99% Invisible’s Kickstarter Comeback

Case Study
  • 99% Invisible Scout Books
  • 99% Invisible Scout Books
  • 99% Invisible Scout Books
  • 99% Invisible Scout Books

Growing from a KALW public radio project produced in Roman Mars’ bedroom to the top of the iTunes charts (150 million downloads, no biggie), 99% Invisible is a true Kickstarter success story. The support of their legion of loyal fans and a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign helped transform this independent design podcast, moving it into an office in downtown Oakland and adding a staff.

I like telling stories of who we are through the lens of the things we build. – Roman Mars
For the Kickstarter campaign, 99% Invisible designed a set of nine custom Scout Books as rewards for backers. The book designs feature abstract illustrations that riff on the content of the show: design, architecture, and the subtle or not-so-subtle ways they shape our world. In an interview with The Globe and Mail, Mars doubted that the show, now one of the worlds most popular podcasts, would be able to continue without the success of the Kickstarter campaign. Missed the original release? You’re in luck – the notebooks are still for sale in 99% Invisible’s shop.