Todd is a designer, advisor and author based in Brooklyn. He advises startups to multinationals to private equity firms. Todd is a keynote speaker, design judge, educator, and Fast Company writer.
Innovation
Ideas are fragile. I’ve seen great concepts crumble due to team misalignment, market pressure, or complexity. In a world where innovation is key, ensuring your idea makes it from concept to market is one of the toughest tasks for leaders. Here’s how to protect an idea’s clarity through the journey.
Design
Over my 25 years in design, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of our industry. Early on, the focus was purely on the object—the product in front of me, its form, its function. But as my journey evolved, so too did my view of design’s potential.
Insights
I recently had dinner with a friend who left finance to chase a dream, building a renowned cosmetic brand with a global presence. Yet, beneath this triumph lies relentless eye-watering challenges. This raises a crucial question: When should one press on, and when is it wiser to pivot or let go?
Insights
As I near 50, I've realized that alongside age-old wisdom, young perspectives are crucial. In an industry that values experience, engaging younger voices provides the generational insights often missing at the top.
Innovation
In today's market, superior engineering is only half the equation for success. After two decades at the intersection of design and business, I've seen how strategic design can revolutionize companies. Engineers, let's celebrate your brilliance and explore how design can drive even greater success.
Business
In today's market, businesses often overlook hidden treasures in their portfolios. Companies like IBM and Disney have rejuvenated operations by tapping into dormant IP. Many sit on a goldmine of potential. This article explores how you can awaken these sleeping giants to transform your business.
Business
Ask the average business leader about design, and most will say they love it. However, few have a Chief Design Officer or prioritize design over market research. This reluctance to integrate design into R&D negatively impacts their IP value, production costs, and profitability.
Science
As the seasons change, leaves turn from green to yellow, orange, and red. In the early 2000s, a Danish biotech firm tried to harness this phenomenon to detect landmines. Two decades later, their innovative yet ultimately failed attempt highlights the importance of integrating design from the start.
Innovation
In the 1900s, over 80% of Nobel Prizes went to individuals. Today, only 35% do, reflecting a shift towards collaborative innovation. Complex problems require diverse expertise and teamwork. Learn breakthroughs and discoveries that highlight the power of collective intelligence and collaboration.
Business
Discover how strategic design investment can transform your business, reduce costs, and drive success. Learn the three key ways to leverage design for lasting impact.
Business
Many business leaders recognize the importance of design in creating differentiated products and discovering new market opportunities. This article explores how hiring a fractional Chief Design Officer can bring top-tier design expertise and transformative potential without the full-time cost.
Science
Explore how science-based design, a revolutionary approach that integrates design principles from inception, is reshaping the landscapes of science, business, and technology, promising profound impacts on research efficacy and market success.