Tim Seward, Founder and Creative Visionary of ONYX Motors—an industrial designer turned mobility entrepreneur who has a passion for redefining electric transportation.

While working with large corporations such as Nike, Google, and Intel, he saw opportunities to pursue mobility ideas that those organizations were not interested in developing.

He had a particular interest in changing the performance and rider experience of electric bikes which led him launch ONYX Motors through a successful Indiegogo campaign.

Seward's bikes such as the RCR 80V are supported by a global community of riders who view ONYX electric motor bikes as both a long-term investment and a lifestyle.

In this conversation, Seward discusses designing for commercialization, when creative vision must adapt to market realities, and the mistakes product designers must avoid to build ideas that endure.

If you are developing a new product to market, don't miss a range of takeaways that give you greater insight in your innovation journey.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

• Leverage your natural problem-solving instincts. Early life challenges helped shape Seward’s ability to identify gaps and design solutions that translated into an entrepreneurial advantage.
• See innovation through an industrial designer’s lens. The discussion highlights how industrial designers balance form, function, usability, and emotional connection when building new products.
• Use crowdfunding as a launchpad, not just funding. Seward explains how a successful Indiegogo campaign provided market validation and accelerated his learning around production and scale.