We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kevin Von. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kevin below.

Hi Kevin, thanks for joining us today. Is there a lesson you learned in school that’s stuck with you and has meaningfully impacted your journey?

One of the most impactful lessons I learned during my time in school is the importance of taking ownership of my work. While teachers and mentors provide valuable guidance and advice, it’s ultimately up to you to make decisive choices and steer your projects in the direction you envision. I realized that being determined and making informed decisions on my own are crucial for personal and professional growth.

I also learned the significance of controlling the flow and pace of a project. Managing your time effectively and setting your own milestones help ensure that you stay on track and maintain the quality of your work. This level of self-management fosters not only discipline but also adaptability when facing unexpected challenges.

Another key insight was understanding that design is an endless journey. There’s always room for improvement, new ideas to explore, and boundaries to push. Embracing the idea that “design never ends” allowed me to focus on doing the best I can with the resources and knowledge I have at the moment, rather than striving for unattainable perfection.

These lessons have been instrumental in shaping my approach to work and creativity. They’ve taught me to be proactive, self-reliant, and open to continuous learning—all of which have been invaluable in my career as an industrial designer and innovation strategist.

Kevin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, I’m Kevin, an industrial designer and innovation strategist with an MS/MBA degree. I thrive at the intersection of design and business, blending creative expertise with strategic insight to develop meaningful solutions that address real user needs.
Specializing in diverse design research methods, I excel at uncovering insights and generating innovative ideas through collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. I believe that the best results come from embracing different perspectives and working together to push boundaries.
My work combines aesthetics with functionality, characterized by an organized, adaptable, and playful approach. I take pride in balancing creative excellence with strategic thinking, making me a valuable asset in any design environment.
Beyond visualization, I help business owners refine their value propositions and polish their brand guidelines. I’m passionate about not just bringing ideas to life visually but also strengthening brand identities and market positioning.
What sets me apart is this unique blend of design and business acumen, allowing me to provide comprehensive solutions that are both beautiful and strategically sound. I’m most proud of the meaningful impact my work has on clients, helping them achieve their goals and connect more deeply with their audiences.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Certainly. During my undergraduate thesis project at Shih Chien University in 2022, I faced a significant challenge that tested my resilience. I was tasked with creating two full-scale prototypes in just four months—a demanding endeavor. I chose to work under a supportive professor who wasn’t part of the official grading panel. Every two weeks, I presented my progress on the B2Q KIT, a portable barbecue grill designed to enhance outdoor cooking experiences, to a panel of five professors.

Their feedback was consistently critical; they doubted my design direction, questioned my decisions, and even considered failing me, ultimately giving me a grade of D. This was disheartening and made me question my abilities. However, instead of letting the criticism defeat me, I used it as motivation to refine my design. I incorporated constructive feedback while staying true to my vision.

My perseverance paid off. The B2Q KIT gained significant attention, won several awards, and was featured in prestigious design magazines like DesignBoom and Yanko Design. This experience reinforced the importance of standing firm in my convictions while remaining open to growth. It taught me that resilience is key to turning adversity into opportunity, shaping my approach to both design and life.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A significant pivot in my life occurred after my internship at Volvo’s Asia Pacific headquarters in Shanghai. I had a stable job opportunity there; my boss wanted me to stay and continue contributing to the team. Working at Volvo provided me with invaluable experience collaborating with marketing, engineering, and product management teams, and engaging with major companies like Tencent, Alibaba, and Huawei.

However, I aspired to advance my design career further and felt the need to broaden my horizons. I made the difficult decision to leave Volvo and pursue higher education in the United States at ArtCenter College of Design. This was a substantial risk because I was giving up a secure position for the uncertainty of further studies abroad. Additionally, I chose to expand my skill set by studying at the Drucker School of Management to gain business acumen alongside my design education.

This pivot required me to step out of my comfort zone, adapt to a new country, and tackle unprecedented academic challenges. While it was daunting, this decision allowed me to grow immensely both personally and professionally. I developed a deeper understanding of design and business, honed my skills, and became more strategic in my thinking. Ultimately, this pivot transformed me into a more independent and confident designer, better equipped to create impactful designs and innovative user experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kevinvon.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Von_kevin
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinvon/