Design Nerds Anonymous

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The Future of Events in the Design Industry Mar 31, 2022

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In this episode, ThinkLab explores the changing landscape of events in the design industry, whether they’re digital, physical, or hybrid. Our guests each provide a unique perspective — from how manufacturers, distributors, and event producers should create events to how architects and designers should leverage them. First, Chuck Saylor, principal at Designvox, speaks about tailoring events to the current moment so that designers will be inspired to attend in person. Marco Giberti, entrepreneur and co-author of Reinventing Live: The Always-On Future of Events, draws his experience with B2B marketing to explain how events are changing across industries. Finally, A.J. Paron, design futurist at SANDOW Design Group, shares some tactical ideas for how to adapt to the hybrid era and use events to build stronger connections between designers and manufacturers. In this episode: [6:00] Find out the #1 thing that compels people to attend design industry events [8:00] Chuck discusses how creating meaningful content for a local audience can build community. [16:10] “Disruption is happening faster than ever before. You can deny this potential disruption, or you can engage disruption and be prepared for the next generation of events.” [19:30] Marco explains the need to develop “digital headquarters” to extend the life of physical events. [27:48] A.J. shares 3 ways organizers can prepare to pivot their plans in the face of shifting COVID-19 restrictions. Connect with our interviewees on LinkedIn: Chuck Saylor Marco Giberti A.J. Paron This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is brought to you by Mannington Commercial, Keilhauer, theMART, and NeoCon, companies doing big things to move the design industry forward. Download our leading-edge playbook: 100 Ways to Create a Phygital Sales and Marketing Strategy. Finally, thanks to Hannah Viti, our audio producer, and Blue Dot Sessions for providing the music for this episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pioneering the Future of Product Specification Mar 24, 2022

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Amid so much upheaval in the design industry, product specification is undergoing a sea change. In this episode, ThinkLab examines pain points in the process and dives into how two leading-edge companies are developing phygital solutions to chart a new course (no pun intended.) Our first guest, Amanda Darley, vice president of marketing at Mannington Commercial, discusses how the company has responded to industry-wide challenges, such as an uptick in re-specifications, by developing its own online inventory tracking, visualizers, and content – and why those innovations have proven successful for specifiers. Then we’re joined by Meghan Sherwin, Keilhauer’s chief marketing officer, who shares the one big play everyone in the industry should be considering when it comes to technology. Listen in as she describes the firm’s innovative approach to the showroom experience and the unique ways they are integrating a phygital (physical + digital) journey for designers. In this episode: [5:24] Amanda describes how a simple website addition has become an important pipeline for connecting designers to reps. [12:40] Amanda talks transparency and the key areas where it could drive growth in the industry. [14:03] Meghan shares the unique blend of physical and digital elements involved in elevating Keilhauer’s new showroom design. [19:09] Meghan explains the one thing she thinks is set to fundamentally change the specification process in the near future. Connect with our interviewees on LinkedIn: Amanda Darley Meghan Sherwin This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is brought to you by Mannington Commercial, Keilhauer, theMART, and NeoCon, companies doing big things to move the design industry forward. Download our leading-edge playbook, 100 Ways to Create a Phygital Sales and Marketing Strategy. Finally, thanks to Hannah Viti, our audio producer, and Blue Dot Sessions for providing the music for this episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Future of the Firm Library Mar 17, 2022

Show notes

The pandemic has forced many functions of the design library online. Does this mean that library will pivot to primarily virtual in the future, or will there be a move to return to more physical spaces? In this episode, ThinkLab explores both sides in a discussion with two expert guests. Erica Buss, research and information services manager at Ankrom Moisan Architects, emphasizes the remaining importance of physical spaces along with expert guidance and curation. And Kristin Cerutti, a design leader at NELSON Worldwide, stresses their approach to the digital space. Ultimately, both agree that it’s time for the library to be reconceived as a dynamic, living space, one that supports the larger ecosystem of the firm and is a source for both information and inspiration. It’s not a matter of digital or physical. It’s really a both/and. In this episode: [6:35] Erica explains how the library is not just a physical space, but also a service. [10:37] Kristin details ways to repurpose the space once used for books and shelves. [16:49] How can virtual events help foster deeper connections with colleagues? [21:31] Kristin urges A&D consider the environmental impact of keeping libraries stocked. [27:16] Erica talks about the power of collaborations with reps. Connect with our interviewees on LinkedIn: Erica Buss Kristin Cerutti This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is brought to you by Mannington Commercial, Keilhauer, theMART, and NeoCon, companies doing big things to move the design industry forward. Take Action We put together a complimentary cheat-sheet featuring our top 10 tips for creating an integrated physical + digital go-to-market strategy. Want to email it to your team or print it out and pin it up at your desk? Download yours here. Finally, thanks to Hannah Viti, our audio producer, and Blue Dot Sessions for providing the music for this episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Future of the B2B Showroom Experience Mar 10, 2022

