So what would that 'new' element be?

I don't really know, but that was a good lead-in wasn't it? Here's some things I think make for an interesting and successful show:

1. Conflict or tension of some sort. An obstacle to be overcome.
In design-related terms this can be the deadline, the client, the competing firms, co-workers, the budgets, the printer and so on. We all know it and have experienced it - are experiencing it... sigh.

2. A dynamic personality, someone to love or hate. No in-between.
Has to be very charming and likeable or abrasive and loathesome. I think one person can end up being both... I think these people exist in every industry, but surely we can find designers like that.

3. Unusual settings and experiences.
Helps if the experiences are exotic and wonderful, the kinds of things most people would envy experiencing. However, they could also be so difficult and stressful that most people would not want to be there either. I bet we can easily think of design-related experiences that fit the bill. Foreign countries are a plus.

4. Interesting supporting characters.
The other people we meet in the show should be compelling, weird, exciting and interesting. it helps if there are complete weirdos as well as celebrities of various sorts. You know exactly what I mean.

5. A positive side effect.
This would be to educate people about the world of design - what is, does and how it can help them... Idealistic? Perhaps.

And I am sure there are lots of other qualities I am forgetting, but I think those cover the basics. Add your comments below if you have criticism or suggestions. So let's get to my main point: who would I recommend for this job?

I actually can't take credit for this, it was my pal Michael Hendrix who suggested it to me, but I am happy to share it with the world. I nominate Stefan Sagmeister.

Of course those who know me know that I have long respected Stefan and his way of designing. I have had the fortune to hear him speak many times, meet him a few times and even work for him once (as an intern). All my experiences have only reinforced the idea that he is the perfect kind of 'design celebrity' around which a show could be built. Let's look at the good reasons 'for' him to host a design show...

1. He's interesting.
He's not American, he's Austrian. So he has a strong accent, he dresses different than most Americans, his mannerisms are different, and certainly his life experiences are different. He's really tall. He would be an intriguing individual to watch on tv.

2. He's amiable.
He's witty, charming, kind, sociable and smart. All goood qualities for a protagonist or TV host. People are drawn to him.

3. He's amazingly efficient and organized and detail oriented.
TV show producers would waste little time working with him.

4. He's honest and bold.
You don't go away wondering what he thinks.

5. He has guts.
He poses naked all the time. He will starve or gorge himself for a promo. He had someone carve him up with an xacto for a promotion for heaven's sake. Who wouldn't be intrigued to watch production on some of his design projects? Heck, he'd even give those hospital shows on TLC a run for their money I bet.

6. He is internationally renowned and is a world traveller.
He has been and goes to all parts of the world. Interesting and exotic parts of the world. With unususal places, people, foods, animals, etc. Except may Antarctica - but hey, that's probably a show too...

7. He works for rock stars, fine artists, giant corporations, humanitarian organizations, the city of New York... Clients of every shape and size. Need I say more?

8. He works in NYC with some wonderful people.
His righthand man (or person) is fabulous. His interns come from all over the world. He also works out of his home - could be an interesting dynamic too.

9. He does some amazing, crazy, unusual design work.
He has 'street cred' with designers.
Designers respect him, and as far as I can tell (for the most part) his work. You might like it, you might hate it, but if anyone is pushing the envelope of design it is he... Who better to push it some more to Mr. and Mrs. America?

10. He's already a celebrity of sorts.
So he would adjust well to the attention. It wouldn't make him crack under pressure and become bulemic (sp?) or drunk or something...

There you have it. I nominate Stefan to host a design reality show. Does anyone have the Style network phone number?