On Vision
A visionary is not someone who predicts the future. It is someone who sees the present more clearly than the rest of us.
Todd Bracher
Todd is a designer, advisor and author based in Brooklyn. He advises startups to multinationals to private equity firms. Todd is a keynote speaker, design judge, educator, and Fast Company writer.
Insights
The Three Levels of Understanding
Last week, I had a welcome chat about understanding. The idea is that true understanding comes from various modes: Intuition, observation, and insight. The take away was we often prioritize one over the other two. The conclusion was quite revealing.
Business
The Hidden Levers Behind Your KPIs: A Senior Leader's Guide to What Actually Drives Performance
Leading strategic design initiatives for 25 years has revealed something unexpected: while we obsess over KPIs, the real drivers of success often hide in less obvious places. Here's what I've learned about finding and measuring these hidden levers that truly shape business performance.
Business
From Generic to Iconic: Using Design to Create Unique Value
Scrolling through a list of startups, I realized half could swap logos, and no one would notice. Playing it safe might keep you in the game, but it won't win it—especially when customers crave authenticity. Let’s explore how to escape the "me too" trap and create something truly memorable.
Business
The Hidden Costs of Not Integrating Design: Why Investing in Design Expertise Saves Money in the Long Run
It’s surprising how often hidden business costs tie back to design oversight. Many execs treat design as optional, but brand missteps and product recalls show that skimping on integrated design leads to bigger issues down the line. Thoughtful design isn’t just “nice-to-have”... it’s essential.
Innovation
The Art of Shepherding Ideas: A Leader's Guide to Navigating Innovation
Ideas are fragile. I’ve seen great concepts crumble due to team misalignment, market pressure, or complexity. In a world where innovation is key, ensuring your idea makes it from concept to market is one of the toughest tasks for leaders. Here’s how to protect an idea’s clarity through the journey.
Design
The Evolution of Design Thinking: Beyond the Object to Contextual Design
Over my 25 years in design, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of our industry. Early on, the focus was purely on the object—the product in front of me, its form, its function. But as my journey evolved, so too did my view of design’s potential.
Insights
Navigating the Entrepreneur's Crossroad: When to Press On and When to Pivot
I recently had dinner with a friend who left finance to chase a dream, building a renowned cosmetic brand with a global presence. Yet, beneath this triumph lies relentless eye-watering challenges. This raises a crucial question: When should one press on, and when is it wiser to pivot or let go?
Insights
Why Seasoned Leaders Should Have a 26-Year-Old Mentor
As I near 50, I've realized that alongside age-old wisdom, young perspectives are crucial. In an industry that values experience, engaging younger voices provides the generational insights often missing at the top.
Innovation
Dear Engineers,
In today's market, superior engineering is only half the equation for success. After two decades at the intersection of design and business, I've seen how strategic design can revolutionize companies. Engineers, let's celebrate your brilliance and explore how design can drive even greater success.
Business
Reviving Sleeping Giants: How Leveraging Dormant IP Can Transform Your Business
In today's market, businesses often overlook hidden treasures in their portfolios. Companies like IBM and Disney have rejuvenated operations by tapping into dormant IP. Many sit on a goldmine of potential. This article explores how you can awaken these sleeping giants to transform your business.
Business
Six Principles of Design Every Business Leader Needs to Understand
Ask the average business leader about design, and most will say they love it. However, few have a Chief Design Officer or prioritize design over market research. This reluctance to integrate design into R&D negatively impacts their IP value, production costs, and profitability.