Shows
WHY DESIGN?Why Nick Ford Drove a Lorry Over a Prototype (and What It Taught Him About Design)“We weren’t going to prove durability with a spreadsheet — we needed to drive a lorry over it and watch what happened.”In this final episode of Series 2, I sit down with Nick Ford, founder of PipSqueak 3D and Patent Ferret, to explore how a nontraditional path — from sweeping workshop floors to designing urban furniture used across London — shaped his approach to design, business, and innovation.Nick shares the full story behind one of his most iconic projects, the Westminster Tulip Bollard, including the now-famous moment when they drove a lorry over the prototype to prove its du...2025-05-0754 min
WHY DESIGN?Why 97% of Hardware Startups Fail (and How to Avoid It) with Sera Evcimen"97% of hardware startups fail. And a lot of the time, it’s the same mistakes repeated over and over again."In this episode of Why Design, I’m joined by Sera Evcimen, Founder of Pratik Development, Innovation Advisor at FORGE and Techstars Paris, and host of the hardware startup podcast The Builder Circle.Sera has built a career around one goal — helping hardware startups avoid the common pitfalls that so often derail promising ideas. She’s worked hands-on across cleantech, space, consumer tech, and robotics before launching Pratik to support deep tech founders with everything from sys...2025-04-3057 min
WHY DESIGN?Designing a Better Future with Seaweed: Georgios Gkotsis on Replacing Plastics at Scale“There’s a huge amount of innovation in sustainable materials—but very few are truly built around the problem.”In this episode of Why Design, I’m joined by Georgios Gkotsis, CTO at Kelpi, a Bristol-based startup creating high-performance seaweed-based coatings to replace fossil plastics in long shelf life packaging.Georgios has built a career at the intersection of material science, sustainability and engineering strategy. From early R&D at Procter & Gamble and Unilever to cutting-edge biomaterials at Xampla and now Kelpi, he’s seen firsthand what it takes to take an idea from la...2025-04-2352 min
WHY DESIGN?Why Most Hardware Startups Fail (and What Damon Bonser, CEO of British Design Fund Looks for Instead)"There’s a huge amount of design talent in the UK—we just need more founders brave enough to commercialise it."In this episode of Why Design, I sit down with Damon Bonser, founder and CEO of the British Design Fund—a team of operators-turned-investors backing early-stage product businesses with real-world impact.Damon knows firsthand why most hardware startups fail—because he’s been through it himself. After launching over 400 products, navigating stock finance headaches, and scaling a business across the UK, US, and Asia, he sold his company and switched sides of the tab...2025-04-091h 03
WHY DESIGN?“You Quoted What?!” – Josh Valman on Pricing, Growth, and Painful Lessons“We had no clue what we were doing. We quoted a massive job… way under… and then had to figure out how to deliver it without losing our shirts.”That’s how Josh Valman, CEO of RPDK, describes one of the earliest—and most painful—lessons from scaling his product development business. In this episode of Why Design, we dive into the unfiltered reality of building a hardware startup from scratch.Josh’s journey is anything but conventional. By age 10, he was designing robots. By 19, he was consulting for global corporates on manufacturing an...2025-04-0256 min
WHY DESIGN?The Missing Skill in Design? Tim Perry on Why Commercial Awareness MattersIn this live episode of Why Design, recorded at Blue Garage, I sit down with Tim Perry, a seasoned innovation and design strategy consultant with over 20 years of experience helping creative businesses sharpen their commercial edge.From scaling consultancies and steering agency acquisitions to guiding in-house teams at major brands like Nokia, McLaren, and Logitech, Tim shares his unique perspective on the intersection of design and business.We explore why designers and design consultancies often overlook commercial awareness, how consultancies can rethink their positioning in a crowded marketplace, and why commercial skills...2025-03-261h 00
