Innovators - The Digital Innovation Podcast

Innovators - The Digital Innovation Podcast

By Sebastian GierBusinessEntrepreneurshipScienceManagement
Download on the App Store

Innovators - The Digital Innovation Podcast episodes

  • Misti Cain - Unlocking the Future of Digital Innovation
     
    Misti Cain
    Venture Partner at TechstarsIn an era defined by rapid change and constant disruption, innovation is no longer optional. It's essential. But what does it really take to innovate in ways that last? Misti Cain, Venture Partner at Techstars and an experienced business strategist, has shared valuable insights on how to navigate the complexities of digital innovation. Her approach goes beyond ideas and products, focusing on solving real problems, understanding users, and building solutions that make a meaningful impact.How Purpose-Driven Innovation Starts with Real Problems and Real PeopleMisti Cain, Venture Partner at Techstars, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in digital innovation. She emphasizes that true innovation is not just about having a good idea but about addressing urgent and pervasive problems. "True innovation is about solving core human needs with a relentless focus on changing behavior," Misti explains. Her approach centers on the people behind the ideas—gritty, committed, and passionate individuals who drive meaningful change.Misti's perspective on innovation goes beyond surface-level improvements. She believes that true innovation requires a fundamental shift in behavior and mindset. This means continuously questioning assumptions, challenging the status quo, and seeking out solutions that have a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Her insights reflect a broader movement toward purpose-driven innovation—one that emphasizes relevance, real-world value, and creating experiences that truly resonate with the people they serve.Research supports Misti's perspective, showing that 95% of successful innovations address clear market needs (Harvard Business Review, 2021). According to Misti, scaling innovation successfully requires direct engagement with users. "Founders should avoid designing solutions behind closed doors and instead engage directly with their target audience. Observing how users interact with a product, identifying pain points, and iterating based on their feedback is critical." Studies indicate that companies that prioritize customer feedback experience a 33% higher retention rate (Forbes, 2021), validating her approach.This direct engagement is crucial in digital innovation management, where rapid iteration and adaptation are key to staying competitive. Misti encourages designers to adopt an agile mindset, leveraging real-time feedback and analytics to refine their products continuously.Addressing Urgent Problems with Holistic SolutionsMisti believes impactful digital innovation management should address social, environmental, and health challenges. "The goal is to enhance human living conditions without compromising our planet or essential resources. Striking the right balance between improvement and sustainability is crucial," she shares. Her deep understanding of these challenges is what makes her insights particularly valuable to innovation managers and designers.Misti's holistic approach emphasizes that innovation cannot exist in isolation. Instead, it must be integrated into the larger ecosystem, considering factors such as sustainability, accessibility, and long-term impact. She encourages leaders to think beyond immediate business gains and assess how their solutions contribute to broader societal well-being.Data from the World Economic Forum (2022) supports Misti's viewpoint, with 70% of global consumers expecting businesses to contribute positively to social and environmental issues. Her emphasis on balancing progress with sustainability is more relevant than ever.When it comes to AI, Misti advocates for a deeper understanding rather than jumping on trends. "Artificial intelligence is often surrounded by hype, but the real opportunity lies in understanding its fundamentals," she notes. A PwC (2021) report found that while 73% of business leaders see AI's potential, only 23% fully understand its capabilities, aligning with Misti's call for AI education.Understanding AI opens up opportunities for creating more intuitive and responsive user experiences. Misti stresses the need to educate teams on AI's potential and limitations to leverage it effectively in digital products.
    Bringing Novel Ideas to Market EffectivelyAccording to Misti, the key to introducing a novel product successfully lies in relatable communication. "People grasp concepts more easily when they can compare them to something familiar. Apple made digital note-taking intuitive by designing their Notes app to resemble a traditional notepad, and Amazon introduced the concept of a shopping cart for online purchases," she explains. Misti believes that storytelling is an essential tool for innovation managers to articulate their vision effectively. She advises using familiar metaphors and relatable analogies to make complex ideas accessible to a broader audience, helping to drive engagement and adoption.Studies in behavioral science suggest that users are more likely to adopt new products when they align with familiar patterns (Journal of Behavioral Decision Making, 2021). Misti also champions the value of diverse knowledge in innovation. "Innovation flourishes when founders gather knowledge from a variety of fields. Drawing insights from diverse sources allows for the identification of unique patterns and opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked." MIT Sloan (2022) reports that companies embracing cross-industry insights see a 45% increase in problem-solving capabilities.Finally, Misti highlights the importance of patience and persistence in achieving success. "Building a successful product or service requires consistency and patience. Much like getting healthy—where the process is clear but results take time—founders must trust their strategies even when immediate results aren’t visible." Startup Genome (2021) notes that 72% of startups fail due to premature scaling, supporting Misti’s belief in strategic patience.Misti’s experiences and insights serve as a reminder that long-term success in digital innovation requires a blend of strategic foresight, resilience, and user empathy. Her advice offers a clear framework for navigating the complex landscape of innovation while staying true to core values and objectives.
    ConclusionMisti Cain’s emphasis on addressing real human needs, engaging with users, and adopting a cross-disciplinary approach provides a strategic framework for driving meaningful change. By following Misti's principles, professionals can create impactful solutions that resonate with users and stand the test of time.


