Curiosity and grit combine to become an unwavering conviction. Rei talks with Kevin Bethune, renowned design executive and author, to uncover how his unique career path has informed his approach to design thinking and innovation. Kevin shares his journey from an early career in engineering and business to discovering his passion for design—an unexpected yet coherent sequence that prepared him to help brands innovate meaningfully. The conversation explores how curiosity and resilience have driven Kevin’s professional transitions from engineering at Westinghouse to business planning at Nike, then to a creative transformation through an industrial design program. Kevin Bethune is the Founder & Chief Creative Officer of dreams • design + life, a think tank that delivers design & innovation services using a human-centered approach. He's also the best-selling author of Reimagining Design: Unlocking Strategic Innovation (The MIT Press) released in March 2022.  Kevin's background spans engineering, business and design in equal proportion over his 25+ year career, positioning him to help brands deliver meaningful innovations to enrich people's lives.His work represents creative problem-solving that brings multidisciplinary teams together to see the future through an open aperture, and a deep industrial design approach to inform and influence desirable, feasible and business-viable design outcomes.Timestamps:0:03 Kevin Bethune's Journey Through Engineering, Business, and Design7:03 Rigorous Engineering Challenges in Nuclear Plant Projects12:34 Kevin Bethune's Journey from Engineering to Nike's Innovation Team18:22 Kevin Bethune's Journey from Nike to Design Innovation27:28 TakeawayEpisode References:Kevin Bethune | Online Portfoliodreams • design + life | Corporate SiteRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’re considering rebranding, don’t start with your logo, colors, or fonts. Look within. As read by AI.The Intersection is Rei’s weekly newsletter, exploring what the future holds at the intersection of creativity and technology. Subscribe to The Intersection to receive his latest editions directly in your inbox.Episode References:Rethinking Rebranding | ArticleRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alternative career choices? Next travel destinations? Favorite food? We welcome back Tim Allen for a fun round of lightning questions.Tim Allen was named one of Fast Company's Most Creative People in Business for 2017. He leads the global Design & Research team at Instacart, centered on belonging and connection. His focus on fueling human potential is key to building products and cultures that inspire people to do their best work. Prior to Instacart, Tim led Airbnb’s global Design team, Microsoft's Experiences & Devices design practice and Amazon's Product Design Studio as Executive Creative Director leading the experience design for Alexa, FireTV, and Kindle products. Tim also shaped the vision for Experience Design at R/GA, whose Nike work established the future of connected experiences for brands. Through innovative work with Adobe, Red Hat, and IBM, Tim holds seven patents related to software design, ranging from chat interface modeling to mobile device synchronization.Episode References:Tim Allen | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How did Airbnb make a pandemic turnaround? Rei continues his conversation with Tim Allen, VP of Design at Instacart, to shed light on strategic design approaches that helped Airbnb adapt its business model amidst COVID-10 travel restrictions. Tim shares insights into collaborative problem-solving with Airbnb's CEO, Brian Chesky, demonstrating the significant role of design as a lifeline for the company's resilience. The discussion includes Airbnb's innovative strategies, such as offering accommodations to healthcare workers and enhancing the host onboarding process, underscoring the transformative power of design in business recovery and growth. The conversation also touches on his current role at Instacart, emphasizing how a creative mindset can harmonize with technical proficiency to drive impactful solutions.Tim Allen was named one of Fast Company's Most Creative People in Business for 2017. He leads the global Design & Research team at Instacart, centered on belonging and connection. His focus on fueling human potential is key to building products and cultures that inspire people to do their best work. Prior to Instacart, Tim led Airbnb’s global Design team, Microsoft's Experiences & Devices design practice and Amazon's Product Design Studio as Executive Creative Director leading the experience design for Alexa, FireTV, and Kindle products. Tim also shaped the vision for Experience Design at R/GA, whose Nike work established the future of connected experiences for brands. Through innovative work with Adobe, Red Hat, and IBM, Tim holds seven patents related to software design, ranging from chat interface modeling to mobile device synchronization.Timestamps:0:03 Airbnb's Pandemic Turnaround Led by Design Thinking3:31 Airbnb's Pandemic Pivot: Reinventing Hosting and Guest Experiences7:32 The Flywheel of Compassion in Design9:36 Design's Impact on Innovation and Cultural Shifts in Companies16:44 Three TakeawaysEpisode References:Tim Allen | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Making things with your hands can shape and enhance digital design skills in unexpected ways. This week, Rei talks with Tim Allen, VP of Design at Instacart to trace Tim’s career journey from game design to leading roles at tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Airbnb. They explore Tim's early influences, including his unique entry into design through airbrushing and graffiti, and discuss his strategies for success as a minority in tech. Key themes include resilience, the value of hands-on creativity, and the importance of looking ahead to embrace new opportunities.Tim Allen was named one of Fast Company's Most Creative People in Business for 2017. He leads the global Design & Research team at Instacart, centered on belonging and connection. His focus on fueling human potential is key to building products and cultures that inspire people to do their best work. Prior to Instacart, Tim led Airbnb’s global Design team, Microsoft's Experiences & Devices design practice and Amazon's Product Design Studio as Executive Creative Director leading the experience design for Alexa, FireTV, and Kindle products. Tim also shaped the vision for Experience Design at R/GA, whose Nike work established the future of connected experiences for brands. Through innovative work with Adobe, Red Hat, and IBM, Tim holds seven patents related to software design, ranging from chat interface modeling to mobile device synchronization.Timestamps:0:03 Exploring Design's Role in Tech with Tim Allen3:27 Pioneering Design Careers in Big Tech4:43 From Game Design to Corporate Innovation at IBM10:01 Design Leadership Across Tech Giants and Creative