Episode 15 of The Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every other Wednesday!

In this episode, Chris Whyte chats with Tim Maclean, founder of Cognate, a design consultancy based in Bath. Tim's journey spans decades of experience in the design and engineering field, from Avon Rubber to Herman Miller and Dyson.

He shares insights on his varied career, the challenges of switching between permanent roles and contracting, and the eventual decision to start his own consultancy. With a passion for blending engineering with design, Tim opens up about the balance between the two disciplines and the reality of running your own business.

Key highlights include Tim’s transition from consultancy to in-house roles, his work on high-profile products like the US Joint Services face mask, and the lessons he’s learned from managing redundancies and building client relationships. Tim also dives into the process of scaling a design consultancy and what it takes to maintain work-life balance in an industry where hours can easily blur together.

1. Balance Between Engineering and Design: Tim’s early career was shaped by his desire to bridge the gap between technical engineering and creative design, a focus that has remained throughout his career.
2. Transitioning from Permanent Roles to Contracting: Tim discusses the trade-offs of contract work, including the freedom and flexibility it offers, but also the lack of ownership over projects.
3. Starting a Design Consultancy: Tim highlights the challenges of starting Cognate, including the decision to leave behind a stable career, and how building client relationships has been critical to success.
4. The Importance of Networking: Tim emphasizes the value of networking and reaching out to old contacts when starting a business or looking for work, particularly in industries like design and engineering.
5. Work-Life Balance: Tim shares his strategy for maintaining separation between work and home life by renting an office space, while also balancing the demands of running a consultancy.
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Connect with Tim Maclean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-maclean-32115a156/

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

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

Episode 14 of The Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every other Wednesday!

In this episode of The Design Journeys Podcast, host Chris Whyte speaks with Mark Joynson-Bickerstaffe, founder of Mark & May and former design leader at Dyson and Kohler.

The conversation explores Mark's career journey, starting from his early influences, his time at Dyson during its startup phase, and his leadership role at Kohler. Mark shares insights on the evolving role of designers, the importance of innovation culture, and his belief in creating sustainable, meaningful products. They also discuss the challenges of scaling design leadership in large organizations and the importance of intuition, financial understanding, and communication for success. Mark highlights the ethos behind Mark & May, a consultancy that focuses on conscious design, pushing clients towards more sustainable and impactful product development.

Here are some of the key takeaways from this episode:

• How to foster a culture of innovation in fast-growing businesses.
• Why intuition and financial understanding are crucial for design leaders.
• The evolving role of designers in creating sustainable and impactful products.
• Mark’s approach to leadership and scaling teams, balancing creativity with business strategy.

Connect with Mark Joynson-Bickerstaffe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-joynson-bickerstaffe-a219b52/

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

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

Episode 13 of The Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every other Wednesday!

In this episode of the Design Journeys podcast, host Chris Whyte interviews Dale Backus, founder and CEO of Ohsnap, a company known for its innovative phone grip.

Dale shares his journey from a marketing background to product design, detailing his experiences with Small HD, the challenges of transitioning from an agency to a product business, and the lessons learned from selling Small HD.

He discusses the launch of Ohsnap, the importance of retail expansion, and the critical areas of product, marketing, and operations for business success.

Dale emphasizes the significance of curiosity and competence in potential employees and offers insights into navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.

Takeaways

• Dale Backus founded Ohsnap, known for its innovative phone grip.
• Transitioning from marketing to product design can be challenging but rewarding.
• Small HD's journey involved overcoming numerous challenges and learning curves.
• Retail expansion requires careful planning and execution.
• Curiosity and competence are essential traits for success in any role.
• Building a strong brand is crucial in a competitive market.
• The importance of product quality cannot be overstated.
• Navigating the sale of a business can be complex and requires negotiation skills.
• Understanding the market timing can significantly impact business success.
• Continuous innovation is key to staying relevant in the industry.

Connect with Dale Backus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalebackus/

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

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

Episode 12 of The Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every other Wednesday!

In this episode of the Design Journeys podcast, host Chris Whyte interviews William Gordon, Vice President of Design at Blendjet. They discuss William's journey in industrial design, his time at Kohler and SC Johnson, and the importance of building relationships in the design industry.

William emphasizes the value of connections and maintaining a network, even during challenging times. He also highlights the role of storytelling in design and the impact of design on facilitating positive relationships between people.

In this conversation, William Gordon discusses the challenges of working with egotistical bosses and the importance of creating a positive work environment. He shares his experiences working at S.C. Johnson Wax and CamelBak, highlighting the diverse range of products and industries he has been involved in.

Gordon emphasizes the significance of understanding the design process and its impact on people, business, and society. He also shares a humorous design story involving Herb Kohler, the CEO of Kohler, testing a toilet seat.

