WHY DESIGN?

In this episode, host Chris Whyte is joined by Stefan Chmelik, founder of Sensate – a revolutionary consumer product designed to reduce stress and improve well-being through sound and vibration therapy. Before Sensate, Stefan spent 30 years as a clinician specialising in stress, anxiety, trauma, and complex disease management. His expertise in meditation and breathwork led him to develop a technology-first approach to well-being.

This episode explores the intersection of medicine, meditation, and hardware innovation. Stefan shares his journey from working with patients in a clinical setting to co-founding a tech company that now helps thousands of people worldwide. He explains the science behind stress, vagal nerve tone, and how Sensate's wearable device supports relaxation and resilience. We also dive into the challenges of launching a hardware start-up, from product design to fundraising and business strategy.

If you're interested in the role of design in health and wellness, this episode is packed with insights on making well-being more accessible at scale.

✅ The science behind stress and how vagal nerve tone affects well-being

✅ How Stefan’s background in meditation and medicine influenced Sensate’s design

✅ The challenges of bringing a hardware health device to market

✅ Fundraising lessons and why US investors saw the potential before UK investors

✅ Why start-up success is about resilience, adaptation, and the right co-founding team

✅ The importance of cooperation over competition in both business and life

✅ How Sensate is making relaxation effortless through sound and vibration technology

Visit Sensate: https://www.getsensate.com/

Connect with Stefan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanchmelik/

Connect with Chris Whyte on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte/

Sign up for Why Design? events: https://teamkodu.com/events

Learn more about Kodu recruitment: https://teamkodu.com

In this episode of Why Design?, Chris Whyte speaks with Nick Chubb, Design Director at IDC, about his fascinating journey through the world of product design.

Nick shares how his early passion for graphic design evolved into a career in industrial design, the importance of hands-on experience over formal education, and his perspective on hiring and mentoring young designers.

From working on consumer and medical products to navigating the fast-paced world of design consultancy, Nick provides valuable insights into the skills that truly matter in the industry. He also tackles the topic of job-hopping early in one’s career, why it shouldn’t be seen as a red flag, and how to stand out in a competitive hiring landscape.

If you're a design student, a career pivoter, or a hiring manager looking for fresh perspectives, this conversation is packed with practical advice and industry wisdom.

• The transition from graphic to product design and why early exposure matters.
• Why hands-on experience trumps formal education—Nick’s take on the overemphasis on master’s degrees.
• The reality of short stints in early careers and why employers shouldn’t see them as a red flag.
• How to build a strong portfolio that lands design roles.
• The challenges and rewards of working in design consultancy.
• How IDC balances industrial, consumer, and medical product design.

Visit IDC: https://www.idc.uk.com/

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-chubb-3bba9120/

Connect with Chris Whyte on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte/

Sign up for Why Design? events: https://teamkodu.com/events

Learn more about Kodu recruitment: https://teamkodu.com

Guest: Nichole Rouillac, Founder of Level

Host: Chris Whyte, Founder of Kodu

Sign up for Why Design? events: https://teamkodu.com/events

In this episode of Why Design, I sit down with Nichole Rouillac, founder and creative director of Level, a woman-led industrial design studio in San Francisco. Nichole has spent over two decades shaping consumer tech and medtech, playing a key role in designing the first Fitbit and working with brands like Microsoft, Google, and HTC.

We discuss:

✅ The reality of being one of the only women in the room early in her career

✅ Why so many women leave industrial design before reaching senior roles—and what we can do about it

✅ Her work in healthcare and medtech, from disease detection to AI-driven innovation

✅ How being a mom to a neurodivergent child influences her approach to user-centered design

✅ The importance of mentorship and community in fostering diversity in the industry

Nichole’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven design. Whether you're in industrial design, medtech, or hardware startups, this episode is packed with insights on building a career with impact.

Key takeaways:

🔹 The Gender Gap in Industrial Design – Many women leave industrial design before reaching senior roles due to workplace culture, lack of mentorship, and difficulty balancing long hours with personal life.

🔹 Building a Design Studio with Purpose – Nichole founded Level, a woman-led industrial design studio, to challenge industry norms and prioritize meaningful, people-centered design.

🔹 From Fitbit to MedTech – Nichole played a key role in designing the first Fitbit, which helped create the wearables category as we know it today. Her work now focuses on healthcare innovation, from AI-driven disease detection to non-invasive cancer treatment technologies.

