Design Thinking gets talked about a lot. But when I started using it in my innovation and growth strategy consulting practice around 2016, I noticed something: people knew the steps but didn’t quite it. So I went back to the basics. Looked at it with a beginner’s mindset. Overlapped multiple philosophies to see if could…
📚 “Think Like an Innovator” is now available in PAPERBACK on major Amazon sites. It will be on Amazon India and Flipkart next week. A little hurdle to do with availability here. It’s being handled. As you know, the Kindle eBook is already available. Many of you asked for a physical copy. Here it is!…
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In 2017, I noticed something troubling. Innovation leaders at some large global organisations were selling ‘design thinking-led’ services to other companies. They ran workshops. Facilitated sessions. Bagged long-term projects. And charged good money. But when interacting with them, I realised many of them didn’t truly understand what design thinking was. They knew the buzzwords. They…
Random thought (or question) on easing travel fatigue and jet lag: For long, transmeridian flights, what if airlines timed their in-flight meals to match the destination city’s time zone? By serving lunch, snacks, or dinner accordingly? Might that help passengers’ body clocks start syncing earlier, even slightly reducing fatigue or the time it takes to…
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 soon finds a more eco-friendly alternative to their iconic bricks. When buying Lego kits, I usually apply a simple thumb…
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 to be among the best. Here’s an idea for OTT platforms that create original series: Many web series today feel…
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. And yesterday, I came across this clip (link) about Tatami, traditional Japanese floor mats, that I thought was similarly fascinating….
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 distributed, different buttons and functions are affected differently when power starts running low. I noticed this over the weekend when…
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 a herd. Yet every once in a rare while, comes a product that has been built so thoughtfully, you begin…
In a world of mundane everyday products, it’s rare to find one that catches your eye for its thoughtful design. The Bisleri 5-litre bottle, with its curved sides for easy pouring, is a surprising example of clever, practical design that makes you appreciate the beauty of function.
With 30–40% of seniors facing constipation, could the design of modern toilets be contributing to the problem? The squat toilet, long used across cultures, may offer a solution that’s often overlooked in favor of more “comfortable” Western designs.
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 and inclusive solution; another example came to mind from many years ago. Around 2015–16, I was tasked with identifying affordable…
Focusing on the “average” majority often leads to oversimplified, generic solutions. But by innovating for users at the extremes, you create more flexible, inclusive products that better meet everyone’s needs.
Ergonomically designed products are often comfortable for short use but can become more uncomfortable over time compared to plain designs. For instance, while sleek bike grips or beautifully designed wireless earbud cases feel great initially, they may be less practical for extended use.