Takeaways

• Building and maintaining relationships is crucial in the design industry
• Don't turn down opportunities, even if they may not align with your ideal projects
• Your network can lead to future opportunities and collaborations
• Design is about storytelling and facilitating positive relationships between people
• Listening and asking questions are key skills in building connections
• Don't sacrifice relationships for projects Working with egotistical bosses can be challenging and detrimental to the work environment.
• Creating a positive work environment is crucial for productivity and employee satisfaction.
• Gaining experience in different industries and product categories can broaden one's design skills and perspective.
• Understanding the design process and its impact on people, business, and society is essential for successful design.
• Design is about consequences and making a positive impact on users, stakeholders, and the environment.
• Humor and storytelling play a role in design, fostering engagement and connection with users.
• LinkedIn is a great platform for networking and connecting with professionals in the design industry.

Connect with William Gordon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-gordon-a6522b1/

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

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

Episode 11 of The Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every other Wednesday!

In this episode of the Design Journeys podcast, host Chris Whyte interviews Tim Sharpe, co-founder of Better Normal, a consultancy focused on helping non-designers adopt a designer's mindset.

Tim shares his career journey, which includes working in various countries and industries, such as consumer electronics, e-bikes, and medical devices. He emphasizes the importance of international experience in shaping his success.

Tim also discusses how design can become a strategic advantage for non-design companies and shares insights on reframing problems, involving end-users, and staying curious.

In this conversation, Tim and Chris discuss the importance of networking and building connections in the design industry. They emphasize the value of being curious, asking questions, and having broad interests.

Tim shares his experience working on a project to develop equipment for cancer treatment and highlights the importance of teamwork and making choices that contribute to the greater good.

They also discuss tips for creating effective CVs and portfolios, including showcasing problem-solving skills through sketches.

Tim recommends the books 'Loonshots' and 'Ruined by Design' as valuable resources for designers.

Takeaways

• International experience can greatly contribute to career success in the design industry.
• Design can be a strategic advantage for non-design companies.
• Reframing problems and involving end-users are essential in finding effective solutions.
• Curiosity and asking questions are key traits for designers. Networking and building connections is crucial in the design industry. Be curious, ask questions, and show genuine interest in others.
• Having broad interests and diverse experiences can lead to more meaningful connections and collaborations.
• Teamwork is essential in design projects. Embrace diversity and different skill sets to create innovative solutions.
• Make choices that contribute to the greater good and have a positive impact on the world.
• When creating CVs and portfolios, focus on quality over quantity. Showcase problem-solving skills and thought processes through sketches.
• Recommended books for designers: 'Loonshots' and 'Ruined by Design'.

Connect with Tim Sharpe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharpetim/

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

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

Episode 10 of the Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every other Wednesday!

In this episode, host Chris Whyte interviews Emily Moyer, an independent industrial design strategy and innovation consultant.

Emily has worked with big brands like L'Oreal and Nestle, as well as startups like Aura Home and Bark & Co.

She shares her career journey and highlights the importance of user experience and problem-solving in design.

Emily also discusses the trends she's seeing in the industry, including advancements in design tools and AI.

In this conversation, Chris and Emily discuss the importance of understanding the limitations of design tools like GPT and Mid-Journey. They compare it to the process of designing in industrial design, where it's crucial to flesh out concepts before diving into 3D modeling. They also talk about the elements of a strong industrial design portfolio, including versatility and sketching.

Emily shares a success story of a prescription bottle design that won an award and a failure story of a wearable keyboard that didn't meet consumer expectations.

They discuss the challenges of business development for independent consultants and the effectiveness of personal posts on LinkedIn.

Emily recommends the book 'I Love It, What Is It?' by Turner Duckworth and the podcast 'Design Theory' by John Murielo.

She also mentions Hector Rodriguez and Jonathan Tai as valuable resources in the design industry.

Emily can be reached on LinkedIn or through her website, EmilyMoyer.com.

Takeaways

• Industrial design involves creating physical consumer products that people use every day.
• User experience and problem-solving are at the core of industrial design.
• Advancements in design tools and AI are shaping the industry.
• Collaboration and in-person meetings are still valuable in the design process.
• Building relationships and networking are important for career growth in design. Understand the limitations of design tools like GPT and Mid-Journey and know how to get the best out of them.
• Flesh out concepts before diving into 3D modeling in industrial design.
• A strong industrial design portfolio should showcase versatility and include sketching.
• Success story: A prescription bottle design won an award for design of the decade.
• Failure story: A wearable keyboard didn't meet consumer expectations.
• Business development can be a challenge for independent consultants, but consistency and personal posts on LinkedIn can help.
• Recommended resources: 'I Love It, What Is It?' by Turner Duckworth and the 'Design Theory' podcast by John Murielo.
• Connect with Emily on LinkedIn or through her website, EmilyMoyer.com.

Connect with Emily Moyer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-moyer-1b49973/

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

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

Episode 9 of the Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every other Wednesday!

Ashley Sayed, CEO of Supply Chain Pro, shares his career journey in product development, from working at Sendo and Motorola to joining TomTom.

