Innovative Design Thinking

Here’s a secret to getting better ideas And you don’t have to be a genius. This is a 3-step method backed by research and used by bestselling authors, top creatives, and innovative entrepreneurs. Step 1: Generate The only way to have a good idea? Have a LOT of ideas. Not 3. Not 10. More like 100. Great ideas are a numbers game. The more you have, the better your odds. Don’t filter. Don’t judge. Just wonder. Ask. Notice. Log it. Volume beats perfection. Step 2: Collect An idea that stays in your head is already half lost. Capture it. Use a notebook Start a notes file Email yourself Doesn’t matter how. Just Get it out of your head. Collect questions, phrases, weird thoughts. Then review them. Step 3: Socialize Here’s where most people choke: They hoard their ideas. But creativity isn’t a solo sport. Talk about your ideas. Share them casually. See what sparks interest or confusion. Feedback makes ideas sharper. Real world reactions help them grow. “But won’t someone steal my idea?” Unlikely. Most people are too busy to run with your idea. And here’s the kicker: the idea is the easy part. Execution is the real moat. You’re not giving away gold. You’re refining it. Try this today. Take 20 minutes. No phone. No distractions. Write down 5 ideas. Any topic. They don’t have to be good. Just write. Repeat tomorrow. Bad ideas are how good ideas are born. That’s the system. Use it.

Packaging gateway: Defy your product category. It should not only protect your product, pack designs should challenging expectations and reshape the way consumers experience cosmetics. The industry is now pushing boundaries, to build differentiation, trough performance and experience, are your ready to the challenge? >>BRAIN WORKS<< The human brain tends to patterns, and pays extra attention when those patterns are broken. This disruption, often explained through cognitive dissonance, is what gives disruptive packaging its holly punch. +85% purchase decisions at point of sale, with packaging as differentiator. +81% consumers agree packaging design can influence their gift selections. +67% consumers state that the materials used in packaging affect their choices Packaging studies confirm that visual surprises increase product interaction by up to 30%, leading to higher recall rates and purchase intent. When packaging defies norms, it transforms a routine shopping moment into a moment of discovery. >>SURPRISE sales driver<< When products defy conventional designs, they trigger curiosity and grab attention instantly. Catching a consumer’s eye is a constant challenge. Unique and unexpected packaging has emerged as a powerful way for brands to break through the noise. +Fuels impulse buying by delivering a fresh and playful experience. +Boosts social shareability, often going viral without heavy ad spending. +Builds a deeper emotional bond with consumers by offering an original, multi-sensory encounter. >>KEYS to defy Packaging<< Disruptive packaging isn’t a temporary trend; it marks a shift in how brands compete for attention. Looking ahead, the beauty world is set to explore even more innovative ideas, fin my top four strategies to get remembered. +Architectural and Art related designs, streaming value and culture. +Mimic nature with organic shapes, rooted in human ADN. +Designs that borrow elements from food, tech, and daily life. +Gamified packaging, just for fun and Joy of use and share it. Close it. Packaging is no longer just protection, it’s a gateway to redefining consumer expectations. Those who dare to challenge the ordinary shape the future of their category. Are you ready to design for surprise, emotion, and brand recall? Find my curated search of examples and get inspired for your next success. Featured Brands: Acute Ant�� Beauty Appppt Ghee Gidon Bing Iki Mayet Milk More Skinny Muzigae Mansion Pace Out Roly-Poly Te #beautybusiness #beautypackaging #beautyprofessionals #beautydesign

