We’re always talking about the future of design, the future of technology, the future of MAKING. In a world where smart skin patches can administer specific medications on a set schedule, a world where personal farms can be built into kitchens, how do we find the next big thing? MakerGalaxy is a show that explores the crossroads of Design, Technology, and the Future of Making.

This week we talked with Mr. Randy Schwemmin of the non-profit product design firm D-Rev. D-Rev aims to create medical equipment for populations that make less than $4 a day and Randy’s extensive background in manufacturing helps make this seemingly impossible task, possible. We’ll talk with Randy about everything from how he went from working in the aerospace industry creating million dollar products to products made for millions making less than $4 a day. We’ll also talk about how D-Rev approaches their design process as a non-profit, to where we can find the best ice cream sundae on earth and more.

We’ll be discussing:

  • Where can we find the best ice cream shop on earth?
  • From aerospace design to impact design?
  • How do you create a product for somebody earning less than $4 a day?
  • How do you decide which of these design problems are solving and where do you even begin?
  • How does designing products in the non-profit sector differ from traditional studios?
  • …and more!

Edit from Randy: Swensen’s is actually in San Francisco, but the great place in Ann Arbor is called Kilwin’s.

For more information on Randy and D-Rev, head over to D-Rev.org.

Author

Simon is a Brooklyn-based industrial designer and Managing Editor of EVD Media. When he finds the time to design, his focus is on helping startups develop branding and design solutions to realize their product design vision. In addition to his work at Nike and various other clients, he is the main reason anything gets done at EvD Media. He once wrestled an Alaskan alligator buzzard to the ground with his bare hands… to rescue Josh.