Ebenezer Olabinjo’s Post

The Beauty of Product Interpretation - Beyond Our Original Vision: When we create a product, we always have specific goals and objectives in mind. We outline these clearly and include them in the user guides, so users can make the most of what we’ve designed. But what really blows me away every time, is when I show someone our finished product, and they interpret it's use in a completely different way than we intended. Sometimes it’s a result of their unique experience or background, but what’s truly amazing is how many different possibilities our products hold—beyond what we even imagined. It’s a reminder that creativity doesn’t just reside in the product design; it lives in how people interact with it. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how our work can "SPARK" new ideas and uses, and it’s a humbling reminder of the power of "INNOVATION". The journey doesn’t stop once the product is finished; it evolves with every new perspective. How have you used our products differently than the intended goals?

Design isn’t just about having amazing ideas—it’s about making those ideas work for the people who use them and the company that creates them. One of the most exciting parts of design is crafting a clear map that takes a product idea from concept to impact. That means asking the right questions: What does the company need? What do the users need? Why are we building this? It’s not enough to focus on the what. Strategy is about aligning the why with a realistic plan to get there. This involves organizing ideas into actionable steps, setting priorities, and staying flexible as things evolve. A strong strategy ensures that everyone—from the designers to the stakeholders—has a shared vision and knows where we’re headed. It’s where creativity meets structure, and that’s where the magic happens. And that’s what I love most —solving problems through strategy. It’s not just about the ideas; it’s about turning them into something real, impactful, and meaningful. Strategy is where innovation meets clarity!

In today’s fast-paced world, the term innovation is thrown around with such ubiquity you’d think it’s easily achieved. CEOs champion it, factories churn it out, and consumers demand it. But does every problem require an innovative design solution? No.             True innovation—at least the kind that disrupts markets and creates obscene wealth—is rarely needed to accomplish a client’s objectives. Often, a client needs design that subscribes to the MAYA principle—Most Advanced, Yet Acceptable. Coined by industrial designer Raymond Loewy, the MAYA principle calls for presenting novel design solutions that are new to the client but never so advanced they can’t be understood. In other words, most people need good design—not even great design— to achieve their goals.             Does that mean we don’t create innovative work at Small Hat Studio? Not at all. However, we believe in balancing the correct amount of innovation, time, and effort against our client’s objectives and budgets to make design an accessible commodity. Now that’s a novel idea. 

Innovation Through Design is a neat weekend course. A cheeky take on Design Thinking that explains why a well-designed outcome is often pricey: layers of fidelity come at the cost of multiple iterations. Thinking like a designer can get you far in new product/service innovation. Sadly, it won’t help as much with grand strategy. Finding a winning way to, say, (re)launch a $BN asset through rounds of normalized failure is unfeasible. #intellectuallaborday

Design is evolving, and staying ahead requires adapting to the latest trends and embracing new technologies. From integrating AI to practicing sustainable design, the future is full of opportunities. Let’s innovate, stay creative, and lead the way in the design industry. What trends do you think will define the future of design?

Predicting the future of design. Stay ahead or get left behind. Waiting to adapt? That's a mistake. Trends matter. Technology matters. User experience matters. Here’s what else matters: → Sustainable practices → Inclusive design → Continuous learning Embrace these changes now. Every day. Not just when forced to. If you’re not evolving with the industry now. You’ll be watching your competitors lead the way. Remember: Innovation is key. But staying relevant is even more crucial. Enjoy this? ♻ Repost to help your network and follow me Digamber Singh for more! #Design

Design thinking is important for innovation

🙌 Design. What is it? Pixel pushing, pretty buttons... Or is it a toolbox for impactful innovation? Of course it can be both - pretty design is pretty awesome. But it's not all there is to it, and it's not enough to make a lasting impact. Imagine that every action we perform has an impact, whether we consider it or not. Using design methodology as a tool to actually consider and direct our energy is a great way to make sure our solutions are impactful and actually serving the purpose behind their creation. And this is a constant process, ever evolving. Of course, we need to consider the user. But we also need to consider the higher perspective - society, the planet, the bees, the trees. And of course, it has to be viable for the business for the product to thrive - at least in the current paradigm. And how can we align all of these? *Design*! Using mindful design tools to understand the problem, create a solution and measure the impact allows us to make sure that our creations actually create a benefit for all. And in this we are all responsible. How can your design choices shape a better future for all living beings? #DesignForImpact #UserCentricTech #PlanetCenteredDesign

The future of product design isn’t just about new technology—it’s about how we think. Imagine this: AI will handle the repetitive tasks, giving designers the space to really be creative. Sustainability won’t be a nice-to-have; it’ll be the foundation of every product we create. Augmented reality will change how we experience products, blending the digital and physical worlds. But here’s the big question: Are we ready to keep up with how fast things are changing? Here’s the truth: The design world is moving faster than ever. The ones who adapt will lead. Those who don’t? They’ll be left behind. The world needs: Products that work for everyone, not just the few. Designs that take the environment into account from the start. Teams that are flexible, willing to learn and evolve as the industry does. The future belongs to those who aren’t afraid of change. What’s the trend that will challenge you to grow? #FutureOfDesign

Design vs Innovation: Navigating Paths to Impact Design, fundamentally, is more than just aesthetics or functionality; it embodies a mindset, a methodical approach to understanding concerns, issues, and contexts deeply rooted in human experience. At its core, design is a holistic process of empathetic inquiry and iterative problem-solving. It invites us to immerse ourselves in the nuances of community needs, cultural dynamics, and environmental sensitivities. However, design, while transformative, doesn't guarantee innovation in every instance. It can manifest as incremental improvements or adaptations rather than revolutionary breakthroughs. A design intervention might entail optimizing existing systems, refining processes, or enhancing user experiences without necessarily pioneering entirely new paradigms. Innovation, on the other hand, represents the outcome of diverse processes and approaches. It underscores the importance of nurturing ecosystems that foster both creativity and resilience, where iterative design processes can flourish and seed innovations that resonate across communities. In essence, while design and innovation operate distinctively, their synergy within the realm of social impact is transformative. Design offers the blueprint, the thoughtful groundwork that informs strategic innovations. It honors context, amplifies voices, and invites collaboration, laying the groundwork for innovations that transcend boundaries and ignite enduring change. In frame: Iti Seth from Treemouse, thank you Iti for these valuable insights over design vs innovation in the context of social impact. #socialimpact #design #innovation #nonprofits #socialcontext #sustainablesolutions #socialinnovation #lastingchange