, and Reuben Bijl from Smudge, to discuss the dynamic world of telecommunications. Discover how One New Zealand maintains its leading edge through strategic partnerships, innovative technologies, and a relentless focus on customer needs. Nick shares his fascinating career path, the impact of the upcoming SpaceX collaboration, and the vital role of resilient networks in modern connectivity. Tune in to explore how these industry leaders are driving transformation in the public sector and beyond.
2 May 2024
Chris Brown from Smudge
Published in April 2024. Smudge Managing Director Reuben Bijl interviews our Programme Lead Chris Brown. In this interview Reuben and Chris discuss the power of partnership when building technology solutions; helping NZ Police make New Zealand the safest country; what has kept Chris at Smudge for the last 10 years; how the best technology solves real everyday problems.
2 May 2024
Michael Sheedy from Hartwell Simulation
Published in April 2024. In this interview, our Managing Director Reuben Bijl interviews Smudge customer Michael Sheedy. Michael is a biomedical engineer who designs and develops medical devices and simulation tools to improve patient outcomes. Michael and the team at Hartwell Simulation have created and commercialised a vital signs simulation system that allows clinical teams to practice rare or critical events so they’re better equipped to meet such situations in real life.
2 May 2024
Devin Davies on Crouton and the Vision Pro
In April 2024, Smudge employee Devin Davies was invited to speak at a developer conference in Beijing about his experience creating the Crouton app for Apple Vision Pro. After returning from his trip, Devin sat down with Reuben to recount the experience and discuss the current state of the Vision Pro developer community.
2 May 2024
Welcome to Season 2
A brief introduction to Season 2 of Solving Problems with Technology by Smudge. In Season 2, we hear directly from Smudge customers, partners and employees about how they solve real-world problems with technology.
23 Jul 2021
Next Steps
Smudge co-founder Reuben Bijl wraps up Season 1 of Solving Problems with Technology, and recommends some next steps.
23 Jul 2021
Keeping it Simple
Smudge co-founder Toby Vincent unpacks the need for simplicity when solving problems with technology. It takes effort and intentionality to design with simplicity but it’s worth it, both for creators and end users.
23 Jul 2021
Iteration
The biggest challenges are often solved iteratively, one step at a time. In this chapter we talk about the value of working iteratively, biting off small chunks and learning as you go.
23 Jul 2021
Building Empathy
Smudge co-founder Toby Vincent explains why developing a deep level of care and understanding for users is an important step towards getting great outcomes with technology.
23 Jul 2021
Generalists and Specialists
Smudge co-founder Reuben Bijl discusses the importance of getting the right blend of generalists and specialists when tackling a technology project.
23 Jul 2021
Culture of Learning
In this chapter we discuss the importance of creating a culture of learning, and how to encourage your team to confidently express themselves when they’re solving problems with technology.
23 Jul 2021
Balance
Smudge co-founder Reuben Bijl discusses the need to balance human, business and technical considerations when solving problems with technology.
23 Jul 2021
Intent
In this chapter we discuss the importance of anchoring your technology projects in a set of overarching intentions, and how shared intentions can encourage creativity and autonomy in a team setting.
23 Jul 2021
Introduction
Smudge co-founder Reuben Bijl introduces Season 1 of Solving Problems with Technology.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Contact Solving Problems with Technology
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Solving Problems with Technology?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