     
    Misti Cain is a business strategist specializing in six key areas: organizational order, leadership, culture, team management, marketing, and customer experience. She teaches entrepreneurs and leaders how to create measurable, step-by-step action plans and business strategies via Whyzze. Misti is also the host of the business reality show Werrrk! by Mailchimp Presents , an all - star mentor forby Mailchimp Presents , an all-star mentor for Techstars , and an Executive In Residence andand College of Business Board Member for CSUSM .With over 15 years of experience, Misti has helped startups, franchises, enterprise organizations, and Fortune 500 companies solve organizational growth and efficiency challenges, increase revenue, manage engaged and inspired teams, and delight loyal customers. Her areas of expertise include organizational strategy, marketing strategy, customer experience strategy, lead generation, customer support and retention, mentorship, culture alignment, and team management.
    27 min
  • Jennifer Kaiser-Steiner - Enable New Ventures to Succeed
     
    Jennifer Kaiser-Steiner - The Intersection of Digital Innovation and User Experience
    Jennifer Kaiser-Steiner
    Head of Learning & Exchange Center at UnternehmerTUMIn today’s fast-paced business landscape, the role of designers and innovation managers is crucial in driving successful digital innovation. As a strategic leader at UnternehmerTUM, Jennifer Kaiser-Steiner provides invaluable insights into how collaboration and a user-centered approach can spark creativity and foster sustainable solutions. By leveraging local ecosystems and engaging diverse stakeholders, organizations can adapt and thrive amidst shifting market demands. According to a 2021 McKinsey report, companies that prioritize collaboration see a 50% increase in innovation success rates. Jennifer's expertise not only highlights the importance of these strategies but also offers a roadmap for designers and innovation managers looking to excel in a competitive environment. Her experiences provide a unique perspective on the synergy between design, entrepreneurship, and innovation management, illustrating how these elements can coalesce to create impactful outcomes.Building a Thriving Ecosystem for Digital InnovationJennifer emphasizes the power of collaboration within local ecosystems, stating, "One of the reasons UnternehmerTUM is so successful is the strong collaboration with local players. Having top-tier universities and established corporations like BMW and SAP in Munich creates a vibrant ecosystem. This synergy not only provides access to talent and research but also fosters innovation. Designers and innovation managers should recognize the importance of building networks that include diverse stakeholders. Engaging local talent and resources is crucial for developing sustainable solutions and effectively addressing market needs." This perspective underscores the critical role that community and collaboration play in nurturing innovative ideas. Research from the European Startup Network indicates that regions with robust collaboration networks see a 30% increase in startup success rates, reinforcing the value of engaging local players.In discussing how to replicate success in other regions, Jennifer notes, "When we talk about replicating the success of UnternehmerTUM in other regions, the focus should be on existing strengths rather than starting from scratch. It’s about leveraging what is already there. For instance, if a location already has a strong university or a cluster of industries, those can be the foundation for a new startup factory. Innovation often thrives when we build on existing capabilities and foster collaboration among local entities. Designers should adopt this mindset, as it can lead to more efficient and impactful project outcomes." Her insights encourage designers to harness the unique assets of their locales, promoting an efficient approach to innovation that is rooted in the existing strengths of the community. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor found that 62% of successful startups attribute their success to leveraging local resources, supporting Jennifer’s assertion about the power of existing capabilities.Jennifer's emphasis on the importance of educational initiatives reflects her understanding of the skills needed for effective digital innovation. "Education is a key pillar for entrepreneurship. At UnternehmerTUM, we prioritize providing comprehensive educational programs that cover the entire entrepreneurial journey. Last year alone, we educated over 10,000 students in entrepreneurship. This demonstrates the necessity of equipping future innovators with the right skills and knowledge. Designers and innovation managers should emphasize learning opportunities and workshops, ensuring that their teams are skilled in both design and business fundamentals, fostering a more holistic approach to innovation." By prioritizing education, she underscores its role as a foundational element for cultivating a new generation of innovators who are equipped to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape. A 2022 report from the World Economic Forum found that regions investing in entrepreneurship education experience a 40% higher rate of new business creation, highlighting the impact of educational initiatives.
