The essence of good design strategy
- User-Centered Focus: Prioritize the needs, behaviors, and desires of the end user to create meaningful and functional solutions.
- Clear Problem Definition: Start with a deep understanding of the problem or challenge to ensure the design addresses real needs, not just superficial ones.
- Innovation and Creativity: Encourage out-of-the-box thinking to develop unique, effective solutions that stand out in the market and offer added value.
- Cost-Effective Feasibility: Balance creativity with practicality by considering production costs, scalability, and efficiency, while maintaining high quality.
- Sustainability and Long-Term Impact: Design with a focus on environmental, social, and economic sustainability, ensuring the product has lasting value and relevance.

About Barry Shapiro
I started my career working as a cabinet maker throughout collage and for five years following after graduating from University of the Arts with a BS in Industrial Design. I worked the next 27+ years for Lasko Products LLC, as an Industrial designer working my way to becoming the design manager before leaving and relocating to western PA and then moving to Vermont.