🔹 The Power of Mentorship & Community – As a former chair of Women in Design (IDSA), Nichole helped launch a mentorship program to support women navigating industrial design careers. Having a network outside of your workplace is crucial for career growth.

🔹 Designing for Impact, Not Just Aesthetics – Nichole emphasizes the need for designers to think beyond form and function, considering the long-term impact of their work—whether in healthcare, sustainability, or consumer tech.

🔹 Lessons from Startups & Manufacturing – Having worked both in consultancies and in-house at HTC, Nichole believes designers need full-cycle experience—from early prototyping to manufacturing—to truly deliver great products.

🔹 Parenting, Neurodiversity & Design – Raising a neurodivergent child has influenced Nichole’s approach to inclusive design, reinforcing the importance of creating products that are intuitive and accessible for different types of users.

🔹 Balancing Business and Life – Unlike many agencies, Level prioritizes sustainable work hours, proving that world-class design doesn’t require burnout. Thoughtful planning and client education allow them to deliver great work without overworking their team.

🔹 The Future of Hardware & MedTech – Nichole sees AI, non-invasive diagnostics, and sustainable materials as some of the biggest areas for innovation in industrial design. Her upcoming projects include climate tech solutions and medtech advancements.

Visit Level: https://leveldesignsf.com/

Connect with Nichole on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholerouillac/

Connect with Chris Whyte on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte/

Sign up for Why Design? events: https://teamkodu.com/events

Learn more about Kodu recruitment: https://teamkodu.com

Guest: Tom Parsons, Founder of Aetha Design

Host: Chris Whyte, Founder of Kodu

Sign up for Why Design? events: https://teamkodu.com/events

From designing surveillance systems for superyachts to navigating a live war zone in Peru and leading projects at Dyson, Tom Parsons’ journey through product design is nothing short of extraordinary. Now the founder of Aetha Design, Tom shares invaluable lessons on designing under pressure, building trust with clients, and balancing creativity with commercial realities.

In this episode, Tom discusses:

• How his early work in high-stakes military projects shaped his engineering mindset.
• The shift from bespoke high-end tech to mass-market production at Dyson.
• The realities of running a design consultancy—from navigating tough product launches to fostering meaningful partnerships.
• Why "people buy from people" is the philosophy behind Aetha’s approach to business.
• His hands-on approach to understanding clients' challenges, including launching a Kickstarter for sunglasses.

Whether you're a designer, entrepreneur, or just love hearing about the adventures behind innovation, this episode is packed with candid insights and career-defining moments.

🔹 Extreme Environments = Extreme Growth – Tom’s experience in a live conflict zone taught him resilience, adaptability, and how to design for unpredictable conditions.

🔹 From Low-Volume Luxury to High-Volume Production – Moving from bespoke surveillance systems to mass-market consumer products at Dyson broadened Tom’s design approach and prepared him for consultancy.

🔹 Why Trust Matters in Design – Building a design consultancy isn’t just about great products; it’s about understanding clients’ needs, mitigating risks, and creating long-term relationships.

🔹 The Reality of Running a Consultancy – The business of design is more than just creativity—Tom shares the behind-the-scenes of managing client expectations, handling setbacks, and keeping projects on track.

🔹 A Designer Who Walks the Walk – Tom doesn’t just design products—he’s been through the process himself, even launching a Kickstarter to understand the challenges his clients face firsthand.

Visit Aetha Design: https://aethadesign.com

Connect with Tom Parsons on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-parsons-aetha

Connect with Chris Whyte on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte/

Sign up for Why Design? events: https://teamkodu.com/events

Learn more about Kodu recruitment: https://teamkodu.com

In this episode of Why Design?, Chris Whyte speaks with Andrew Carr, founder of Bebello, a mission-driven startup transforming the way new parents approach bottle and pump cleaning with sustainability at its core. Andrew’s flagship product, the Bebello Washer, saves time for parents while drastically reducing environmental impact.

Andrew’s career journey spans nearly two decades, including roles at Elvie, Shark Ninja, Plexus, and design consultancies across the US, China, and Scotland. Along the way, he’s learned how to balance user-centric design with the demands of sustainability, all while driving impactful product innovation.

