It is not just the topic of a podcast that determines whether we listen. Its design also plays a key role. As part of the “Designing Podcasts” project, researchers from ZHAW and ZHdK have developed a model that provides a holistic description of the design and use of podcasts: the STF model, comprising the three basic types – Story, Talk and Factual. Those seeking information turn to Factual podcasts. Those seeking a sense of connection turn to Talk formats. Those who want to be emotionally moved turn to Story podcasts.
The fundamentals of the model are documented in the manual “Designing Podcasts”. To complement this, a peer-reviewed paper has now been published in the specialist journal Journalism and Media.
Suter, L., Knobloch, H., Streule, P., Feder, C., Deda-Bröchin, S., Lypitkas, N., & Waller, G. (2026): On the Interdependence Between Podcast Design and Usage Motives in German-Language Podcasts. Journalism and Media, 7(2), 86. https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7020086
“Designing Podcasts” was funded in the 2nd Project Call. The follow-up project “Designing Podcasts – Transfer, Training, Tools” is funded in the 2nd Outreach Call.