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Informing Innovation: An Interview with Stephen Konkle, U. S. Small Business Administration

By Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator Based in Chicago, Stephen Konkle is the Illinois District Office International Trade Officer at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Before joining the SBA, Konkle worked in treasury and accounting positions for manufacturing firms. He holds a B.A. in economics and an MBA in finance. Stephen, what is the most exciting or…

Informing Innovation: An Interview with Stephen Reily, Vibrant Nation

By Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator Stephen Reily was a male marketer in his early 40s who was surprised to learn that his global consumer packaged goods clients were ignoring some of their most profitable customers: women 45+. After asking women how they interacted in a marketplace that ignored them, he built Vibrant Nation as an online platform for them to support…

Informing Innovation: An Interview with Jens Bauerle, Global Brand Vision

By Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator Jens is founder and owner of Global Brand Vision, an international retail consultancy specializing in assisting retailers to address their difficulties and growth opportunities in home products. The highly qualified team works together with clients to evaluate, change, and develop product assortments, visual merchandising, and…

Informing Innovation: An Interview with Richard Babick and Janine Michalek, Design Research

By Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator We are speaking today with Rick Babick and Janine Michalek. Rick is president and founder of Design Research, the New Jersey-based company he established in 1998 after a 16-year career as head of research and planning for Lenox, Inc. Design Research uses a proprietary program to test new designs and new product concepts in the…

Informing Innovation: An Interview with Aaron Ferber, IDEO

IDEO (pronounced “eye-dee-oh”) is an award-winning global design firm that takes a human-centered, design-based approach to helping organizations in the public and private sectors innovate and grow. The Palo Alto-based firm currently maintains 5 studios in the U.S., two in Europe and three in Asia. IDEO was ranked as one of the most innovative companies in the world by business…

Informing Innovation: An Interview with Bryce Rutter, Metaphase Design Group

By Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator Dr. Rutter is a renowned specialist in ergonomic product design and the leading expert in the design of handheld products. He has been profiled by the Wall Street Journal, CNN, and The Chicago Tribune. The Toronto Globe & Mail, Lexus magazine and Metropolis. He been awarded 100+ patents and his company has received 75+…

Informing Innovation: An Interview with Naomi Shedden, Trend Bible

By Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator Trend Bible is a UK-based trend agency dedicated to home and interiors. The firm works with global brands to predict and capitalize on future changes affecting their consumers. Trend Bible produces a series of industry-specific trend and insight publications and crafts bespoke consultancy services for individual clients. As…

Work, Love, Play: Millennials Reshaping Your Business

By Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator Informing Innovation: An Interview with Marsha Everton, The AIMsights Group The AIMsights Group focuses on analysis, insights and targeted marketing strategies to help companies "get smart" about Millennials and Boomers – and how they influence each other. AIMsights products and services include custom research and analysis for…

Housewares Industry Forecasters Peer Into The Future Of Consumer Trends, Millennials

Colors & Design Trends, Millennials’ Shopping Habits, Supermarket Shoppers Turning supermarket shoppers into housewares buyers, how millennials shop, color and design trends, and consumers’ mindset about color will be explored during the keynote educational sessions at the 2016 International Home + Housewares Show, March 5-8 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. These programs are…