This conversation dives into:

• How Andrew’s time at companies like Elvie and Shark Ninja shaped his approach to design and leadership.
• The inspiration behind Bebello and the challenges of launching a hardware startup.
• Why sustainable design must also offer superior user experiences.
• Insights into building a circular economy business model.
• How his personal journey as a parent influenced the creation of Bebello’s first product.

Whether you’re interested in sustainable product development, building mission-driven businesses, or the challenges of hardware startups, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Key Takeaways:

• Sustainable products must deliver better user experiences to succeed in the market.
• Transparent communication and openness to feedback are critical for early-stage startups.
• Sustainability isn’t just an add-on—it should be embedded into a business’s foundation.
• Great design comes from understanding real-world problems through user research.
• Disrupting entrenched habits (like hand washing) can drive significant environmental benefits.

Links & Resources:

• Visit Babello: https://bebello.club
• Connect with Andrew Carr on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-carr-designs/
• Connect with Chris Whyte on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte/
• Sign up for Why Design? events: teamkodu.com/events
• Learn more about Kodu recruitment: https://teamkodu.com

Book Recommendations from the Episode:

• Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough
• Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth

Podcast Recommendations:

• The Economist Podcast
• Lenny’s Product Podcast

In this episode of Why Design?, Chris Whyte speaks with Oluwaseyi (Seyi) Sosanya, co-founder and CEO of Gravity Sketch, a revolutionary 3D design platform transforming how teams create, visualise, and collaborate across industries such as automotive, fashion, and product development.

Seyi’s journey spans continents and disciplines—from studying mechanical engineering at Oregon State University, working in Taiwan’s manufacturing hubs, and designing at Jaguar Land Rover, to co-founding Gravity Sketch during his time at the Royal College of Art.

This conversation delves into Seyi’s career journey and the innovative ideas behind Gravity Sketch, including:

• The importance of storytelling in design.
• Lessons learned from Taiwan’s manufacturing culture.
• How Gravity Sketch bridges the gap between creativity and functionality for design teams.
• The challenges and milestones of building a tech company from the ground up.
• Why the future of design lies in collaboration and inclusivity.

Whether you’re a designer, an engineer, or simply fascinated by the intersection of creativity and technology, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on how tools like Gravity Sketch are shaping the future.

Key Takeaways:

• Storytelling is a vital skill for designers, helping to align teams and inspire clients.
• Immersive 3D tools can accelerate workflows, reduce costs, and enhance creativity.
• Building a company requires balancing passion for the product with the demands of leadership and business development.
• Community and user feedback are invaluable for refining and growing a product.
• Adapting to emerging technologies, such as AI and VR, is essential for staying at the forefront of design.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Gravity Sketch: https://gravitysketch.com/
• Connect with Seyi Sosanya on LinkedIn: Seyi's LinkedIn Profile
• Connect with Chris Whyte on LinkedIn: Chris's LinkedIn Profile
• Sign up for upcoming Why Design? events: teamkodu.com/events
• Book recommendation from the episode: Go for No! by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz

In this episode of Why Design?, Chris Whyte sits down with Benn Klewpatinond, founder of Inond Design and the visionary behind the Floatrower fitness machine. Benn’s career is a fascinating mix of engineering, design, and entrepreneurship, spanning corporate roles, consultancy work, and now running his own product realisation business.

Benn shares his journey, from introducing inclusive design at Bristan to working on cutting-edge projects at LA Design, including the Floatrower—a rowing machine that combines the sensation of water rowing with innovative gamification and performance tracking.

The conversation dives deep into:

• The lessons learned from launching a groundbreaking fitness product.
• How to balance ambition and authenticity in design.
• The value of storytelling and personal branding for designers and engineers.

If you’re curious about how creativity meets practicality in physical product development or looking for insights into launching your own products, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Key Takeaways:

• Building trust with stakeholders and clients is critical for product success.
• Taking risks, even later in your career, can lead to transformative outcomes.
• Storytelling and personal branding are as important as technical skills in design.
• Inclusive design can create meaningful, impactful products when championed effectively.
• Gamification and user experience are key to engaging products like the Floatrower.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Inond Design: https://www.inond.com/
• Connect with Benn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennklewpatinond/
• Connect with Chris Whyte on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Sign up for upcoming Why Design? events: teamkodu.com/events

How a Name Change Became Our Biggest Opportunity Yet

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝?

It's Chris Whyte here, founder of Kodu and host of The Design Journeys Podcast. I wanted to share an important announcement.

