You’ve said that 'design can have a transformative impact on people’s lives, starting from day one.' How do you approach each project with this mindset, and why is design such an important part of this process?

I always like to dive deep into the problem we’re solving—it means going beyond the brief. Design is a powerful force that shapes not only the products and spaces we inhabit but also the experiences and emotions connected to them. When I say design can have a transformative impact from day one, I mean that thoughtful design starts with a deep understanding of the people it serves—their needs, aspirations and how they move through the world.

Every project begins with empathy, as well as a sense of purpose and possibility. We immerse ourselves in the context, research thoroughly, and define the core of what’s truly needed. This process ensures the design isn’t just visually compelling but also functional, inclusive and meaningful.

Design is essential because it transforms ideas into something tangible. It brings innovation to life, drives evolution and has the power to shape a better world. Whether it’s a product, a space or a brand identity, design elevates everyday moments into something extraordinary.

ElliQ is an AI care companion robot designed to help older adults stay connected and engaged as well as offer health and wellness support. How did you approach designing a product that balances practical functionality with emotional resonance to genuinely meet the needs of older adults?

The key to designing ElliQ was establishing a trusting relationship with older adults and their caregivers. When we began the project in 2016, there were no compelling examples of robots participating in complex and meaningful human companionship. We approached the design from an emotional perspective—developing a character that could foster genuine connection and serve as a guiding principle for the overall design, including the form, the experience, UX & UI and CMF.

Complex technology can be intimidating, especially for older adults who didn’t grow up as digital natives. To address this, it was essential to make ElliQ and her advanced features feel approachable. This guided the decision to design an object with simplicity at its core. ElliQ has fewer moving parts and a simple animated face as her primary user interface. Her form factor, resembling a table lamp rather than a traditional robot, conveys warmth and familiarity. Additionally, ElliQ is fully voice-controlled, making it as simple to use as having a conversation with a friend. For added clarity, we included confirmation features on the screen, ensuring she understands even without a voice response.

To build true companionship, ElliQ had to deliver a natural and meaningful experience. Unlike many AI technologies that focus on transactional interactions, ElliQ engages in conversational experiences. She remembers past interactions, understands context, and provides timely, thoughtful suggestions. Task-related topics, such as medication reminders, physical activities, or staying hydrated, are addressed through friendly and respectful dialogue. Whether offering health reminders or sparking conversations, ElliQ’s role is to create moments of connection and empowerment, going far beyond mere utility.

Ultimately, design isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about enriching lives. With ElliQ, our goal was to create a product that not only meets practical needs but also fosters joy, companionship and a sense of dignity—because that’s what truly resonates.

Products designed for older adults often suffer from being overly utilitarian or aesthetically dated. Do you think this is driven by outdated perceptions of ageing, lack of representation in design teams, or industry pressures?

I think there are two major reasons: lingering stereotypes and a lack of investment in design.

There’s still a perception that older adults are primarily defined by their limitations. This often results in overly utilitarian designs that focus solely on function, neglecting emotional and aesthetic considerations. The reality, however, is that older adults are as diverse and dynamic as any other group, and they deserve products that reflect that.

Another issue is the overall lack of design attention in this category. When most products available are no-frills and purely functional, it reinforces the notion that older adults prioritise practicality over thoughtful design. This perception, in turn, discourages businesses from investing in design and innovation for this audience, focusing instead on functionality and durability alone.

But this lack of design attention also reveals a significant opportunity. By rethinking the approach to ageing, we can create products that are empowering, inclusive and joyful—products that respect and celebrate the full spectrum of human experience. With the right investment and mindset, there’s incredible potential to design products and experiences that truly resonate with older adults and elevate their daily lives.

As Vice President of Design at fuseproject, you’ve worked closely with founder Yves Béhar, a visionary designer known for his commitment to social impact and innovation. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned working alongside him?

Working with Yves Béhar for 20 years—on projects ranging from Jawbone wearable tech and the Herman Miller Sayl Chair to the Happiest Baby Snoo—has been an incredible journey. It has profoundly shaped my approach to both design and leadership. Starting as a junior designer and growing into my role as VP of Design has given me a front-row seat to Yves’ vision and process. The biggest lesson I’ve learned from him is the importance of pushing innovation forward with a sense of possibility and determination.

The experience has taught me to approach every project with a balance of creativity and resilience, always striving for solutions that are both innovative and tangible. This principle has become the cornerstone of my work, shaping how I lead and inspire my multidisciplinary team. I encourage them to embrace this mindset—understanding that meaningful design doesn’t happen overnight, but through sustained effort and thoughtful consideration. Our goal is to deliver work that is both impactful and deeply resonant.

Given your broad experience across industries - including AI and robotics, health and vehicles - what kind of products or solutions do you think will be most impactful for future generations of older adults, particularly when it comes to mobility, health, and independence?

I believe one of the most impactful areas for future innovation lies in supporting ageing in place. As more older adults express a desire to remain in their homes and maintain their independence, there is a significant opportunity for thoughtful design and technology to address this need—helping older individuals live in their own homes with dignity, safety and comfort.

This opportunity spans multiple areas, such as new types of mobility solutions—both indoor and outdoor—that can provide seamless, continuous support to help maintain regular daily activities. Innovations in health technology, like real-time health monitoring, offer early
detection and timely suggestions with effortless user experiences for personal care. Additionally, social connection technologies, such as AI companions or smart home systems designed to foster communication with family and friends who live apart, can have a meaningful impact on
mental health.

There is vast potential for technology and design to create truly revolutionary innovations in this under-served space, with solutions that are thoughtful, intuitive, and empowering. This is a cause I’m deeply passionate about, and I’m committed to being at the forefront of shaping the ageing experience for future generations.