Show notes

We’re at a critical point in the evolution of showrooms in the design industry. New digital dimensions are expanding what a showroom can do and how it can engage with architects, designers, and end users in a radically altered experience. In this episode, ThinkLab explores the possibilities of all this upheaval and asks the experts – what steps should we take now? First, Kelly Bacon, global practice lead of Workplace Advisory at AECOM, discusses the physical/digital convergence of the showroom and envisions one possible scenario for how a furniture rep and a designer might interact. Darren Ross, our second guest, runs the Magic Castle Hotel in Los Angeles. He tells us about the hotel’s celebrated “Popsicle hotline,” an example of Darren’s customer-focused mindset and commitment to creating memorable moments — both useful attributes when building a showroom experience. Our final guests are Bitreel CEO Cosmo Kramer and COO Renu Chipalkatti, who discuss what the metaverse is and what it means for manufacturers and designers: Will there continue to be physical spaces? What will their role be? In this episode: [8:48] Kelly urges designers to consider functionality, especially when creating hybrid workplaces. [19:12] Darren talks about the power of connection as the real secret to his hotel’s appeal. [23:38] “It was pretty stunning to see a gaming application that could be life-changing in terms of shopping.” [26:37] Cosmo advises manufacturers on their next steps to prepare for the metaverse. [30:43] Renu discusses how showrooms will transition within the next five years. Take action: Our latest ThinkLab playbook includes 20 easy-to-implement tactics to help you find success with an integrated phygital showroom experience –and to say thanks for listening, we’re giving our podcast listeners the first chapter featuring all 20 ideas for elevating your showroom experience absolutely free. Visit https://info.thinklab.design/playbooks to download your complimentary chapter Connect with our interviewees on LinkedIn: Kelly Bacon Darren Ross Cosmo Kramer Renu Chipalkatti Special thanks to our episode sponsors Mannington Commercial, Keilhauer, theMART, and NeoCon, thoughtfully selected because they both represent companies that are bringing new techniques and thinking from outside the design industry for positive application. Finally, thanks to Hannah Viti, our audio producer, and Blue Dot Sessions for providing the music for this episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Future of Product Selection Mar 03, 2022

Show notes

The design industry is going hybrid. Our latest research shows that the production selection process is increasingly blending both physical and digital. In this episode, ThinkLab explores this intersection (what we call “phygital”) and the reinvention of the offline/online experience. First, ThinkLab’s lead researcher, Erica Waayenberg, reveals the five key elements of product selection identified in our latest hackathon. Our next two guests are Matt Rebbe, design director for AECOM in Chicago, and Jenn Zella, co-founder and design director for CID Design Group. They discuss some of the benefits and challenges to working more virtually, including how client expectations have changed on in-person interactions. Finally, we look to the automotive industry for inspiration on how to revamp a static, traditionally analog industry by integrating digital. Ryan Keeton, co-founder and chief brand officer at Carvana, describes the company’s approach to reinventing the car-buying process, keeping the customer experience at the forefront. In this episode: [4:22] Erica explains her “aha” moment after digging into ThinkLab’s hackathon findings. [12:17] Jenn describes how manufacturers could help designers through enhanced virtual product demonstrations. [15:30] Matt stresses the value of communicating clearly as a designer, of being able to describe your vision. [29:13] Ryan discusses the importance of transparency in developing customer confidence in Carvana. Connect with our interviewees on LinkedIn: Erica Waayenberg Matt Rebbe Jenn Zella Ryan Keeton This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is brought to you by Mannington Commercial, Keilhauer, theMART, and NeoCon, companies doing big things to move the design industry forward. Finally, thanks to Hannah Viti, our audio producer, and Blue Dot Sessions for providing the music for this episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Season 3 Trailer Feb 24, 2022

