Scott Witthoft and Scott Doorley of Stanford University’s d.School tell the story of William H. Whyte, whose seminal work on the study of human behavior in urban spaces led him to conclude the seemingly obvious point—people will sit where there are places to sit.
Articles
Biological Innovation: The Cutting Edge of Materials Science
Dr. Andrew Dent, vice president, library and materials research at Material ConneXion discusses biological innovation and what we can learn from mimicking biological processes through industrial manufacturing or the use of natural materials.
Prototyping Applied to Space Design
You don’t have to wait for a building overhaul to try out new ideas in your current workspace, say Scott Witthoft and Scott Doorley of Stanford University’s d.School, who encourage people to prototype spaces and ideas to find out what really works.
Materials Substitution Can Lead to Innovation
Industries are constantly looking for ways to make better-performing products that are also lighter and more cost-effective; these goals can be achieved through materials substitution, according to Dr. Andrew Dent, vice president, library and materials research at Material ConneXion.
What is Design Thinking?
Scott Witthoft and Scott Doorley of Stanford University’s d.School explain the three facets of design thinking that can be used to solve problems ranging from business to the everyday.
Working with Innovative Materials: Think Performance First
What do you need your material to do? Understanding a material’s attributes and limitations before designing a product results in a more cost-effective and innovative result, says Dr. Andrew Dent, vice president, library and materials research at Material ConneXion.
Vertical Work Surfaces as a Tool to Encourage Conversation, Add Perspective
According to Scott Witthoft and Scott Doorley of Stanford University’s d.School, adding vertical dry erase work surfaces encourage employees to “work out loud,” collaborate and share ideas.
Borrowing Innovative Ideas from Other Industries
Don’t be afraid to look to other industries for materials solutions when designing a new product, says Dr. Andrew Dent, vice president, library and materials research at Material ConneXion, who offers an example of an iPad accessory that borrowed materials and processes from three unrelated industries.
Idea Sharing and Collaboration Adds Depth and Perspective
Information that is shared during collaborative projects can help you tap into new and better ideas in order to advance innovation, according to Sami Hayek, designer and principal, Sami Hayek Studio.
The Impact of Space on Behavior
The environment you work in has a profound impact on your behavior and the behavior of others around you, according to Scott Witthoft and Scott Doorley of Stanford University’s d.School.
