Episódios
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"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 table. Now he backs founders with the potential (and grit) to build something meaningful.
We talk about the real markers of investability—TRL5+, commercial clarity, protected IP—and why pitch decks and pretty prototypes don’t cut it. Damon shares his take on cashflow mastery, reshoring opportunities in the UK, and the red flags he sees too often when meeting founders.
If you’re building a physical product, thinking about raising, or want a brutally honest take on early-stage investing—this one’s for you.
Key Takeaways:🔹 Built, Scaled, Sold – Damon’s journey from novelty bottle openers to running a 400-SKU business with global operations.
🔹 Why Most Hardware Startups Fail – Poor cashflow planning, overengineering, no route to revenue—and no real need for the product.
🔹 What the British Design Fund Looks For – A clear problem, TRL5 or above, manufacturing viability, and a founder with domain obsession.
🔹 Cashflow is King – Why understanding your margins and stock finance is non-negotiable in physical product businesses.
🔹 Sustainable Hardware That Matters – The BDF backs engineering-led solutions to real-world problems—not gadget fluff.
🔹 Red Flags for Investors – Founders who don’t know their numbers, haven’t tested assumptions, or treat manufacturing as an afterthought.
🔹 UK Hardware Advantage – Why the UK’s funding ecosystem, engineering talent, and reshoring momentum are aligned for growth.
🔹 From Founder to Funder – Damon’s switch from doing it all to helping others do it better—with lessons learned the hard way.
📌 Quotes That Hit Hard:💬 “Most founders overengineer the product, underthink the business, and don’t plan for scale.”
💬 “We didn’t raise a penny—we bootstrapped the whole thing through sheer bloody-mindedness and cashflow juggling.”
💬 “You can’t outsource conviction. If you’re not obsessed with solving the problem, no one’s backing you.”
💬 “Don’t come to us with a pretty prototype—come with a plan to take it to market.”
Resources & Links:🌍 British Design Fund Website
💼 Connect with Damon Bonser on LinkedIn
📬 Apply for Funding – Check the criteria and submit your startup.
👥 Join the Why Design community!
Sign up for events, online huddles, and workshops: teamkodu.com/events
🔗 Follow Chris Whyte on LinkedIn –
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“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 and supply chains—while still in school. What followed was the growth of RPD into a 100-person team working across design, engineering, and global production before being acquired by Kinara International.
We talk about what most founders get wrong, the messy middle between prototyping and mass production, and why investors care less about your idea and more about your plan. Josh also shares what he’s up to now—backing founders through the British Design Fund and filming a new TV show to shine a light on what really happens behind factory doors.
If you're building a hardware product, thinking about scaling, or just want a brutally honest take on how products get made, this episode is a must-listen.
Key Takeaways:🔹 Started Young – Josh was consulting before clients realised he was still a teenager.
🔹 Pricing Lessons – Why quoting too low nearly broke the business—and how they clawed it back.
🔹 Design to Scale – Why the “middle” (certification, tooling, sourcing) is where most projects fail.
🔹 Spec Work That Pays – How early projects for Bosch and Unilever helped prove RPD’s capabilities.
🔹 No Degree, No Problem – Why Josh skipped uni, and how he built a career by doing, not studying.
🔹 The Founder’s Job – It’s not the product—it’s planning, cashflow, forecasting, and doing the hard stuff.
🔹 British Design Fund – What investors actually want to see from hardware startups.
🔹 TV Project Incoming – A behind-the-scenes series exploring how everyday products get made.
Resources & Links:🌍 Connect with Josh Valman on LinkedIn
🏭 Learn more about RPDK
💸 Explore the British Design Fund
📺 TV series coming soon—watch this space!
👥 Join the Why Design community! Sign up for events, online huddles, and workshops: teamkodu.com/events
🔗 Follow Chris Whyte on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte
🎧 Listen to Why Design on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Amazon Music.
💬 PS – Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode!
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In 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 should be developed just as early as creative ones.
Tim also talks about the common challenges agencies face around business development, the tricky art of saying “no,” and why sometimes less is more when selling your services.
If you’re a designer, consultancy owner, or anyone working at the crossover of creativity and commerce, there’s plenty of actionable advice here.
Key Takeaways:🔹 From Designer to Strategist – How Tim transitioned from packaging design to leading agency growth and design strategy at Nokia and beyond.
🔹 Lessons from Scaling & Selling – Insights from scaling Web deVlam and overseeing its sale.
🔹 The Positioning Problem – Why agencies often dilute their message by trying to be everything to everyone.
🔹 Specialism vs. Niche – Why focusing your positioning is key, but you can still take on a variety of work.
🔹 Building Commercial Confidence – How designers can develop business development and negotiation skills early in their careers.
🔹 The Power of Networking – Tim’s take on why generosity and curiosity are vital in client-facing roles.
🔹 The LinkedIn Effect – How LinkedIn can help creatives spark conversations and create business opportunities—when used with authenticity.
🔹 Negotiation Lessons – Tim’s real-world story of a high-stakes negotiation that almost went wrong, and what it taught him about holding your ground.
Resources & Links:🌍 Connect with Tim Perry on LinkedIn
🎯 Check out Tim’s Commercial Skills Training (includes free sample courses)
🎙️ Learn more about Blue Garage – A creative community space in Lewisham, London.
👥 Join the Why Design community! Sign up for upcoming events, online huddles, and workshops: teamkodu.com/events
🔗 Follow Chris Whyte on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte
🎧 Listen to Why Design on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes!
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In 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 his entrepreneurial path.
Michael also takes us inside Blue Garage, a space created to provide hardware founders with the facilities and community he wished he’d had when starting out—think WeWork, but with machines.
If you’re curious about bootstrapping hardware ventures, creative collaboration, or building community-driven spaces, this episode is packed with inspiration.
Key Takeaways:🔹 From Engineering to Design – How Michael’s manufacturing background influenced his user-focused, entrepreneurial approach to product design.
🔹 The KwickScreen Story – How a student project to solve infection control in hospitals evolved into a nationwide healthcare product.
🔹 Bootstrapping in London – The gritty reality of starting a hardware business without outside funding or proper facilities.
🔹 Listening & Learning – Why Michael credits his success to persistence combined with listening deeply to users and stakeholders.
🔹 The Birth of Blue Garage – How Michael turned a 38,000 sq ft former Travis Perkins into a vibrant makespace for London’s maker and hardware community.
🔹 Supporting Founders Differently – Why founders don’t always need accelerators or awards, sometimes they just need space, tools, and community.
🔹 Team & Legacy – How early hires at KwickScreen, including its now-CEO, have grown into leaders and founders themselves.
🔹 Community Events & Collaboration – How Blue Garage is helping freelancers, startups, and creative businesses collaborate and scale in the heart of London.
Resources & Links:🌍 Learn more about Blue Garage
🏥 Explore KwickScreen
🔗 Connect with Michael Korn on LinkedIn
👥 Join the Why Design community! Sign up for our upcoming events, online huddles, and workshops: teamkodu.com/events
🔗 Follow Chris Whyte on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte
🎧 Listen to Why Design on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes!
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In 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 explore how design consultancies can stay competitive in a shifting market, the role of AI in industrial design, and the evolving nature of holistic product development, where storytelling, branding, and user experience are just as important as the product itself.
If you're a designer, entrepreneur, or just fascinated by how great products come to life, this episode is packed with insights!
Key Takeaways:🔹 The Evolution of a Design Consultancy – How Hugo built a product design division within a family-run creative agency.
🔹 The Power of Process vs. Intuition – When to trust gut instincts and when research and structured validation are essential.
🔹 Designing for Different Markets – How working on gas safety devices differs from crafting premium pizza ovens.
🔹 Holistic Design Services – Why product design is no longer just about form and function but also branding, digital experiences, and storytelling.
🔹 Lessons from Working with Startups and Established Brands – How client expectations shift and how to manage those relationships.
🔹 The Future of Industrial Design – How AI is changing the design process and what it means for the next generation of designers.
🔹 Why Some Brands Ignore Focus Groups – How companies like Nothing and Teenage Engineering use intuition to create standout products.
🔹 Building Long-Term Client Relationships – How WMP Creative’s success is built on repeat business and deep client partnerships.
Resources & Links:🌍 Connect with Hugo Martin on LinkedIn
🎨 Learn more about WMP Creative
🔥 Check out Gosney Pizza Ovens (One of Hugo’s latest projects)
🔍 Learn more about Crowcon Gas Safety Devices
👥 Join the Why Design community! Sign up for our upcoming events, online huddles, and workshops: teamkodu.com/events
🔗 Follow Chris Whyte on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte
🎧 Listen to Why Design on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Don't forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes!
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In 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 takes to build a deep tech startup in a male-dominated field.
If you’re interested in the raw, unfiltered reality of building a hardware company from scratch, this one’s for you.
Key Takeaways:🔹 From Academia to Entrepreneurship – How Claire’s background in materials science and aerospace led her to founding Untap Health.
🔹 The Evolution of a Startup – How Untap pivoted from large-scale wastewater monitoring to targeted health surveillance in hospitals and care homes.
🔹 Scaling a Hardware Business – The challenges of developing, testing, and rolling out new deep tech solutions.
🔹 Fundraising Realities – Lessons learned from securing pre-seed funding and preparing for the next round.
🔹 Surviving a Tough Year – How Claire navigated personal and professional hardships, including the loss of her co-founder and sister, to keep Untap moving forward.
🔹 Building the Right Team – The impact of hiring a Chief Product Officer and the importance of aligning culture with company vision.
🔹 Women in Deep Tech – Claire’s experience as a female founder and the biases she’s encountered along the way.
🔹 What’s Next for Untap Health – Expanding into new markets, working with hospitals and farms, and the long-term vision for public health monitoring.
Resources & Links:🌍 Connect with Claire Trant on LinkedIn
🔬 Learn more about Untap Health
📢 Hiring! Untap Health is looking for a Head of Business Development – Check out the role here
💙 Support Claire’s Charity Marathon for Diagnostics Research – Donate Here
👥 Join the Why Design community! Sign up for our upcoming events, online huddles, and workshops: teamkodu.com/events
🔗 Follow Chris Whyte on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte
🎧 Listen to Why Design on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Don't forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes!
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Listener discount! Get 10% off a Sensate using code WHYDESIGN or by visiting https://getsensate.com/WHYDESIGN
In 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 journey from working with patients in a clinical setting to co-founding a tech company that now helps thousands of people worldwide. He explains the science behind stress, vagal nerve tone, and how Sensate's wearable device supports relaxation and resilience. We also dive into the challenges of launching a hardware start-up, from product design to fundraising and business strategy.
If you're interested in the role of design in health and wellness, this episode is packed with insights on making well-being more accessible at scale.
Key Takeaways:✅ The science behind stress and how vagal nerve tone affects well-being
✅ How Stefan’s background in meditation and medicine influenced Sensate’s design
✅ The challenges of bringing a hardware health device to market
✅ Fundraising lessons and why US investors saw the potential before UK investors
✅ Why start-up success is about resilience, adaptation, and the right co-founding team
✅ The importance of cooperation over competition in both business and life
✅ How Sensate is making relaxation effortless through sound and vibration technology
Links & ReferencesVisit Sensate: https://www.getsensate.com/
Connect with Stefan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanchmelik/
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
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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 TakeawaysThe 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 & ReferencesVisit 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
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Guest: Nichole Rouillac, Founder of Level
Host: Chris Whyte, Founder of Kodu
Sign up for Why Design? events: https://teamkodu.com/events
In 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 the room early in her career
✅ Why so many women leave industrial design before reaching senior roles—and what we can do about it
✅ Her work in healthcare and medtech, from disease detection to AI-driven innovation
✅ How being a mom to a neurodivergent child influences her approach to user-centered design
✅ The importance of mentorship and community in fostering diversity in the industry
Nichole’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven design. Whether you're in industrial design, medtech, or hardware startups, this episode is packed with insights on building a career with impact.
Key takeaways:
🔹 The Gender Gap in Industrial Design – Many women leave industrial design before reaching senior roles due to workplace culture, lack of mentorship, and difficulty balancing long hours with personal life.
🔹 Building a Design Studio with Purpose – Nichole founded Level, a woman-led industrial design studio, to challenge industry norms and prioritize meaningful, people-centered design.
🔹 From Fitbit to MedTech – Nichole played a key role in designing the first Fitbit, which helped create the wearables category as we know it today. Her work now focuses on healthcare innovation, from AI-driven disease detection to non-invasive cancer treatment technologies.
🔹 The Power of Mentorship & Community – As a former chair of Women in Design (IDSA), Nichole helped launch a mentorship program to support women navigating industrial design careers. Having a network outside of your workplace is crucial for career growth.
