WHY DESIGN?

1 DAY AGO

How Bebello is Redefining Parenting: Andrew Carr on Time-Saving and Sustainability

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/eventsLearn more about Kodu recruitment: https://teamkodu.com Book Recommendations from the Episode: Cradle to Cradle by William McDonoughDoughnut Economics by Kate Raworth Podcast Recommendations: The Economist PodcastLenny’s Product Podcast

54 min

JAN 22

The Future of 3D Collaboration: Oluwaseyi Sosanya’s Vision Behind Gravity Sketch

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 ProfileConnect with Chris Whyte on LinkedIn: Chris's LinkedIn ProfileSign up for upcoming Why Design? events: teamkodu.com/eventsBook recommendation from the episode: Go for No! by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz

1h 2m

JAN 15

Benn Klewpatinond on how he's building a thriving consultancy through story telling and personal branding.

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

1h 17m

12/13/2024

Announcement! The Design Journeys Podcast is changing in January!

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. 🚀

1 min

12/04/2024

From LEGO to Quarterre: Nick Mannion’s Journey Through Product, Place, and Play

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. Key Takeaways:The Value of Play in Design: Nick emphasizes how play, both as a mindset and a process, shapes innovative and engaging designs.Global Perspectives: Working in diverse locations like California, Tokyo, and Sydney has informed Nick’s approach to storytelling and product development.Quarterre’s Evolution: From bike storage solutions to consultancy, the studio’s journey reflects the importance of adaptability and focus.Storytelling as a Design Tool: Nick shares how crafting narratives enhances both the creative process and the final product’s emotional connection with users.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

1 hr

11/27/2024

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Tracy Sharp’s Journey to Sharp Minds

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: Navigating Career Transitions: Tracy’s career journey highlights the importance of flexibility, self-awareness, and leveraging your network.Building Confidence and Authenticity: Tracy shares how she found her voice in male-dominated leadership spaces and the value of staying true to yourself.Design Thinking Beyond Products: Tracy explains how design thinking can be used for personal growth, career planning, and building relationships.The Power of Mentorship: Tracy’s mentoring programs aim to empower the next generation of women in engineering and foster inclusivity.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

1h 1m

11/20/2024

How Fred Russell-Pavier Brings Cutting-Edge Stability to Micro-Mobility at SuperSmith

Episode 19 of The Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every Wednesday! In this episode, Chris Whyte sits down with Fred Russell-Pavier, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Super Smith, a company focused on creative accessible micro-mobility solutions. Fred’s journey started in academia, where he explored complex sensing and measurement technology, leading to multiple patents and innovations. He shares insights on moving from research to a start-up, using sensing technology to enhance mobility scooters, and the challenges of adapting advanced technology for public use. This conversation delves into the balance of safety, design, and functionality needed to create accessible and intuitive products. Key Takeaways:Transition from Academia to Startups: Fred’s path from a Ph.D. in sensing technology to founding a micro-mobility startup highlights the adaptability needed to turn research into impactful products.Focus on Safety and Stability: Super Smith prioritizes designing stable, user-friendly mobility solutions that cater to various accessibility needs.Prototyping and User-Centric Design: Fred’s experience shows the importance of frequent prototyping and user testing to develop intuitive and accessible products.Challenges in Inclusive Design: Creating for a broad user base requires sensitivity to differing needs and adaptability in design.Community Support and Networking: Fred emphasizes the value of incubator spaces and networking for early-stage startups, offering crucial resources and support. Connect with Fred Russell-Pavier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fsrp/ Learn more about SuperSmith here: https://supersmith.co/ Connect with Chris Whyte on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about Kodu Recruitment: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://teamkodu.com/⁠

1h 2m

11/13/2024

Michael König on Revitalising Iconic Brands Through Storytelling and Design Leadership

Episode 18 of The Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every Wednesday! In this episode, Chris Whyte interviews Michael König, a design leader whose career journey spans two decades across digital and physical product design. From launching a digital design studio fresh out of university to leading design at Bang & Olufsen and Fiskars, Michael has tackled challenges at some of the world’s most iconic heritage brands. Now, as the founder of a new consultancy, Michael shares how he’s helping legacy brands modernize through storytelling, innovation, and agility. Listeners will hear about Michael’s creative approach to leading cross-functional teams, building consumer-centric products, and navigating the complexities of balancing tradition with modern market demands. Key Takeaways:Career Adaptability: Michael’s career demonstrates the power of being adaptable, moving from digital design to physical product innovation and leadership.Importance of Storytelling: Michael emphasizes storytelling as a critical tool for connecting heritage brands with modern consumers.Leading Cross-Functional Teams: Michael shares how collaboration across design, marketing, and engineering drives impactful innovation.Consumer-Centric Product Development: From prototyping in Airbnbs to reducing time-to-market by 50%, Michael shares lessons on keeping consumers at the center.Modernising Legacy Brands: Michael highlights the unique challenges and opportunities of elevating design for long-standing, iconic companies. Connect with Michael König on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkonigcph/ Connect with Chris Whyte on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about Kodu Recruitment: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://teamkodu.com/⁠

1 hr

WHY DESIGN?

How Bebello is Redefining Parenting: Andrew Carr on Time-Saving and Sustainability

The Future of 3D Collaboration: Oluwaseyi Sosanya’s Vision Behind Gravity Sketch

Benn Klewpatinond on how he's building a thriving consultancy through story telling and personal branding.

Announcement! The Design Journeys Podcast is changing in January!

From LEGO to Quarterre: Nick Mannion’s Journey Through Product, Place, and Play

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Tracy Sharp’s Journey to Sharp Minds

How Fred Russell-Pavier Brings Cutting-Edge Stability to Micro-Mobility at SuperSmith

Michael König on Revitalising Iconic Brands Through Storytelling and Design Leadership

About

Information

WHY DESIGN?

Episodes

How Bebello is Redefining Parenting: Andrew Carr on Time-Saving and Sustainability

The Future of 3D Collaboration: Oluwaseyi Sosanya’s Vision Behind Gravity Sketch

Benn Klewpatinond on how he's building a thriving consultancy through story telling and personal branding.

Announcement! The Design Journeys Podcast is changing in January!

From LEGO to Quarterre: Nick Mannion’s Journey Through Product, Place, and Play

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Tracy Sharp’s Journey to Sharp Minds

How Fred Russell-Pavier Brings Cutting-Edge Stability to Micro-Mobility at SuperSmith

Michael König on Revitalising Iconic Brands Through Storytelling and Design Leadership

About

Information