What Role Does Experimental Design Play as a Driver of Innovation?
Chapter
01:21 – Miriam Johnston: Biophilic Colours & Flavobacteria
07:07 – Johannes Voelchert: Selection as Spotlight Project & the role of process design
13:35 – Experiences at Burg Giebichenstein
15:51 – On Shoes: From Bachelor project to innovation process
22:17 – Interdisciplinary collaboration and funding opportunities
25:17 – Future potential of experimental design
Key Learnings
Design in the Lab: Biophilic Colours
Miriam Johnston explores structural colours generated through the growth of flavobacteria. With 3D-printed biotubes, she creates habitats in which microorganisms produce iridescent colour patterns. Her approach demonstrates how designers can be integrated as equal collaborators in scientific research processes.
From Experiment to Scale: LightSpray at On
During his studies, Johannes Voelchert developed a process in which a shoe’s upper material is sprayed directly onto its sole. At On, this technology has been further developed over several years – with the challenge of scaling it up to industrial levels. His work shows how experimental design can create tangible impact in industry when persistence meets iterative problem-solving.
Interdisciplinarity as Key
Both guests emphasise the role of designers as bridge-builders between disciplines. Whether in biotechnology, materials research, or manufacturing innovation – the crucial skill lies in connecting knowledge, contributing new perspectives, and translating complex ideas into forms accessible to science, business, and society alike.
Design Perspectives Podcast
How can we use design as a lever for transformation and economic success? We talk about this with personalities from the fields of design, brand management and architecture. They give us insights into how transformation, sustainability and economic success can go hand in hand in a company. Interesting, informative, inspiring.