Makers and Facilitators

For the last 30 years, I have been on a mission to revolutionize product design development. By guiding design teams in using cutting-edge prototyping strategies and technologies, I ensure faster, more efficient design iterations. My approach not only delivers optimal solutions to user needs but also significantly lowers development costs. I'm dedicated to creating impactful, sustainable innovations with a team that cares deeply about making a positive difference for the planet and society. Increasingly, my focus has been on helping clients transition from an early-stage product development mindset of rapid 'quick and dirty' iteration to a more considered and thorough Design for Reliability (DfR) process. This involves a full assessment and prioritization of risks, addressing potential causes of product failure through iterative cycles of user verification and technical validation. This mindset shift is essential for successfully bridging the New Product Development 'chasm of doom' and ensuring the transition from design realization to a commercially successful product. As Production Director at IDC and Head of the Development Centre at PDD, I had the opportunity to be part of the senior management teams leading two of the UK's largest and most progressive design consultancies. This role exposed me to research and development specialists, including ethnographers, psychologists, and semioticians, who were at the forefront of developing Human-Centred Design and Design Thinking. I was instrumental in helping both businesses systemize and embed advanced HCD techniques, achieving ISO 9001 and 13485 accreditations. By creating a culture that recognizes a quality-managed end-to-end process results in a quality product, I contributed to the ongoing success and innovation within these organizations. Since establishing Interactual Limited, my work has provided insights into a wide range of subjects, including strategies for early-stage product start-ups, peer-to-peer and grant funding, the circular economy, Industry 4.0 (Factory of the Future), additive manufacturing, and sustainable design. This experience has deepened my understanding of these critical areas, allowing me to guide clients effectively through the complexities of modern product development and innovation.