Category: The Design of Things. to Come

Pragmatic Innovation — The New Mandate

As companies struggle to look for ways to compete against low-margin overseas competitors, they must turn to their creative side because cost-cutting manufacturing and quality initiatives no longer provide the competitive edge. Differentiation now must happen through inno­vation; that is the strategic weapon that drives profit in the new glob­al economy. Burlington, VT. Robert Nicholson […]

The New Breed of Innovator: Engineering and Advanced Thinking

Edith Harmon’s bachelor’s and master’s degrees are in mechanical engineering. But today, she heads one of the most dynamic advanced products groups in the clothing industry. Unlike a fashion company that makes shirts or jackets, New Balance makes state-of-the-art technology to support your body while you exercise. Athletic apparel, then, is more than fashion. It […]

Innovator

Innovation is about people. Companies focus on customer needs, wants, and desires as they design new products; after all, products are purchased by and for those who will use them. Those who design the products also are people—ordinary people who apply their skills to develop new ideas and products. Yet certain individuals have evolved to […]