Here is a challenging thought – I’d argue that the greatest obstacle to great design is corporate culture. Therefore, if one understands corporate culture, one could in theory and practice create and deliver much better design. This is a very powerful concept. Several years ago I began collaborating with Edgar Papke, who is a well […]
Read MoreHow a 185 year old insurance company re-framed innovation
Leadership psychologist Edgar Papke and I just dove deep into the intersection of innovation, design thinking and corporate culture, and published our analysis in a new book Innovation by Design. We found that one of the aspects of leveraging design thinking at scale is the idea of open spaces – physically and mentally. This includes […]
Read MoreThe Anatomy of a Great UX Design Leader
Fast Company recently asked me – What makes a great UX design leader? Here is my response – Seven key traits the best UX design leaders share. The job market for user experience designers is booming, and academic programs at companies like Google have sprung up to meet demand. Missing from most discussions about the […]
Read More5 key trends in design leadership
Just wrote about 5 key trends in design leadership and design thinking for Fast Company. Design finally has a seat at the table, here’s what is next … full post here.
Read MoreDesign-led Innovation and building brands by design, interview with Mauro Porcini
I’ve had many opportunities to collaborate with Mauro Porcini, SVP & Chief Design Officer, PepsiCo. We developed a conference together in Milan, have been speakers at conferences in Seattle, Boston, London, Copenhagen and a small town in Norway, Advisers to DMI, and attended many other activities. I’ve deep admiration for what he has accomplished professionally, […]
Read MoreDesign Leadership: What’s Next?
I just wrote an interesting post for FastCo Design about the future of design leadership. Read the full article here – Design Leadership: What’s Next? It’s based on interviews I conducted with the heads of design from 3M, Intuit, Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft, Pepsico, Philips and REI. There are seven areas of focus: Remain driven […]
Read MoreNovember – “Design Leadership: What’s Next?” on Fast Company
I just wrote an interesting post about the Future of Design Leadership for Fast Company, based on interviews with the heads of design at 3M, Intuit, Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft, Pepsico, Philips and REI. Interesting!
Read MoreMcKinsey on Building a Design-Driven Culture
At last, the folks at McKinsey & Company are learning about and promoting the benefits of building a Design-Driven Culture. After acquiring Lunar Design it seems they are now among the converted, well, better late than never. And McKinsey just published a very basic article endorsing four elements of design-driven cultures, including:1. Really understanding the […]
Read MoreWhy are design firms stagnating?
Recently wrote a post for FastCo Design, Why are Design Firms Stagnating. It seems to have struck a cord, with 2,700 likes so far. It’s a pity really; we all have worked so hard – including design firms – to help see design become a more strategic tool, and now the design firms are challenged. […]
Read MoreSeven Design Drivers for Business
I have a great deal of respect for Raymond Turner. He has held posts as the Design Director for Heathrow’s Terminal 5, the Heathrow Express high speed rail, the Principal Design Manager consultant to Eurotunnel, Managing Director of Wolff Olins in London and Design Director of London Transport. He’d been a pioneer in defining the […]
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