Devin speaks with Robert Walker, a senior design leader who recently transitioned from a two-decade career in automotive design into the world of defense. He previously led design for some of Ford and GM’s most iconic vehicles. Now, he’s applying that experience to the radically different challenge of designing tactical vehicles for military use. It’s a dramatic shift – one that raises big questions about how design adapts when the stakes are high. 

1:47 Welcome to the defense industry  

4:01 The designer's ”curse”

5:13 Humvees and backup cameras

8:44 Success redefined – getting soldiers home

11:38 Humans vs machines on the battlefield

13:13 Leading both design and engineering teams

15:18 Prototyping: build first, get permission later 

17:49 Lightening Round

Links

Devin Liddell on LinkedIn

Robert Walker on LinkedIn

Teague

About the Host: Futurist Devin Liddell

Devin Liddell is the Principal Futurist at Teague. With over two decades of experience in innovation and design strategy, Devin has worked with industry giants like Boeing, Intel, and Nike, helping organizations anticipate changes across both near- and far-term horizons to create their preferred futures. Devin is a frequent contributor to Fast Company. 

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