Nature's Hacks for Success. Biomimicry might sound complex, but it's simply about learning from nature to enhance our designs. It's like learning from the best teacher—Mother Nature herself. Defined by the Biomimicry Institute, this approach guides us toward sustainable solutions by mimicking perfected patterns and strategies found in nature. Nature has already solved many of our challenges. So, why not apply its genius to our packaging designs? It offers patterns and relationships that inspire better, eco-friendly packaging designs—whether in structure or materials, designers can draw from nature's beauty, texture, and flow. We discover materials that are waterproof, breathable, flexible, and more—it's as if nature has already completed the heavy lifting of innovation, evolution, and adaptation for us. Think of the honeycomb structure in beehives—it's not only sturdy but also space-efficient. A great example of biomimicry in packaging design is the SIS bottle by Backbone Branding. Their designers draw inspiration from a flower's pistil to shape a two-litre juice bottle. The design not only stands out with its natural juice colour but also resolves many stacking, storage, and merchandising challenges through its interlocking form. Rooted in geometry with equilateral triangles, these bottles fit snugly together, saving space. Every aspect of the bottle, from its size and proportions to its lines and curves, has been carefully considered. Even the label has been specially designed to adhere to the bottle's irregular surface, eliminating the need for glue. Consider adding nature's strategy into your design process. It will help you close the loop and build a solution that resonates with the ecosystem we breathe in. Biomimicry enables us to develop sustainable systems rather than short-lived, isolated solutions that may soon become outdated. One thing's for sure, we stand at a crucial juncture in human history. The challenges ahead demand designers and innovators capable of creating resilient, adaptable solutions. Our path forward must consider the well-being of future generations across the planet. We must continually draw inspiration from nature and reciprocate by nurturing and preserving it. In doing so, we'll not only enrich our designs but also contribute to the greater ecosystem. Let nature continue to inspire us, and in return, let's contribute to its well-being—a cycle of respect and reciprocity where our designs and actions reflect a deep reverence for the natural world. Ready to take a cue from nature's playbook for your next packaging design? 📷Backbone Branding

This young brand, JACQUEMUS, stole the spotlight from giants like Gucci, CHANEL, and did €200+ million in revenue (The Business of Fashion). Let me tell you how. The world of fashion is a battlefield. It's dominated by established giants like Gucci, Chanel and more. But here's a surprising twist: a young brand called Jacquemus has managed to upstage them. So, how did this upstart disrupt the industry? Let's delve into the secrets behind Jacquemus' success – a strategy built on unexpected marketing. This is what the other brands did not do: 📍 Ditch the predictable: Not following the same social media playbook, Jacquemus created viral AI-generated imagery and design shops. This encouraged user-generated content on Instagram and more. They understand the power of unexpectedness, sparking conversations and excitement around their brand. 📍 Unconventional locations: Runway shows in lavender fields were unheard of before Jacquemus. The brand owns unexpected locations, making their brand synonymous with "Instagram material." Their choice of venue goes beyond just a backdrop; it becomes an integral part of the story they're telling with each collection. 📍 Unique product mix: Jacquemus prioritizes quality and differentiation over chasing trends. Think tiny bags and oversized straw hats – these are conversation starters! They offer pieces designed to make a statement. They understand that unique products can be staples in a world saturated with fast fashion. 📍 Strategic collaborations: By partnering with Nike, celebrities, and influencers, they expand their reach while staying independent. Jacquemus carefully selects partners that align with their brand image and values. These collaborations introduce the brand to new audiences while preserving their creative freedom and unique identity. The takeaway here is: Be bold. Be creative. Focus on being memorable and resonate with your audience. Jacquemus is like a masterclass in how even a young brand can disrupt the status quo and achieve breakout success. #fashion #brands #brandstrategy #success