    The Role of Education in Shaping User ExperienceAs Jennifer points out, the startup ecosystem is not without its challenges, particularly when it comes to funding. "One major challenge startups face in Germany is the lack of accessible private funding compared to the U.S. This gap in funding is often a barrier to innovation. For designers and innovation managers, this highlights the need to creatively seek alternative funding sources, such as crowdfunding or partnerships, and to advocate for policy changes that could improve access to capital. Understanding the financial landscape is critical for driving innovative projects forward, and being proactive in seeking diverse funding avenues can make a significant difference." Her acknowledgment of funding challenges highlights the importance of resourcefulness in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape. A 2023 PitchBook report shows that European startups received only 50% of the venture capital funding available to their U.S. counterparts, underscoring the need for innovative funding strategies.Jennifer also articulates the necessity of physical spaces for collaboration, stating, "Building a startup ecosystem requires not just great ideas but also the right infrastructure. In Munich, we have co-working spaces like Munich CoLab that facilitate collaboration between startups and corporates. This physical space is essential for nurturing innovation. Designers should consider how their workspaces can promote collaboration and creativity. Creating environments where ideas can be easily shared and developed can significantly enhance the innovation process, making it more dynamic and responsive to change." This insight emphasizes the role of environment in fostering creativity, encouraging innovation managers to design spaces that facilitate collaboration and the free exchange of ideas. Forrester Research found that 68% of employees believe collaborative workspaces enhance their productivity, reinforcing Jennifer’s point about the importance of infrastructure in the innovation process.Moreover, Jennifer stresses the critical role of user experience: "User experience plays a pivotal role in the success of startups. In our pre-incubation programs, we emphasize the importance of including UX professionals in the founding teams. This user-centered approach ensures that products are not only innovative but also meet the needs of end-users. For designers, this underscores the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. Bringing together diverse skill sets can lead to more well-rounded solutions that resonate with users and effectively address their pain points." This focus on user-centered design reinforces the idea that successful innovation is inherently tied to understanding and addressing user needs. According to the Nielsen Norman Group, companies that prioritize user experience see a 30% increase in customer satisfaction and retention, highlighting the tangible benefits of this approach.The need for rapid prototyping is another key point Jennifer makes: "The ability to prototype quickly is crucial in the innovation process. By transforming abstract ideas into tangible prototypes, teams can gather feedback early on and make necessary adjustments. This accelerates the development cycle and enhances communication among team members. Designers should champion rapid prototyping methodologies, as these can significantly streamline the innovation process. Visualizing concepts early allows for clearer discussions and ensures that everyone is aligned on the project vision." This advocacy for rapid prototyping illustrates her practical approach to driving innovation and enhancing team collaboration. Forrester research indicates that teams using rapid prototyping methodologies can reduce product development time by up to 30%, showcasing the effectiveness of this strategy.
    Navigating Regulatory Landscapes and Future OpportunitiesIn addition to the challenges already discussed, Jennifer addresses the regulatory landscape, stating, "Regulatory challenges can stifle innovation. We often encounter bureaucratic hurdles that complicate the startup process in Germany. Initiatives like the proposed '28 regime' aim to simplify these challenges by allowing startups to operate more freely across European countries. Designers and innovation managers need to be aware of these regulatory landscapes and advocate for policies that promote a more conducive environment for innovation. Simplifying processes can unlock potential and encourage more entrepreneurial ventures." Her call for awareness and advocacy reflects a deep understanding of the regulatory barriers that can hinder innovation. The OECD’s 2022 report highlights that streamlined regulations can lead to a 15% increase in startup activity, underscoring the importance of navigating these challenges effectively.Moreover, Jennifer suggests that a proactive approach to regulatory engagement can foster a more innovative environment. Organizations that actively participate in discussions around policy changes are better positioned to influence outcomes that benefit the startup ecosystem. As startups become more intertwined with societal needs—especially in areas like sustainability and digital transformation—advocating for favorable policies is not just advantageous but necessary. According to a 2023 report by the European Commission, companies that engage with policymakers are 60% more likely to succeed in obtaining the support they need for innovative projects. This highlights the dual role of designers and innovation managers as not just creators but also advocates for the change they wish to see in their industries.
    ConclusionJennifer Kaiser-Steiner's insights illuminate the essential interplay between digital innovation, education, and user experience. Her emphasis on collaboration, leveraging local strengths, and advocating for a supportive regulatory environment provides a compelling framework for designers and innovation managers. By prioritizing education and embracing a user-centered approach, organizations can cultivate impactful solutions that resonate with users. As the landscape of digital innovation continues to evolve, Jennifer's perspectives serve as a guiding light for those seeking to drive sustainable success in this dynamic field. Her unique combination of strategic vision and practical experience offers valuable lessons for the next generation of innovators, empowering them to navigate the complexities of the digital era. Through her work, Jennifer not only contributes to the growth of UnternehmerTUM but also inspires a broader movement toward a more interconnected and innovative future.