WHY DESIGN?Making Space for Makers: How Michael Korn's Blue Garage is Empowering London’s Hardware CommunityIn this episode of Why Design, I sit down with Michael Korn, founder of KwickScreen, the modular screen company supplying every NHS trust in the UK, and Blue Garage, a unique makespace and creative hub in Lewisham built to support hardware entrepreneurs and product designers.We unpack Michael’s fascinating journey, from studying manufacturing engineering and design at the RCA, to bootstrapping KwickScreen into a successful healthcare business. Michael shares hard-won lessons about the challenges of starting a hardware company in London, why manufacturing shaped his design thinking, and how listening and tenacity have been key to hi...2025-03-1947 min
WHY DESIGN?How to Design for Everything from Pizza Ovens to Gas Safety Devices with Hugo MartinIn this episode of Why Design, I sit down with Hugo Martin, Director of Product Design at WMP Creative, where he has spent over 14 years building a multi-award-winning design division from the ground up.We dive into the balance between process and intuition in product design—when to trust your instincts and when structure is necessary. Hugo shares insights from designing everything from life-saving gas safety devices, where precision and research are crucial, to high-end pizza ovens, where the experience and theatre of cooking take priority over strict engineering constraints.We also ex...2025-03-1257 min
WHY DESIGN?From Sewage to Science: How Claire Trant and Untap Health Are Revolutionising Disease DetectionIn this episode of Why Design, I sit down with Claire Trant, co-founder and CEO of Untap Health, a deep tech company using wastewater epidemiology to detect illnesses before symptoms appear. Claire’s journey from Imperial College to Rolls-Royce and then into entrepreneurship is as inspiring as it is challenging.She opens up about the highs and lows of startup life—navigating funding rounds, scaling a hardware business, and the personal challenges that have shaped her leadership. From securing patents and raising millions to pivoting the company’s mission and testing breakthrough technology, Claire shares what it truly...2025-03-0553 min
WHY DESIGN?From Meditation to Innovation: How Stefan Chmelik Designed a Breakthrough Stress-Relief DeviceListener discount! Get 10% off a Sensate using code WHYDESIGN or by visiting https://getsensate.com/WHYDESIGNIn this episode, host Chris Whyte is joined by Stefan Chmelik, founder of Sensate – a revolutionary consumer product designed to reduce stress and improve well-being through sound and vibration therapy. Before Sensate, Stefan spent 30 years as a clinician specialising in stress, anxiety, trauma, and complex disease management. His expertise in meditation and breathwork led him to develop a technology-first approach to well-being.This episode explores the intersection of medicine, meditation, and hardware innovation. Stefan shares his jo...2025-02-2650 min
WHY DESIGN?From Magician to Design Director: Nick Chubb’s Design JourneyIn 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...2025-02-191h 04
WHY DESIGN?Inside Level: How Nichole Rouillac is Creating Meaningful, Inclusive DesignGuest: Nichole Rouillac, Founder of LevelHost: Chris Whyte, Founder of KoduSign up for Why Design? events: https://teamkodu.com/eventsIn this episode of Why Design, I sit down with Nichole Rouillac, founder and creative director of Level, a woman-led industrial design studio in San Francisco. Nichole has spent over two decades shaping consumer tech and medtech, playing a key role in designing the first Fitbit and working with brands like Microsoft, Google, and HTC.We discuss:✅ The reality of being one of the only women in th...2025-02-121h 03
WHY DESIGN?Lessons from War Zones to Dyson: Tom Parsons' Journey to Founding Aetha DesignGuest: Tom Parsons, Founder of Aetha DesignHost: Chris Whyte, Founder of KoduSign up for Why Design? events: https://teamkodu.com/eventsFrom designing surveillance systems for superyachts to navigating a live war zone in Peru and leading projects at Dyson, Tom Parsons’ journey through product design is nothing short of extraordinary. Now the founder of Aetha Design, Tom shares invaluable lessons on designing under pressure, building trust with clients, and balancing creativity with commercial realities.In this episode, Tom discusses:How his early work in high-stakes military projects sh...2025-02-0559 min
WHY DESIGN?How Bebello is Redefining Parenting: Andrew Carr on Time-Saving and SustainabilityIn 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 c...2025-01-2954 min
WHY DESIGN?The Future of 3D Collaboration: Oluwaseyi Sosanya’s Vision Behind Gravity SketchIn 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, includin...2025-01-221h 01
WHY DESIGN?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 lear...2025-01-151h 17
