The stories are engaging and conversational, but have a precise sound design that is multilayered and tightly edited. They're produced to stand up to multiple listens and reveal more each time they're heard. The ultimate goal of 99% Invisible is to make radio that inspires mindfulness and wonder in all the things in the built world.

99% Invisible is an independent radio program created by Roman Mars and produced at home, usually at night, on a shoestring budget.

The Kickstarter 5000 Backer Challenge

Help 99% Invisible get a $10,000 grant from the Design Matters Institute!

This ambitious goal inspired Debbie Millman at her brand new Design Matters Institute to offer a challenge grant of $10,000 to motivate 5000 people to show support for 99% Invisible at any level they can afford. If they get 5000 backers on Kickstarter, the show gets another $10,000. That means if you pledge $10, that $10 could mean $10,010 for the show, when they reach the magic number of 5000 backers. Each and every pledge matters, at whatever level is right for you.

Statement from Roman Mars, "If we do this, I guarantee that independent public media will never be the same. I want the stations, producers and networks to know that if they each take the leap and invest in making something driven by passion and vision, like KALW and PRX did with me, there are people out there that will help in any way they can: at least 5000 people."

Past shows have included features on the Pruitt-Igoe housing project, the history of San Francisco's UN Plaza, and a piece from former Planetizen Assistant Editor, Nate Berg.