     
    Jennifer Kaiser-Steiner is the Head of the Learning & Exchange Center at UnternehmerTUM, where she leads innovative educational and strategic initiatives. With over two years of experience at UnternehmerTUM, including her role as Senior Expert for Strategic Projects, Jennifer specializes in fostering impactful learning environments. Her diverse background combines academic research, strategic project management, and educational leadership, contributing to a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to innovation and learning.
    20 min
  • Felix Lee - Empowering the next generation of creative leaders
    Empowering the next generation of creative leaders
     
    In our new episode, Felix Lee, the Co-founder & CEO of ADPList, provides valuable insights into the empowering impact of ADPList on the next generation of creative leaders. Felix shares his perspectives on the positive influence and significance of design in driving innovation, as well as effective strategies for communicating design concepts to business stakeholders.Founded in 2021, ADPList has rapidly emerged as a global platform for expert knowledge, boasting over 20,000 mentors from leading companies such as Netflix, Airbnb, and Google. Felix discusses how ADPList aims to democratize access to mentorship, facilitating over 100 million minutes of sessions in 140+ countries, covering topics ranging from product design to coding.Felix's creative vision is evident in ADPList's culture, product, and community. His leadership has earned global recognition, including spots on Forbes 30 under 30 Asia List and Tatler's Generation T Future Leader List in 2023. Additionally, ADPList secured $1.3 million in funding from Sequoia Capital India and Goodwater Capital in 2021.Throughout the episode, Felix provides insights into how ADPList is transforming the mentorship landscape and equipping aspiring designers with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in the industry.

    Thank you very much for your time and knowledge, Felix!
     
    Felix is the Co-founder & CEO of ADPList and sets the vision and strategy for the company. Founded in 2021, the company grew into a global town square for expert knowledge, with 20K+ Mentors from companies like Netflix, Airbnb, and Google, hosting over 100 million minutes of sessions on topics such as product design, product management, and coding in 140+ countries.As a designer, Felix has embedded his creative roots in ADPList's culture, product, and community.Featured on Forbes 30 under 30 Asia List and Tatler's Generation T Future Leader List in 2023. In 2021, ADPList raised $1.3 million from Sequoia Capital India and Goodwater Capital.
    43 min
  • James Martin - Designing outstanding brands.
    James Martin | Designing outstanding brands.
    Download
     
    In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with James Martin, co-founder of BabyGiant Design Co. and the founder of Made By James, a brand-focused and design-led creative agency in the UK, also the author of the book "Made by James: The Honest Guide to Creativity and Logo Design" which was released this year.His clients include The Chainsmokers, Michael Ray, and Carter McLean, as well as brands like Bishop Slayer Oyster Stout and Plastic Freedom.James believes that there is no shortcut to creative freedom and a life of self-employment. Being good at what you do isn't enough. His words of wisdom? Work with a team first to gain experience, then go out on your own once you've mastered prospecting, pricing, and presenting.In this episode, James discusses how to systemize your creative design process and how designers can do so to scale their services and make them more efficient.We also talk about what makes a great logo and how effective brand designs can help brands advance.In this episode, we look at:
    • The commercial significance of a new logo design.
    • What is the most underrated aspect of a great brand and communication design?
    • How do you develop your design's narrative and strategy?
    • When it comes to new clients, how important is your "design style," or are you completely adaptable?
    • What is the most difficult aspect of selling brand design?
    • How do you explain the positive impact of a brand design project?
    And plenty more!Thank you very much for your time and knowledge, James!
     