The Kellogg's Rebrand: Simplicity as a Strategy for Success Examining standout packaging redesigns is one of my greatest passions as a creative director at Ginger Storm. The recent Kellogg's transformation by Landor offers a masterclass in strategic simplicity that deserves our attention – particularly as the most significant update in the brand's century-plus history. Why the Rebrand? The trigger was strategic: Kellogg's needed to recapture its leadership position in an increasingly competitive cereal market. Consumer feedback revealed a desire for clearer, less cluttered packaging that communicated health benefits transparently. Rather than defensive positioning, Kellogg's saw an opportunity to strengthen brand recognition while addressing evolving consumer expectations. Design Change What strikes me most is how Landor elevated the Kellogg's logo to become the central design element – a trend I'm seeing numerous brands adopt with remarkable effectiveness. This strategic enlargement transforms the logo into a distinct brand asset, with colour and imagery taking supporting roles in a contemporary layout. The result is extremely clean, graphic, bold, and visually striking. Iconic characters like Tony the Tiger were thoughtfully refreshed while maintaining their beloved status. I'm particularly impressed by the vibrant, contemporary colour palette that brings excitement to store shelves and how the uncluttered product photography creates such visual impact. Most importantly, all brand extensions within the architecture follow identical structural principles, creating powerful brand continuity while still establishing unique category differentiation. Evolution, Not Revolution This rebrand exemplifies the power of thoughtful evolution. Unlike failed rebrands that discard established equity, Kellogg's retained core visual anchors while enhancing clarity and shelf presence. They recognized that successful transformation isn't about erasing the past but building upon it meaningfully. The Results The numbers validate this approach: nearly 70% of consumers reported easier product identification on shelves, purchase intent increased by approximately 50%, and sales rose by 6% following the redesign. The work has garnered over 30 industry awards in four years – a testament to its strategic excellence and creative execution. What fascinates me most is how this rebrand proves that sometimes the most powerful design strategy isn't adding complexity but thoughtfully subtracting it. By elevating the logo to hero status and embracing disciplined simplicity, Kellogg's has created a system that works brilliantly across physical and digital touchpoints while honouring its rich heritage. This is brand evolution at its finest.

Jaguar is teaching us an important lesson, and it's not what you think it is. When a legacy brand like Jaguar unveils a radical rebrand, it’s easy to jump to conclusions, and everyone seems to have an opinion. As a brand strategist, my role isn’t to deliver verdicts, it’s to ask the right questions. So when someone ask for my opinion about a visual rebrand I'll start asking questions about the strategy behind it. Questions that uncover deeper truths and empower clients to articulate their vision. So instead of critiquing Jaguar’s rebrand, let’s turn it into an opportunity for reflection. These are questions I would like to ask them before I share any opinion. The Strategy: - How do you honor your heritage while adapting to the future? - What’s the core of the DNA of your brand that should never change? - Who are your future customers you are evolving for? - What singular idea holds your products, identity, and customer experience together? The Logo and Visual Identity: - How do you want your visual identity to make people feel? - Does it evoke the energy and emotion your brand promises? - If someone removed your name, would they still know it’s you? - What makes your design unmistakably yours? - Are you following a trend, or setting one? - Does your visual identity help you stand out in your category, or does it blend in? The Campaign and Marketing: - What story are you telling with your campaign? - How does it connect emotionally to your audience and their aspirations? - How are you making the customer the hero of your story? - Are you borrowing from culture, or contributing to it? - How are you creating a cultural moment that’s undeniably yours? The EV Pivot: - What do you own in this new electric future? - What’s the unique value your brand brings to the EV market that no one else can? - Beyond the technology, what does the experience of owning your product feel like? - How does it elevate your customers’ lives? - How does your pivot to sustainability and innovation align with your larger brand narrative? The Big Picture: - Is your rebrand evolutionary or revolutionary? - How far are you willing to go to signal change while remaining authentic? - How does your rebrand show aspiration? - How does it make people want to be part of your world? Finally: Are you playing to fit in—or to lead? What’s your ultimate ambition, and how does Jaguar as a brand express that? As a brand strategist, I believe the most powerful insights come not from imposing opinions but from asking the right questions. Questions that make us pause, think, and uncover the truth of who we are and who we want to become. So, what questions would you ask to help them shape their next chapter? #brandstrategy

AI is no longer just decorating rooms. It’s redesigning how we live. AI can now rethink rooms, floors, and entire layouts—turning bold ideas into build-ready designs. Would you do floor like that? The data behind the shift: • 30–50% faster design cycles using generative layout tools • 100+ layout permutations generated from a single brief • Up to 20–30% improvement in space utilization • 10–25% energy savings when airflow, lighting, and thermal paths are simulated early • 40% fewer late-stage design changes thanks to digital testing What’s fundamentally different? AI treats floor plans like software systems: Pedestrian movement is simulated before construction Natural light and ventilation are optimized virtually Furniture, walls, and utilities are stress-tested digitally Cost, carbon footprint, and materials are optimized in parallel This enables: Smaller homes that feel larger Offices designed around productivity and wellbeing Buildings that adapt over time instead of aging poorly The biggest myth? AI replaces architects and designers. Reality: AI handles complexity and permutations. Humans focus on vision, culture, emotion, and identity. The future of architecture isn’t just smart. It’s generative, data-driven, and human-centric. #AI #Architecture #Design via @Visual Spaces Lab #PropTech #GenerativeAI #FutureOfLiving #SmartBuildings #Innovation