WHY DESIGN?Announcement! The Design Journeys Podcast is changing in January!How a Name Change Became Our Biggest Opportunity Yet𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 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 someth...2024-12-1301 min
WHY DESIGN?From LEGO to Quarterre: Nick Mannion’s Journey Through Product, Place, and PlayRegister your interest in our community events here: www.teamkodu.com/eventsIn 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 an...2024-12-041h 00
WHY DESIGN?From Burnout to Breakthrough: Tracy Sharp’s Journey to Sharp MindsIn 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 Caree...2024-11-271h 00
WHY DESIGN?How Fred Russell-Pavier Brings Cutting-Edge Stability to Micro-Mobility at SuperSmithEpisode 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, desi...2024-11-201h 01
WHY DESIGN?Michael König on Revitalising Iconic Brands Through Storytelling and Design LeadershipEpisode 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...2024-11-131h 00
WHY DESIGN?Building a Brand Around Purpose and Simplicity with Oliver MurphyEpisode 17 of The Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every Wednesday!In this episode, Chris Whyte speaks with Oliver Murphy, founder of SLOWE Living, a brand built around sustainable, minimalist furniture design. Oliver’s career journey began with industrial design at Loughborough University and evolved through branding and freelancing, ultimately leading him to create a brand during the pandemic. He shares how Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics shaped his design philosophy, the challenges of building a furniture brand from scratch, and how he found purpose by creating a business that aligns with his values of si...2024-11-0657 min
WHY DESIGN?Consulting for Impact: Michael Bambino on Design and Brand StrategyEpisode 16 of The Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every Wednesday!In this episode, Chris Whyte speaks with Michael Bambino, founder and creative director of Facility, a design consultancy that brings a strategic, brand-driven approach to product design. Michael shares his unique career journey from engineering and freelance design to launching his own consultancy, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of balancing technical expertise with creative expression. Listeners will gain insights into Michael’s philosophy on consulting, navigating career shifts, and maintaining design quality as Facility grows.Key Takeaways:Career Path Experimentation: Mi...2024-10-3055 min
WHY DESIGN?Tim Maclean | From Dyson to Founding a Design Consultancy: Lessons in Innovation and ResilienceEpisode 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...2024-10-1657 min
WHY DESIGN?Mark Joynson-Bickerstaffe on Designing with Purpose: Sustainability and Leadership in Product DevelopmentEpisode 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...2024-10-021h 06
WHY DESIGN?Dale Backus on lessons learned building SmallHD to a market leader, selling and starting again.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...2024-09-181h 13
WHY DESIGN?From Kohler to Blendjet: William Gordon's Design JourneyEpisode 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. ...2024-09-041h 02
WHY DESIGN?Tim Sharpe on how design can be a strategic advantage for non-design companies.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...2024-08-2158 min
WHY DESIGN?Emily Moyer on Embracing AI and The Importance of Relationship Building and Networking for Industrial DesignersEpisode 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...2024-08-0756 min
WHY DESIGN?From Engineer to CEO: Ashley Sayed's Journey in Product Development Improving Supply Chains with SupliChainProEpisode 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...2024-07-241h 07
WHY DESIGN?Tim Morton on The Importance of Constraints in Physical Product DesignEpisode 8 of the Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every other Wednesday!In this episode of the Design Journeys podcast, host ChrisWhyte 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 theimportance of collaboration, understanding the brand, and designing for children. He also talks about his t...2024-07-1054 min