After nine months of sharing stories from the world of physical product development, The Design Journeys Podcast is evolving.

Starting in January, we’ll be rebranding as 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧?

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞?

A few weeks ago, the host of Design Journeys, a French-language podcast about digital product design, reached out.

They’d noticed some listener confusion between our two shows and politely asked if we’d consider renaming.

I’ll be honest—hearing that hit hard. Seeing something you’ve built get challenged isn’t easy. But after stepping back, I realised that if the roles were reversed, I’d want to protect my brand too.

So, after a bit of sulking... I saw this for what it really is: 𝐚 𝐡𝐮𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲.

The podcast has grown into something far bigger than I ever imagined—a community of passionate guests and listeners exploring the complexities of physical product development. It’s no longer just about stories—it’s a space where ideas spark, connections form, and learning never stops.

And we’re just getting started.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓:

✅ Online huddles

✅ UK & US meetups

✅ Workshops & webinars

All built around one big question: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧?

Thank you so much to our guests this year and for all of you who have tuned in!

📢 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐩!

Sign up at teamkodu.com/events to stay up to date with new podcast episodes, events, workshops, and meetups. We’d love to have you with us on this journey. 🚀

Register your interest in our community events here: www.teamkodu.com/events

In this final episode of The Design Journeys Podcast under its current name, Chris Whyte speaks with Nick Mannion, co-founder and director of Quarterre Studio. Nick’s career journey has been shaped by a love of drawing, storytelling, and exploration, leading him from a degree in Transport Design at Coventry University to an expansive career working with global brands like LEGO, Polestar, Mercedes, and IKEA.

Nick shares stories from his early career at LEGO, where he contributed to iconic projects such as Bionicle and Legoland attractions. He reflects on his global experiences working in California, Tokyo, and Sydney, and the cultural and creative insights gained along the way. The episode delves into Quarterre Studio's evolution from a product-focused business to a consultancy specializing in “product, place, and play,” creating emotionally driven, user-centered designs for some of the world’s most recognized brands.

1. The Value of Play in Design: Nick emphasizes how play, both as a mindset and a process, shapes innovative and engaging designs.
2. Global Perspectives: Working in diverse locations like California, Tokyo, and Sydney has informed Nick’s approach to storytelling and product development.
3. Quarterre’s Evolution: From bike storage solutions to consultancy, the studio’s journey reflects the importance of adaptability and focus.
4. Storytelling as a Design Tool: Nick shares how crafting narratives enhances both the creative process and the final product’s emotional connection with users.
5. The Power of Community: Collaboration and curiosity are essential for personal growth and professional success, as highlighted by Nick’s experiences and advice.

Links:

Connect with Nick Mannion on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-mannion-17182964/

Learn more about Quarterre Studio: https://quarterre.com/

Connect with Chris Whyte on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Stay in the loop for future events: www.teamkodu.com/events

In this episode, Chris Whyte speaks with Tracy Sharp, founder of Sharp Minds and host of Beginner’s Guide to Design Thinking. Tracy shares her incredible journey from studying product design engineering at Strathclyde University to leading global teams and building a career in mentoring and coaching. She opens up about her experiences as a female leader in engineering, the importance of asking for what you want, and how she overcame burnout to create Sharp Minds. Tracy discusses leveraging design thinking in unexpected areas, building a portfolio career, and fostering inclusivity in engineering.

Key Takeaways:

1. Navigating Career Transitions: Tracy’s career journey highlights the importance of flexibility, self-awareness, and leveraging your network.
2. Building Confidence and Authenticity: Tracy shares how she found her voice in male-dominated leadership spaces and the value of staying true to yourself.
3. Design Thinking Beyond Products: Tracy explains how design thinking can be used for personal growth, career planning, and building relationships.
4. The Power of Mentorship: Tracy’s mentoring programs aim to empower the next generation of women in engineering and foster inclusivity.
5. Portfolio Careers: By balancing multiple roles, Tracy demonstrates how to build resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing professional landscape.

Connect with Tracy Sharp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracychristinasharp/

Learn more about SharpMinds here: https://www.sharpminds.coach/

Listen to Beginners Guide to Design Thinking here: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vP9XJRLbfihGb7ZXlaSSK?si=afcc833494534582&nd=1&dlsi=b3ef013204fe444b

Connect with Chris Whyte on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Stay in the loop for future events: www.teamkodu.com/events