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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Science

How Design Shapes Meaningful Science

As the seasons change, leaves turn from green to yellow, orange, and red. In the early 2000s, a Danish biotech firm tried to harness this phenomenon to detect landmines. Two decades later, their innovative yet ultimately failed attempt highlights the importance of integrating design from the start.

Innovation

The World’s Most Complex Problems Need Collaborative Genius.

In the 1900s, over 80% of Nobel Prizes went to individuals. Today, only 35% do, reflecting a shift towards collaborative innovation. Complex problems require diverse expertise and teamwork. Learn breakthroughs and discoveries that highlight the power of collective intelligence and collaboration.

Business

Want to decrease your marketing spend and increase profits? Invest in Design.

Discover how strategic design investment can transform your business, reduce costs, and drive success. Learn the three key ways to leverage design for lasting impact.

Business

Is a Fractional Chief Design Officer Right for Your Business?

Many business leaders recognize the importance of design in creating differentiated products and discovering new market opportunities. This article explores how hiring a fractional Chief Design Officer can bring top-tier design expertise and transformative potential without the full-time cost.

Science

The Rise of Science-based Design

Explore how science-based design, a revolutionary approach that integrates design principles from inception, is reshaping the landscapes of science, business, and technology, promising profound impacts on research efficacy and market success.

Insights

Not All Designers Are Created Equal: Understanding Key Intangibles for Your Next Hire

When hiring a designer, look beyond their portfolio. Key intangible traits like their network, media relationships, and industry respect can greatly impact your project's success. This article explores these qualities and how they bridge the gap between design and strategic business growth.