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In this episode, I sit down with Robert Brunner — the design mind behind Beats by Dre, former Apple design director, and founder of Ammunition — to unpack what it really takes to build enduring, emotional, and market-shifting products. We explore the tension between risk and restraint, the power of story in industrial design, and what separates mediocre products from cultural icons.

Robert shares hard-won wisdom from 40+ years in the field, working with legends like Jimmy Iovine, Paula Scher, and the teams behind Apple and Beats — and how he now helps startups design with both craft and business outcomes in mind.

Timestamps:

(00:00) – The Fascination of Objects and Their Stories

(05:49) – Navigating Client Relationships in Design

(11:26) – The Evolution of Design Partnerships

(23:20) – The Rise of Beats by Dre: Origins and Inspirations

(30:17) – The Evolution of Design and Craftsmanship

(41:37) – The Challenge of Perfection in Design

(45:30) – Design Perspectives and Personal Favorites

Check out today's guest, Robert Brunner:

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Robert's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbrunner

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