He discusses the transition from engineer to strategic roles and the importance of connecting design and product development with manufacturing.

Ashley also provides advice for young entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need to solve a real problem, have passion, and consider scalability. He highlights the benefits of joining an incubator or accelerator to gain experience and support.

Ashley's experience in high-volume manufacturing and design for manufacture has shaped his expertise in supply chain management. Ashley Sayed discusses his experience in scaling up technology and creating a roadmap of products.

He emphasizes the importance of bringing in engineering and understanding the technical aspects of design. He shares the success and challenges he faced during his time at TomTom and Philips.

Ashley also talks about his current venture, Supply Chain Pro, which focuses on helping companies set up and improve their supply chains. He highlights the importance of prioritizing health, family, and career and shares insights on hiring and standing out in the job market.

Takeaways

• Ashley's career in product development spans over 25 years, working with companies like Sendo, Motorola, and TomTom.
• He emphasizes the importance of connecting design and product development with manufacturing and supply chain management.
• Ashley advises young entrepreneurs to solve a real problem, have passion, and consider scalability when pursuing an idea.
• Joining an incubator or accelerator can provide valuable experience and support for startups. Bringing in engineering and understanding the technical aspects of design is crucial for scaling up technology and creating a roadmap of products.
• Prioritizing health, family, and career is important for maintaining a balanced life.
• Supply Chain Pro helps companies set up and improve their supply chains, considering both technical and business KPIs.
• To stand out in the job market, candidates can showcase their passion and motivation, demonstrate their problem-solving skills, and provide unique insights or projects related to the company they are applying to.
• Hiring is a critical process, and it is important to evaluate technical skills, communication abilities, and how candidates handle stress.
• Forming good habits and continuously learning are key to personal and professional growth.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of a Product Development Expert

03:53 The Impact of Psychology on Design Decisions

10:01 Challenges and Opportunities in Scaling Up Technology

17:05 Valuable Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

28:55 The Journey from Industrial Design to Software Engineering

33:12 Balancing Career, Family, and Health

50:56 Insights on Hiring and Standing Out in the Job Market

01:06:08 Insights on Physical Product Development and Recruitment

Ashley's recommended book:

Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://amzn.eu/d/06iloxge

Connect with Ashley Sayed on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashsayed/

Learn more about SupliChainPRO: https://www.suplichainpro.com/

Episode 8 of the Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every other Wednesday!

In this episode of the Design Journeys podcast, host Chris Whyte interviews Tim Morton, Director for Global Design North America for Husqvarna. They discuss Tim's career journey, starting with his studies in industrial design at the University of Wales and his time at Lego.

Tim shares his experiences working at Lego, including the importance of collaboration, understanding the brand, and designing for children. He also talks about his transition to consulting and his work with PDT, where he worked on projects for clients such as Dell, Corning, and Qualcomm.

The conversation explores the broad field of consultancy and design, highlighting the importance of understanding the needs and goals of people and designing products to meet those needs. It emphasizes the role of human connection in design and the value of innovation and creativity.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of leadership, the impact of design on business, and the need to quantify the value of design.

The guest shares his experiences and failures in the design industry and emphasizes the importance of learning from failures.

The conversation concludes with a discussion on favorite podcasts and books, and the guest's contact information.

Takeaways

• Tim's journey into industrial design started with his curiosity and desire to create and make things.
• Experience outside of design, such as teaching and working in telemarketing, can provide valuable skills and perspectives.
• Designers need constraints to solve problems and create innovative solutions.
• Understanding the brand and designing for the target audience are crucial in product design.
• Flexibility and the ability to apply problem-solving skills to different industries are valuable traits for designers. Consultancy is a broad field with various specializations, including engineering-led, design-led, innovation-led, and research-led consultancies.
• Understanding the needs and goals of people is crucial in design, and products should be designed to meet those needs.
• Innovation and creativity play a significant role in design, and companies that invest in design and understanding their customers tend to perform better.
• Leadership in design requires the ability to connect with people, inspire them, and quantify the value of design.
• Failures are an essential part of the design process, and learning from failures is crucial for growth and improvement.
• Favorite podcasts and books mentioned in the conversation include 'How I Built This' and 'Remember' by Lisa Genova and 'The Silo Effect' by Gillian Tett.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:20 University of Wales and Discovering Industrial Design

06:18 Starting at LEGO and the Importance of Persistence

13:03 Favorite Memories at LEGO and the Value of Collaboration

23:36 Working on Diverse Projects at PDT

25:23 Design, Innovation, and Creativity in Connecting People, Technology, and Business

28:39 Design as a Business: Lessons from Working at PDT

33:13 Challenges and Opportunities in the Outdoor Power Equipment Industry

35:15 Learning from Failure: Lessons from a Smartwatch Project at LEGO

45:26 Embracing Change and Inspiring Others: The Power of Human Connection in Design

53:43 Insights on Physical Product Development and Recruitment

Tim's recommended books and podcasts:

How I Built This Podcast: