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.

1. 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.
2. Focus on Safety and Stability: Super Smith prioritizes designing stable, user-friendly mobility solutions that cater to various accessibility needs.
3. Prototyping and User-Centric Design: Fred’s experience shows the importance of frequent prototyping and user testing to develop intuitive and accessible products.
4. Challenges in Inclusive Design: Creating for a broad user base requires sensitivity to differing needs and adaptability in design.
5. 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/⁠

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.

1. Career Adaptability: Michael’s career demonstrates the power of being adaptable, moving from digital design to physical product innovation and leadership.
2. Importance of Storytelling: Michael emphasizes storytelling as a critical tool for connecting heritage brands with modern consumers.
3. Leading Cross-Functional Teams: Michael shares how collaboration across design, marketing, and engineering drives impactful innovation.
4. Consumer-Centric Product Development: From prototyping in Airbnbs to reducing time-to-market by 50%, Michael shares lessons on keeping consumers at the center.
5. 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/⁠

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:

1. Sustainability in Design: SLOWE Living focuses on minimalist, sustainable furniture that supports thoughtful, intentional living.
2. Influence of Japanese and Scandinavian Design: Oliver’s time in Japan and Denmark inspired his commitment to simple, functional design.
3. Challenges of Transitioning to Product-Based Business: Moving from freelance branding to physical products was a significant, rewarding shift.
4. Community and Support: Oliver emphasizes the importance of community and has created a support network for independent creators.
5. 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/⁠