What does it take to stay creative, relevant, and curious after more than 30 years in industrial design?

In Episode 6 of Designing in the Wild, host Robert Irwin sits down with Norio Fujikawa, Executive Director at PA Consulting and longtime designer at Astro Studios, to explore the evolution of industrial design, the importance of human-centered thinking, and how emerging technologies like AI are reshaping the creative process.

From his early fascination with drawing to decades spent working across leading design consultancies, Norio shares insights into what makes great design, and great designers. We explore the importance of mentorship, understanding the people we're designing for, developing meaningful brand identities, and navigating the creative push and pull between designers and engineers.

We also dive into the rapidly changing world of AI-assisted design, discussing how tools like Vizcom and generative AI are transforming visualization, prototyping, and ideation. But as these technologies accelerate, are we actually becoming better designers, or simply producing more, faster?

Norio also offers thoughtful career advice for emerging designers navigating a challenging job market, emphasizing curiosity, persistence, and the value of learning beyond the classroom.

In this episode, we explore:

• The evolution of industrial design over three decades
• Why sketching and traditional creative skills still matter
• Human-centered design and ethnographic research
• Building brand identity through design
• Collaboration between industrial designers and engineers
• Finding opportunities and growing a design career
• AI's impact on creativity, visualization, and prototyping
• The importance of mentorship, curiosity, and lifelong learning

Whether you're an experienced designer, a student entering the profession, or simply curious about how the objects and experiences around us come to life, this conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on where industrial design has been, and where it might be heading.

Designing in the Wild explores the people, ideas, and creative processes shaping the world through design.

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What does it take to create an iconic product like Apple's original translucent iMac? And how can the materials behind yesterday's design breakthroughs help shape a more sustainable future?

In this episode of Designing In The Wild, host Robert Irwin sits down with John Skabardonis, material scientist, chemist, and founder of Optimist Consulting, for a fascinating conversation at the intersection of industrial design, material innovation, and circularity.

John takes us behind the scenes of developing the colorful translucent polycarbonate used in Apple's original iMac, including a remarkable story about Steve Jobs, Jony Ive, and the pursuit of a computer that looked good enough to lick.

From there, we explore the challenges and opportunities of designing products for a circular economy. John shares insights from his decades in material science, including the realities of mechanical and chemical recycling, the growing problem of electronic waste, and why designing for repair, upgrades, and disassembly matters more than ever.

We also look toward the future of smart surfaces and functional integration, where electronics, tactile feedback, lighting, and interactive controls can become seamlessly embedded into the materials around us.

Along the way, we discuss innovations in AI-powered plastic sorting, the promise of local recycling systems, and the increasingly important role industrial designers play in shaping material decisions.

In this episode, we explore:

• The untold material development story behind Apple's translucent iMac
• How dyes, pigments, and polycarbonate influence product appearance and longevity
• Mechanical versus chemical recycling and the challenges of scaling circular materials
• E-waste, product recovery, and designing for disassembly
• Right to repair, right to upgrade, and modular product architecture
• AI-powered recycling and the surprising role of sound in sorting plastics
• Smart surfaces, Shy Tech, and in-mold structural electronics
• Why material selection should begin early in the industrial design process

Whether you're an industrial designer, engineer, material scientist, or simply curious about how the products around us are made, this conversation offers a deeper appreciation for the science behind design—and the opportunities ahead.

Explore more from John Skabardonis:
Optimist Consulting: https://optimistconsulting.biz
Tech Nuggets Newsletter: Search "Tech Nuggets" on LinkedIn

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What if the products we design could do more than solve problems? What if they could actually make people happier?

In this episode of Designing in the Wild, Rob sits down with industrial designer Daniela Garcia to explore the intersection of creativity, curiosity, technology, and the often-overlooked role of joy in the design process.

Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Daniela shares her journey into industrial design, from her early fascination with how everyday objects work to studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and building a career in consumer product development.

We explore what it means to be a young designer in an evolving industry, including the importance of building community, developing professional relationships, and learning to collaborate across disciplines and cultures. Daniela also shares her experience helping revitalize Boston's IDSA chapter and creating opportunities for designers to connect.

From quick cardboard prototypes to AI-assisted visualization, we get into the tools and techniques Daniela uses to move ideas forward. We discuss the power of CMF (Color, Material, and Finish) in shaping consumer perception, how AI can accelerate creative workflows without replacing design thinking, and why getting your hands dirty is still an essential part of the process.

The conversation also takes us outdoors, exploring Daniela's love of birdwatching and how nature provides an incredible library of inspiration for form, color, proportion, and intuitive design.

But perhaps the most compelling part of our conversation is Daniela's philosophy of designing for joy. She believes the objects we surround ourselves with should contribute to our well-being, reduce unnecessary stress, and encourage a more intentional relationship with the things we own.

We close by discussing her wellness initiative, Shanti, and how small, accessible habits can help people lead healthier, happier lives.

In this episode, we explore:

• Finding your path into industrial design
• Building community and professional networks through IDSA
• Collaborating across cultures and disciplines
• The value of low-fidelity prototyping and hands-on experimentation
• Using AI, Vizcom, Figma, and other tools in the design process
• CMF strategy and creating products that stand out
• Finding design inspiration in nature and biomimicry
• Designing for emotional connection, happiness, and longevity
• Building healthier habits through Daniela's wellness initiative, Shanti

Whether you're an aspiring industrial designer, an experienced creative professional, or simply curious about how the things around us shape our daily experiences, this conversation is a reminder that thoughtful design can bring a little more joy into the world.

Welcome to Season 3 of Designing in the Wild.

Connect with Daniela:
Instagram: @danielagcreate

Explore Shanti Wellness:
Instagram: @shantiwellnesslife

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Instagram: @DesigningInTheWildPod
YouTube: Designing in the Wild

Have ideas or just want to say hi, shoot me a note.

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