Show notes

Join ThinkLab’s Amanda Schneider for meaningful conversations with industry experts as we explore a new era in the evolution of design. This season we’re tackling the future of product specification and what it means for several key elements of the design industry: showrooms, resource libraries, events, and more. If you want inspiration and insights for the intersection of business + design, this podcast is for you. Listen and subscribe for impactful findings drawn from six months of ThinkLab research and sage guidance from our interviews with nearly two dozen experts, including prominent industry professionals from Interior Design Giants of Design firms. Special thanks to our episode sponsors Mannington Commercial, Keilhauer, theMART, and NeoCon, companies doing big things to move the design industry forward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Future of Growth Oct 14, 2021

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As the pace of change accelerates, it becomes increasingly important that the design ecosystem connect the many different dots that enable our clients to make decisions faster. We believe human connections in the physical space matter more than ever as we enter this hybrid world. Join us in this special bonus episode as we ask the question “how will the commercial design industry leverage physical space for growth?” Host Amanda Schneider explores growth opportunities, partnerships and collaborations that will elevate the power and reach of design with innovators Emilie Arel of Casper, and Lisso So and Tyler Silvestro of Marvel. Special thanks to our episode sponsors Mannington Commercial and Keilhauer, thoughtfully selected because they both represent companies that are bringing new techniques and thinking from outside the design industry for positive application. Want to fuel your team’s growth opportunities? Download our leading-edge playbook, 100 Practical Ways to Revolutionize the B2B Sale here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Future... Aug 05, 2021

Show notes

Our final, but most important episode this season, brings you expert advice on to where to start when it comes to making meaningful change in our organizations, our industry and our world. We’re exploring how small, intentional efforts can have the biggest future impact on topics around Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion with Sam Aquillano, founder of Design Museum Everywhere, as well as the industry’s biggest sustainability initiatives with Avi Rajagopal, Editor-in-Chief of Metropolis – and his optimistic take on how a focus on climate change can bring us all together for a common cause. So listen in, because in the words of our guests: “Interior design and architecture – we don't just create beauty. We don't just make spaces. We don't just create function. We have this giant impact on the world. All of us want some kind of purpose with our work. If you're the brand that is authentically working for people, you are going to win. This is a forever project, this project for everyone listening to this podcast right now. This project does not end in your lifetime.” This is the future. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Future of Customer Experience Jul 29, 2021

Show notes

As the consumer experience gets increasingly frictionless, B2B buyers expect the same. Join us as we explore the power of internal alignment, empathy and perspective to elevate the experience your clients have with your brand AND the ecosystem that surrounds design. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to reinvent the sales and design process in the Amazon era The video game industry tactic that you can apply to a client-focused mindset. Three tangible ways to develop empathy across the entire customer journey. Want to put if what you’re learning in this season of the podcast into action? Click HERE to preview our leading-edge playbook 100 Practical Ways to Revolutionize the B2B Sale. Yep. You heard that right. 100 ideas. Each one will give you an actionable idea, explain how to implement and provide some optional reading inspiration or even team exercises to spark your creativity. Featured Guests: Mullen’s director of innovation, Chris Denson, Perkins Eastman’s David Levo, JLL’s Anu Rao, and Sandow Design Group’s design futurist AJ Paron Special thanks to our episode sponsors Mannington Commercial and Keilhauer, thoughtfully selected because they both represent companies that are bringing new techniques and thinking from outside the design industry for positive application. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Future is Hybrid Jul 22, 2021

Show notes

How should your team structure hybrid work for maximum benefit? Betsy Bula, remote evangelist for Gitlab, a company leading the charge for remote working, brings us intentional, tangible tips that will inspire your own business transformation AND the spaces we design. In this episode, you’ll learn: 1. The 3 key benefits to remote working 2. The one intentional tactic that has huge implications on physical space 3. How to create equitable benefits those in office –and those who are not 4. Why focusing on output-based management is more effective than input-based management Special thanks to our episode sponsors Mannington Commercial and Keilhauer, thoughtfully selected because they both represent companies that are bringing new techniques and thinking from outside the design industry for positive application. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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