WHY DESIGN?Adrian Berry on the Challenges and Lessons in Business Development for Design ConsultanciesEpisode 7 of the Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every other Wednesday!In this episode of the Design Journeys podcast, Chris Whyte interviews Adrian Berry, co-founder of Factory Design. They discuss Adrian's design journey, starting from his studies in engineering product design at London South Bank University to his time at Pentagram and Seymour Powell. Adrian shares the challenges and lessons he learned in business development for design consultancies. They also talk about the importance of placement years, building relationships, and...2024-06-261h 04
WHY DESIGN?Lea Stewart on Fulfillment and Growth in Your Work and Learning from Design Horror StoriesEpisode 6 of the Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every other Wednesday!On this episode we're joined by Lea Stewart.Lea Stewart, senior manager for baby and parenting products at Newell Brands, shares her career journey and insights in this episode. She discusses how she chose to study industrial design and the challenges she faced in finding job opportunities. Lea emphasizes the importance of not overlooking creative opportunities and finding value in every job, regardless of the...2024-06-1254 min
WHY DESIGN?Improving Medical Devices for Home Use: Dr. Kristi Bartlett's Research - The Power of User Insights in Design and InnovationEpisode 5 of the Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every other Wednesday!On this episode we're joined by Dr. Kristi Bartlett.SummaryDr. Kristi Bartlett, Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky College of Design and Director of Product Development at Zibrio, discusses her career journey in medical device design and her passion for equality and gender bias in design. She shares her experience transitioning from civil engineering to industrial design and her research on...2024-05-2948 min
WHY DESIGN?Chris Johnson on his time at Speedo, FactoryDesign and writing his book "Design, Lead, Succeed"Episode 4 of the Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every other Wednesday!On this episode we're joined by Chris Johnson.SummaryChris Johnson discusses his journey from studying transportation design at Coventry University to working at design consultancies, Bombardier, and eventually joining Speedo. He shares his experiences and highlights, including working on the iconic Concord project and designing the Fasken Elite Goggles for the Olympics. Chris emphasizes the importance of perseverance and combining passion with...2024-05-1547 min
WHY DESIGN?Stefan Bridges' journey from designing Concorde interiors at FactoryDesign to Head of Design at RedbullEpisode 3 of The Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte at Kodu. New episodes every other Wednesday!On this episode we were joined by Stefan Bridges, Head of Creative Design at Redbull.Our conversation covered a range of topics, including Stefan Bridges' experiences working at Factory Design, McLaren, and Red Bull. Bridges discussed his decision to join Factory Design after being inspired by a feature in Design Week, despite the low pay, and the subsequent growth of the team. He also shared insights into his decision to join McLaren...2024-05-0143 min
WHY DESIGN?The importance of inclusive design and how passionate people propel mission-led businesses towards their goals with Tom Malloy - Principal Designer and Inclusive Design Lead at ElvieEpisode 2 of the Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every other Wednesday!On this episode we're joined by Tom Malloy.Tom, a principal designer at Elvie, shares his journey in industrial design and his passion for inclusive design. He emphasizes the importance of being passionate about a cause or mission when applying for a job. Tom also discusses the value of cover letters and physical portfolios in standing out from other applicants. He highlights the need for a more modern...2024-04-1752 min
WHY DESIGN?Geoff Baldwin | People, Places and Things | Working at IDEO and IDEO.org, setting up his own consultancy and sports business, overcoming doubt and imposter syndrome and much more!In this episode of the Design Journeys podcast, Chris Whyte interviews Jeff Baldwin, a creative leader and founder of People, Places, and Things. Jeff shares his journey in design, starting from his childhood fascination with shoes to his career at IDEO and IDEO.org. He discusses the importance of including people in the design process and designing with them, rather than for them. Jeff also talks about the challenges he has faced, including the balance between being a leader and a hands-on designer, and the self-doubt that comes with every step of the creative journey. In this conversation, Geoff...2024-04-0355 min