Random musings on Lego Pricing and Positioning
I’ve admired Lego since childhood, although I haven’t collected many sets over the years, the most recent being two Technic kits about 7-8 years ago. What holds me back is the plastic. I hope Lego…
Category: Innovate
Thank Me Later – Link Episodes on OTT Series
For years, I’ve enjoyed sending free, no-strings-attached ideas to companies in various sectors; a practice I called, "RattL ’em"; and subsequently, "…thank me later." Just a small way of contributing to customer-centric innovation and striving…
Sunlight, Pillars, Tatami Mats and Organic Architecture
I have always found the pillar and ceiling design at the Terminal 2 airport in Mumbai (pic) very beautiful. While there are other designs that use sunlight in even better ways, these structures are wow.…
Layered Power Management
Back in the day when batteries in remote controls ran low, they would be working one moment and not the next, right? Apparently though, based on how different remotes are designed and how power is…
The God of Thoughtful Design
When companies create products, focus often tends to be on maximizing perceived value and profitability (within the respective value category). It’s like they are looking outward, being reactive (to competitors), and playing their part in…
The Simple but Brilliantly Designed Bisleri 5L bottle
In our everyday products, there don’t seem to be too many that actually catch your eye for being beautifully and thoughtfully designed. I can hardly think of any. While I am not a fan of…
For a humankind trying to make sh!t happen
As of 2024, it is estimated that some 30–40% of senior citizens globally experience constipation. And while the western commode was developed in the late 16th century, but became widely used only in the 19th…
Inclusive Solutions
In continuation of yesterday’s post (link here), which was about why involving users on either extreme of the bell curve (as opposed to innovating for the bulk majority) facilitates in creation of a more innovative…
Innovative Products or Solutions
When designing products or solutions, some of us have a tendency to gravitate to the Pareto Principle — we try solving for the bulk. For approximately 80% of the majority. And we feel it is…
Prefer a Plain Product or an Ergonomically Designed One?
Which one’s better, a plain product or an ergonomically designed one? I’m not quite sure, but I think it was Kat Holmes, Chief Design Officer at Salesforce, who mentions an interesting counter-intuitiveness to do with…
Brave Product Designs
Present day products, be it cars, or consumer products; they have become extremely safe and similar-looking. Like the past, one can only hope the future too has some brave designs in store. Clip: Tom Fisk
On Framing Problems
As the late American inventor and engineer, Charles Kettering very wisely said, "A problem well-stated is half-solved." The need is to re-frame every problem into a challenge. To get better ideas, to be able to…
My Second Book – Main Batata Hoon
My recently published book, 'Main Batata Hoon', is now available in paperback and Kindle formats on most if not all regional Amazon sites around the world. An aunt was so amused with the title, she…
Helmets from Scallop Shells
A lot of you probably love scallops?! [controls drool]. Now, imagine scallop shells that are thrown away after we've had the good stuff. Then, imagine 40000 tons of scallop shells thrown away! That is the…