Every PM should know the Double Diamond by heart. But using the original is an easy way to fail as a PM. It’s a highly linear process without feedback loops. And it ends with launching a product. So, it doesn't represent Product Discovery. In the epic YouTube video, Natasha Jen referred to this linear process as “Bullsh*t,” arguing that creativity is much messier: https://lnkd.in/dzuqhP5N --- How to fix those issues? 1. Add iterations The first step is embracing the messy nature of product discovery, with many iterations possible at every step. 2. Get rid of developing and releasing Product Discovery results in a validated Product Backlog, not in launching your ideas. Thus, I suggest redefining the two phases: - Replace "Develop" with "Ideate": In this phase, we brainstorm possible solutions and explore hidden assumptions. - Replace "Deliver" with "Test": In this phase, we test selected assumptions and pinpoint ideas we want to take into implementation. 3. Embrace Continuous Discovery and Continuous Delivery We got rid of developing and releasing ideas. In Continuous Discovery and Continuous Delivery (aka Dual-Track Agile), this is the second stream that runs in parallel: - The goal of Product Discovery is to discover the product to build. - The goal of Product Delivery is to deliver the product to the market. --- My infographics to download (PDF): https://lnkd.in/d5bHGj5j And in the full post: https://lnkd.in/d7hvsuw9 - The Double Diamond of Design Thinking - How to Add the Missing Pieces? - The Double Diamond of Product Discovery - The Triple Diamond of Product Management Hope that helps!

We can’t predict the future. But we can approach it more systematically. That’s where futures thinking (or strategic foresight) comes in. And it’s a critical part of good strategic design. You’ll often hear futurists say: “Foresight precedes strategy.” That’s only true if we treat strategy as a fixed plan, built in a linear way. When we instead see strategy as a testable hypothesis, futures thinking becomes more powerful. The two start to shape each other. One of the hardest parts of futures work is that it asks us to question our own values and beliefs. At its best, it creates a scaffold that helps people think the unthinkable. Here’s how futures thinking shows up in my strategic design practice. FRAMING AND SCOPING Getting alignment early matters. Futures tools can be used for different challenges, so framing the right question is essential. Clear scope and shared intent give the work its best chance of success. SCANNING Often called horizon scanning. This is where we lift our gaze and look for weak signals of change. These early signs can point to larger shifts ahead. They form the raw material for scenarios, alongside drivers of change and, to a lesser extent, trends. UNDERSTANDING IMPACT Not all signals matter equally. We explore which ones could have the biggest impact, or where uncertainty is highest. Tools like impact wheels and probability–impact matrices help build shared perspectives and increase situational awareness. SCENARIOS Scenarios turn signals into stories about alternate futures. They help us test assumptions, surface risks, and spot opportunities. Importantly, they let us rehearse decisions before we have to make them. STRATEGY FORMULATION In a linear process, strategy is the end point. In a complex world, that rarely works. Rather than a single plan, I’m interested in strategy as a system. New information about the future feeds into decisions in regular cycles, not as a one-off exercise. This is only a personal snapshot. Each stage has more depth and nuance, and many practitioners would break this into more steps. Because I also work with a complexity lens, I’m less interested in futures as a way to design an ideal future and “close the gap”. For me, the real value of futures thinking is its ability to: - Broaden what we notice - Challenge hidden assumptions - Build resilience in strategic decision-making Futures thinking isn’t a silver bullet. But its value grows when it’s used alongside other complementary practices. It expands what we can imagine, while understanding complex adaptive systems helps us respond to what’s emerging in the present. #StrategicDesign #FuturesThinking #Strategy #DesignThinking #StrategicForesight