While researching my series of lectures on Innovation and Design Management, I came across some fascinating material on Thomas Heatherwick and his studio.
It is always interesting, and unusual, to find someone with expertise and success in both the creative arena and in business. This is something I can relate to, as someone who is excited as much by the idea of running a successful design consultancy as by practising design.
Heatherwick puts craft at the very heart of his business – something I feel is vital to success in the 21st century as we embrace ‘globalisation’. Learning the mechanics of how things work is, for me, essential to understanding the design process. And aiming for perfection in every aspect of a project is not only commendable but key to long term success. So much of what passes for design today is nothing more than technique. Heatherwick, and others like him, put the creativity back into design, and it works.
Dig deeper –
Invention or innovation?
Is it better to be first or best?
What drives innovation?