🔹 Designing for Impact, Not Just Aesthetics – Nichole emphasizes the need for designers to think beyond form and function, considering the long-term impact of their work—whether in healthcare, sustainability, or consumer tech.
🔹 Lessons from Startups & Manufacturing – Having worked both in consultancies and in-house at HTC, Nichole believes designers need full-cycle experience—from early prototyping to manufacturing—to truly deliver great products.
🔹 Parenting, Neurodiversity & Design – Raising a neurodivergent child has influenced Nichole’s approach to inclusive design, reinforcing the importance of creating products that are intuitive and accessible for different types of users.
🔹 Balancing Business and Life – Unlike many agencies, Level prioritizes sustainable work hours, proving that world-class design doesn’t require burnout. Thoughtful planning and client education allow them to deliver great work without overworking their team.
🔹 The Future of...
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Guest: Tom Parsons, Founder of Aetha Design
Host: Chris Whyte, Founder of Kodu
Sign up for Why Design? events: https://teamkodu.com/events
From 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 shaped his engineering mindset.The shift from bespoke high-end tech to mass-market production at Dyson.The realities of running a design consultancy—from navigating tough product launches to fostering meaningful partnerships.Why "people buy from people" is the philosophy behind Aetha’s approach to business.His hands-on approach to understanding clients' challenges, including launching a Kickstarter for sunglasses.Whether you're a designer, entrepreneur, or just love hearing about the adventures behind innovation, this episode is packed with candid insights and career-defining moments.
Key Takeaways🔹 Extreme Environments = Extreme Growth – Tom’s experience in a live conflict zone taught him resilience, adaptability, and how to design for unpredictable conditions.
🔹 From Low-Volume Luxury to High-Volume Production – Moving from bespoke surveillance systems to mass-market consumer products at Dyson broadened Tom’s design approach and prepared him for consultancy.
🔹 Why Trust Matters in Design – Building a design consultancy isn’t just about great products; it’s about understanding clients’ needs, mitigating risks, and creating long-term relationships.
🔹 The Reality of Running a Consultancy – The business of design is more than just creativity—Tom shares the behind-the-scenes of managing client expectations, handling setbacks, and keeping projects on track.
🔹 A Designer Who Walks the Walk – Tom doesn’t just design products—he’s been through the process himself, even launching a Kickstarter to understand the challenges his clients face firsthand.
Links & ResourcesVisit Aetha Design: https://aethadesign.com
Connect with Tom Parsons on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-parsons-aetha
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
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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.comBook Recommendations from the Episode:
Cradle to Cradle by William McDonoughDoughnut Economics by Kate RaworthPodcast Recommendations:
The Economist PodcastLenny’s Product Podcast
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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
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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
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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!
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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
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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
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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/
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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/
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Episode 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 simplicity and intentional living.
Key Takeaways:
Sustainability in Design: SLOWE Living focuses on minimalist, sustainable furniture that supports thoughtful, intentional living.Influence of Japanese and Scandinavian Design: Oliver’s time in Japan and Denmark inspired his commitment to simple, functional design.Challenges of Transitioning to Product-Based Business: Moving from freelance branding to physical products was a significant, rewarding shift.Community and Support: Oliver emphasizes the importance of community and has created a support network for independent creators.Adapting During the Pandemic: The unique circumstances of the pandemic allowed Oliver to pause, reflect, and start a business that aligned with his core values.Connect with Oliver Murphy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivermurphydesigner/
Learn more about SLOWE Living here: https://www.sloweliving.com/
Connect with Chris Whyte on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte/
Learn more about Kodu Recruitment: https://teamkodu.com/
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Episode 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: Michael’s background spans engineering, design, and consulting, creating a unique blend of skills that define Facility’s approach.Brand-Centered Product Development: Facility emphasizes strategic, brand-driven product design, offering clients a vision for long-term success.Importance of Versatile Experience: Working in small firms allowed Michael to develop a wide skill set and agility essential for consulting.Challenges of Scaling a Consultancy: Facility aims to grow while retaining high standards and a hands-on approach to client projects.Client-Centric Strategies: Facility partners with clients to deliver not only products but future-focused roadmaps that support sustainable growth.Connect with Michael Bambino on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbambino/
Learn more about Facility here: https://www.facility.nyc/
Connect with Chris Whyte on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte/
Learn more about Kodu Recruitment: https://teamkodu.com/
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