Join host Nataraj as he sits down with Todd Bracher, founder of BetterLab, an industrial design firm partnering with scientists and innovators to create game-changing products. Previously Executive Creative Director and Design Partner at Human Scale, Todd has also collaborated with iconic brands like Issey Miyake, Herman Miller, and 3M. A two-time International Designer of the Year and recognized by Wallpaper Magazine as a Top 100 Global Design Influencer, Todd shares his insights on the intersection of design, science, and technology.
About the Episode:
This episode explores the world of industrial design through the lens of Todd Bracher’s extensive experience. The conversation delves into building a successful design firm and the critical importance of human-centered design. Todd recounts his journey from art school to becoming a leading industrial designer, emphasizing the role of manufacturing, materials, and understanding market needs. He highlights the shift towards sustainability in design, including the use of recycled materials and circularity principles. The discussion covers BetterLab’s innovative projects, such as glasses designed to combat myopia using full-spectrum light and a UVC light-based hand sanitizer called Lightwash. Todd also shares his perspective on digital design, the influence of Japanese design principles, and his role as a design advisor with Antler, a pre-seed stage firm. He touches upon products he admires, including the Leica M camera, and the importance of integrating design early in the product development process.
About the Guest and Host:
Todd Bracher: Founder of BetterLab, an industrial design firm. Former Executive Creative Director and Design Partner at Human Scale. Connect with Todd:
→ Website: https://betterlab.com/
Nataraj: Host of the Startup Project podcast, Senior PM at Azure & Investor.
→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/
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Timestamps:
00:01 – Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:55 – Todd’s Background and Entry into Design
01:45 – The Definition of Industrial Design
03:22 – Early Influences and Drawing
04:27 – Examples of Industrial Design Projects
06:06 – Admired Technology Products (Beyond Apple)
09:14 – Trends in Industrial Design: Sustainability vs. Consumable Products
12:02 – Todd’s Take on IKEA’s Design and Business Model
14:37 – Admired Brands: VITSO and Dieter Rams
15:54 – Sustainability and Longevity in Well-Designed Products
17:05 – The Business of Running a Design Firm: BetterLab
19:39 – Products from BetterLab: Myopia-Correcting Glasses
24:48 – Sustainability Project: UVC Light Hand Sanitizer (Lightwash)
28:44 – Working with Antler: Advising Early-Stage Startups
30:08 – Day-to-Day Products Todd Uses and Admits
31:53 – Modern Design Aesthetics and Globalization
36:01 – Todd’s Take on Digital Design
37:46 – Trend Back into Hardware
40:01 – What Makes Japanese Design Unique
42:00 – Design Hubs in the US
44:13 – Current Consumption (Books, Podcasts, etc.)
45:39 – Mentors and Influences: Charles Darwin
46:55 – Lessons Learned: The Importance of Business Acumen
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