    James Martin

    James Martin is the co-founder of BabyGiant Design Co. and the founder of Made By James, a brand-focused and design-led creative agency in the UK, also the author of the book "Made by James: The Honest Guide to Creativity and Logo Design" which was released this year.Musical heavyweights like The Chainsmokers, Michael Ray, and Carter McLean are among his clients, as are brands like Bishop Slayer Oyster Stout and Plastic Freedom.James Martin honed his illustration skills before becoming a self-described "bad" teacher and then a less-than-dedicated tattoo apprentice. He eventually worked in design agencies, honing his craft and gaining experience in order to launch his own brand and business.
    55 min
  • #82 | Felix Lee | Empowering the next generation of creative leaders

    Felix is the Co-founder & CEO of ADPList and sets the vision and strategy for the company. Founded in 2021, the company grew into a global town square for expert knowledge, with 20K+ Mentors from companies like Netflix, Airbnb, and Google, hosting over 100 million minutes of sessions on topics such as product design, product management, and coding in 140+ countries.

    As a designer, Felix has embedded his creative roots in ADPList's culture, product, and community.

    Featured on Forbes 30 under 30 Asia List and Tatler's Generation T Future Leader List in 2023. In 2021, ADPList raised $1.3 million from Sequoia Capital India and Goodwater Capital.

    The Guest

    Felix is the Co-founder & CEO of ADPList and sets the vision and strategy for the company. Founded in 2021, the company grew into a global town square for expert knowledge, with 20K+ Mentors from companies like Netflix, Airbnb, and Google, hosting over 100 million minutes of sessions on topics such as product design, product management, and coding in 140+ countries.

    As a designer, Felix has embedded his creative roots in ADPList's culture, product, and community.

    Featured on Forbes 30 under 30 Asia List and Tatler's Generation T Future Leader List in 2023. In 2021, ADPList raised $1.3 million from Sequoia Capital India and Goodwater Capital.

    43 min
  • #81 | Ole Lutjens | Creating World Class Digital Product Experiences

    In our new episode, we delve into an enriching conversation with Ole Lutjens, exploring the fascinating evolution of design, both in his personal journey and the current technological landscape.

    Ole shared captivating anecdotes, starting from his childhood fascination with Commodore 64, where coding ignited his passion for computer graphics.

    His pivotal time at an art school in Germany saw a fusion of art and technology, experimenting with Hypercard on Macintosh computers, sparking his interest in motion graphics.

    Transitioning to the United States, Ole witnessed the shift from text-based interfaces to mouse-driven interactions, contributing to simulated computer interfaces for television crime shows during his college years.

    Throughout our discussion, we navigated through the parallels between the early computing era and today's AI landscape, highlighting the importance for designers to adapt to a more probabilistic interface approach due to AI's influence.

    Ole Lutjens currently serves as the VP of Product Design and Research at Udemy. During our conversation, he emphasized the challenges and opportunities brought forth by AI, emphasizing its role as a skill set and discussing the evolving nature of design interfaces in this technological age.

    In this episode we talk about:

    How early experiences blending art and technology shape your approach to design leadership today?

    The transition from being a designer to managing your own business? How did this shift influence your perspective on design at scale?

    The challenges faced in achieving a cohesive visual experience for Disney content, particularly concerning collaboration across different divisions?

    How to navigate the balance between emotional resonance and content-centric interfaces when designing for brands like Disney, BMW, and Instagram?

    What specific design philosophies or strategies did Disney Plus employ to prioritize clarity, simplicity, and swift content delivery in its user experience?

    In what ways should we foresee AI becoming a game-changer in content creation and learning experiences, especially within platforms like Udemy?

    Looking ahead, how is the evolving role of AI impacting creative teams and product development in the future?

    And plenty more!

    Thank you very much for your time and knowledge, Ole!


    52 min
  • #80 | Wolfgang Bremer | Design Leadership, Mobility & Pushing New ideas.

    In the episode, together with Wolfgang we talk about what designers need to learn in order to become great design leaders, which kind of skills they need. And how do you push forward design ideas or innovation ideas within an organization and create a win-win between different stakeholders?

    Wolfgang has a lot of experience in the space and giving a lot of talks on innovation, leadership, and design. He has gained a lot of experiences, both in the startup area, but then also agencies and enterprises, for example, at Nokia or SAP.

    In this episode, we look at:

    What are the key elements of effective design leadership?

    How important is clear communication in cross-departmental collaboration?

    “It's about teamwork and finding allies to make joint decisions for a great product experience.”

    Why is it important to have allies who champion the cause of design within the company?

