We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kyle Swen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kyle below.
Kyle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
My mission as an industrial designer is to leverage my skill set not only to solve problems and enhance experiences but also to meticulously consider the environmental impact at every stage of the design and manufacturing process. My design philosophy emphasizes sustainability, seamlessly integrating eco-friendly materials and efficient manufacturing processes, all while upholding a steadfast commitment to innovation and functionality.
While many of the products I design are composed of plastic, it’s crucial to recognize the significant challenges associated with plastic pollution. Plastics, notorious for their durability and resistance to degradation, accumulate in the environment, persisting for hundreds to thousands of years and contributing to pollution in oceans, rivers, landfills, and even remote areas. Although I don’t design for single-use plastic sources like packaging, bottles, and bags, I acknowledge that even the “Durable Goods” categories I focus on contribute to this pressing issue, necessitating a proactive approach to foster a greener, more sustainable future.
Addressing the complexities linked to plastic products demands concerted efforts across various fronts, including reducing plastic consumption, enhancing waste management infrastructure, and promoting sustainable alternatives. Currently, I am engaged in designing at a plastics injection molding factory (M4 Factory), affording me a prime opportunity to champion sustainable alternatives such as plant-based plastics and recycled materials. Through my work, I aspire to pave the way for others to follow, trailblazing a path toward a more environmentally conscious and sustainable industry.
Kyle, 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?
My journey as an industrial designer commenced in my youth, fueled by a passion for art, building things, and the enhancement of products and experiences. Despite not fully grasping the concept of industrial design until college, my inherent inclination towards creativity and problem-solving persisted. Upon entering college without a clear career path, a serendipitous encounter with the career center unveiled the profession of industrial design, instantly captivating my interest. I am deeply drawn to solving problems and addressing experiential pain points through innovative product solutions. Opting for the consulting route upon entering the workforce appealed to me due to the diverse array of products and industries it promised. This choice exposed me to a rich tapestry of cultures, demographics, and brands, each presenting unique design challenges and opportunities. Whether crafting running watches for Nike or designing surgical gowns for Kimberly-Clark, I approached each project with a keen focus on problem-solving and brand representation, mindful of manufacturing considerations and pricing dynamics.
For a quarter of a century, I served as a partner at Astro Studios, a leading design firm based in the Bay Area. Our clientele included renowned tech giants such as Nike, Google, Apple, Microsoft, HP, Compaq, Dell, Herman Miller, KIA, as well as numerous ambitious startups. Our collaborative efforts yielded innovative solutions across various consumer electronics and lifestyle products, many of which continue to thrive today. However, the rapid pace of technological advancement and evolving trends often dictated short product lifecycles, resulting in a concerning accumulation of discarded items in landfills.
This realization has propelled me towards my current mission of advocating for more sustainable design practices and materials implementation. Leveraging the same design expertise honed over the years, I am now committed to addressing pressing environmental challenges and contributing to solutions on a global scale. My journey as an industrial designer has evolved into a quest to create a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between design innovation and environmental stewardship.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
As an Industrial Designer, I derive immense satisfaction from crafting products that forge an emotional bond with users and positively impact their lives. We’ve all encountered products that fall short of expectations or fail to meet our needs, prompting the common refrain, “Why didn’t they think of this?” In my role, I am the driving force behind innovative solutions that enrich and elevate user experiences. I am often the “they”. I take great pleasure in periodically assessing the success of my designs in achieving this goal. A notable instance occurred during my involvement with the design team for the Nike running watch. While at the gym, I spotted someone wearing the watch and took the opportunity to inquire about their experience with it. Their face lit up as they enthusiastically shared insights into its features and why it resonated with them. Experiencing this firsthand was immensely gratifying, even though I refrained from disclosing my involvement in its creation.
Of course, constructive feedback is also an integral part of the design process, and I welcome it as a means to continually refine and enhance my work. Ultimately, my passion lies in delivering solutions that not only meet users’ needs but exceed their expectations, fostering meaningful connections between people and products.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Managing creatives presents unique challenges. Unlike a switch that can be flicked to activate creativity on demand, the creative process is often iterative, requiring time and exploration to uncover the optimal solution. Each creative individual typically adheres to a preferred process, which may differ from their peers’. Additionally, the inherent competitive drive within creatives can serve as both a motivator and a potential obstacle. In my experience, I’ve found success in advocating for a collaborative design thinking approach. By cultivating an environment of open communication and idea sharing, devoid of egos, we harness the collective creativity of the team. Every member’s insights and expertise are valued, fostering a culture where diverse perspectives enrich the design process.
Moreover, I firmly believe in leveraging individuals’ strengths for the collective benefit. Each team member brings unique talents and perspectives to the table, and by recognizing and capitalizing on these strengths, we enhance our ability to generate groundbreaking design solutions. Ultimately, success lies in the recognition that we all have a role to play in driving innovation and achieving our shared objectives.
Contact Info:
- Website: M4 Factory.com
- Instagram: kyleswen_
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/kyle-swen-9b858b4