From Magician to Design Director: Nick Chubb’s Design Journey

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.

Key Takeaways

• 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.

Links & References

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