    What are the benefits of designers proactively seeking out opportunities to contribute and solve problems within their organization?

    "Proactivity and initiative are crucial for changing the perception of design within an organization."

    And plenty more!

    Thank you very much for your time and knowledge, Wolfgang!

    48 min
  • #80 | Wolfgang Bremer | Design Leadership, Mobility & Pushing New ideas.
    In the episode, together with Wolfgang we talk about what designers need to learn in order to become great design leaders, which kind of skills they need. And how do you push forward design ideas or innovation ideas within an organization and create a win-win between different stakeholders?Wolfgang has a lot of experience in the space and giving a lot of talks on innovation, leadership, and design. He has gained a lot of experiences, both in the startup area, but then also agencies and enterprises, for example, at Nokia or SAP.
    In this episode, we look at:
    What are the key elements of effective design leadership?
    How important is clear communication in cross-departmental collaboration?
    “It's about teamwork and finding allies to make joint decisions for a great product experience.”
    Why is it important to have allies who champion the cause of design within the company?
    What are the benefits of designers proactively seeking out opportunities to contribute and solve problems within their organization?
    "Proactivity and initiative are crucial for changing the perception of design within an organization."
    And plenty more!
    Thank you very much for your time and knowledge, Wolfgang!
    48 min
  • #79 | Sheng-Hung Lee | Empowering people through service design.

    In this episode of we engage in a captivating conversation with Sheng-Hung Lee, an accomplished design expert and a dedicated PhD researcher at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

    Sheng-Hung's journey in the realms of design, engineering, and academia has equipped him with a wealth of knowledge and insights, making this discussion truly enriching.

    Through this engaging dialogue, we unravel intriguing topics at the crossroads of science, engineering, and design. Sheng-Hung passionately advocates for the necessity of constraints and friction in this intersection, underscoring how these elements serve as catalysts for innovation and the birth of creative solutions.


    In the episode, we jump into:

    Intersection of science, engineering, and design.

    Design in financial services.

    How to balance design and engineering perspectives?

    Sustainability and design in academic environments.

    “As designers and engineers, understanding the user's perspective is essential. It's like speaking a language that the user understands, and that language is empathy.”

    What is the power of design in innovation?

    "Innovation thrives in constraints. Constraints are not roadblocks; they're the creative boundaries within which we find our best solutions.”

    And plenty more!

    Thank you very much for your time, Sheng!

    44 min
  • #78 | Don Norman | Design for a Better World: Sustainability, Meaning, Humanity & Future.

    In this episode, we explore the dynamic relationship between design as a creative discipline and the systems and tools that shape this creativity, for better or for worse. We delve into the importance of customizing design processes to allow designers to focus on the most impactful aspects of their work, including the strategic and psychological components of problem-solving.

    Our guest, Don Norman, a renowned design expert with over four decades of experience in academia and industry, shares his insights on a range of design topics. We discuss the challenges designers face in avoiding quick assumptions and solutions when tackling design briefs and how to choose the most effective methods for problem-solving.

    Don also offers guidance on incorporating principles of visual perception and affordance into the design process, as well as creating artificial friction in designs.

    In addition, we explore the importance of designing for a better world and the role that sustainability and humanity-centeredness play in this process.

    Don shares his thoughts on how designers can effectively communicate the value of design to business stakeholders and the common mistakes to avoid.

    We also discuss the need for a different kind of design in the fifth industrial revolution and the arbitrary and artificial measurements that govern our lives.

    Tune in to this episode for an engaging conversation on design's impact on the world and how designers can play a crucial role in shaping a better future.

    In the episode, we jump into:

    Design Industry / Role of designers - how is it changing?

    What do you think are key challenges for people to communicate the “value of design” to a business stakeholders? Common mistakes you see? What did you learn about framing design for business stakeholders?

    How do you try to balance challenging the status quo and also pushing forward existing initiatives?

    “Human behavior brought our world to the brink, human behavior can save us.”

    Why do we need to design a better world and what is broken?

    "If design got us into today’s mess, can design get us out?”

    Why if Design is to Save the World, It Must Be a Different Kind of Design

    "Almost Everything I see is Artificial"

    "Almost Everything Artificial Has Been Designed"

    And plenty more!

    Thank you very much for your time and knowledge, Don!

    1 hr 23 min

About Innovators - The Digital Innovation Podcast

From the publisher's feed

The podcast on the future of design and digital innovation. Interviewing global digital innovators that make a positive impact with their work and learning from their journey, experiences and…