Agencies11:32 From Graffiti to Design: Embracing Uniqueness in Art Education16:41 Navigating Unknown Territories and Embracing Creative Problem Solving21:18 Three TakeawaysEpisode References:Tim Allen | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rei answers questions about midlife career transitions from guest Gavin Lum, a marketer with around 20 years of experience based in Singapore. This AMA segment explores finding purpose, the delicate balance between staying relevant and being true to oneself, and navigating midlife crises.Gavin Lum comes on our show as he makes his transition to figure out how he can apply his passion and experience for sports to start a new chapter.Episode References:Gavin Lum | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In addition to the in-depth conversations with each guest on our show, we have a lightning round segment where we ask each guest to respond on the spot without seeing the questions in advance. This week, we welcome back renowned designer Stefan Sagmeister to hear his alternative career choices, next travel destinations, favorite food, and much more.Stefan Sagmeister has designed for clients as diverse as the Rolling Stones, HBO, and the Guggenheim Museum. He’s a two time Grammies winner and also earned practically every important international design award.Stefan talks about the large subjects of our lives like happiness or beauty, how they connect to design and what that actually means to our everyday lives. He spoke 5 times at the official TED, making him one of the three most frequently invited TED speakers.His books sell in the hundreds of thousands and his exhibitions have been mounted in museums around the world. His exhibit ’The Happy Show' attracted way over half a million visitors worldwide and became the most visited graphic design show in history. A native of Austria, he received his MFA from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna and, as a Fulbright Scholar, a master’s degree from Pratt Institute in New York.Episode References:Stefan Sagmeister | Online PortfolioStefan Sagmeister | InstagramRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Copying is a great way to study what makes an impactful website, poster, or even a social media post, according to Stefan Sagmeister.Rei welcomes back graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister to explore the importance of beauty in form and design. Reflecting on his career, Stefan shares how his collaboration with Jessica Walsh transformed his perception of design aesthetics, the impact of Apple's design philosophy, and his innovative sabbatical approach and its role in maintaining his creative passion. With insights on embracing change, valuing aesthetics, and intentionally designing one's life, this episode offers profound wisdom for aspiring designers and creative professionals.Stefan Sagmeister has designed for clients as diverse as the Rolling Stones, HBO, and the Guggenheim Museum. He’s a two time Grammies winner and also earned practically every important international design award.Stefan talks about the large subjects of our lives like happiness or beauty, how they connect to design and what that actually means to our everyday lives. He spoke 5 times at the official TED, making him one of the three most frequently invited TED speakers.His books sell in the hundreds of thousands and his exhibitions have been mounted in museums around the world. His exhibit ’The Happy Show' attracted way over half a million visitors worldwide and became the most visited graphic design show in history. A native of Austria, he received his MFA from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna and, as a Fulbright Scholar, a master’s degree from Pratt Institute in New York.Timestamps:0:03 The Evolution of Aesthetic Importance in Design4:25 Apple's Unwavering Commitment to Design and Aesthetics9:03 Stefan Sagmeister on Long-Term Projects and Creative Sabbaticals16:54 The Importance of Form and Copying in Design Learning20:20 The Dual Nature of Online Interactions and Empathy22:57 Stefan Sagmeister on Design, Beauty, and Evolving Perspectives25:12 Three TakeawaysEpisode References:Stefan Sagmeister | Online PortfolioStefan Sagmeister | InstagramRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How does long-term thinking influence creativity?Rei sits down with renowned designer Stefan Sagmeister to explore how the interpretation of data through art can shift public consciousness towards optimism. The episode places particular emphasis on Stephan’s exhibition “Now is Better,” which centers around the idea of long-term thinking of humanity’s progression. The conversation dives into Stephan’s underlying philosophies throughout his design process, belief in “low-function design”, and thoughts on balancing beauty and functionality.Stefan Sagmeister has designed for clients as diverse as the Rolling Stones, HBO, and the Guggenheim Museum. He’s a two time Grammies winner and also earned practically every important international design award.Stefan talks about the large subjects of our lives like happiness or beauty, how they connect to design and what that actually means to our everyday lives. He spoke 5 times at the official TED, making him one of the three most frequently invited TED speakers.His books sell in the hundreds of thousands and his exhibitions have been mounted in museums around the world. His exhibit ’The Happy Show' attracted way over half a million visitors worldwide and became the most visited graphic design show in history. A native of Austria, he received his MFA from the University of Applied Arts in Vienna and, as a Fulbright Scholar, a master’s degree from Pratt Institute in New York.Timestamps:0:03 Exploring Long-Term Thinking in Design and Art5:10 The Long-Term Perspective on Global Democracy and Progress8:40 Transforming Antique Art with Modern Data Representations15:56 The Intersection of Art, Design, and Commercial Viability19:43 Exploring Communication Design Beyond Commercial Boundaries20:48 The Intersection of Design and Art in Austrian Culture22:16 Blurring the Lines Between Design and Art26:11 The Allure of Low Functioning Design in Modern Life30:41 The Joy of Low Functionality in Everyday Activities34:43 The Sliding Scale Between Art and Design36:20 The Interplay of Beauty, Function, and Form in Design41:29 The Intersection of Design, Art, and Functionality46:11 Three TakeawaysEpisode References:Stefan Sagmeister | Online PortfolioStefan Sagmeister | InstagramRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why a point of view (POV) will be more important than AI. Written and read by Rei Inamoto himself.The Intersection is Rei’s weekly newsletter, exploring what the future holds at the intersection of creativity and technology. Subscribe to The Intersection to receive his latest editions directly in your inbox.Episode References:POV > AI | ArticleRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.