Design Thinking: Brandblack

(Image courtesy of Brandblack's Instagram. Image depicts Billie Ellish wearing the OG white AURA for L'Officiel magazine)

In graduate school, one of the buzzwords professors love to discuss is "Design Thinking." Design Thinking is an iterative process in which we seek to understand the user, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems to identify alternative strategies and solutions that might not be instantly apparent with our initial level of understanding (Dam and Siang). Design Thinking enables a company to understand consumer needs to serve their audience better. For this project, I contacted different companies to learn how the organizations apply Design Thinking into their market offerings. I had the opportunity to talk with founders Billy and David to learn more about the brand.

(Image courtesy of Brandblack's Instagram.)

1. What makes Brandblack different from other brands on the market? We consider ourselves either a small, large brand or a large-small brand. Our size enables us to have the flexibility to create high quality technically sound products. .

(Image courtesy of Brandblack's Instagram.)

2. How does Brandblack stay ahead of upcoming trends? We have been in the business for many years and understand how a product's weight, color, or vibe can affect the overall outcome. We have access to new materials and innovative ideas through textile shows and vendor relationships. Our vendors allow us to keep a finger on the pulse of the industry.

(Image courtesy of Brandblack's Instagram.)

3. Where does Brandblack draw inspiration from during the design process? We draw inspiration from everything. We are primarily inspired by design and natural patterns. We want to capture our product line's textural, color, and biomechanical elements.

(Image courtesy of Brandblack's Instagram.)

4. How does Brandblack incorporate its mission and vision into its product offerings? Brandblack wants to create products that we would like to purchase. We want to improve upon industry standards by experimenting with Vibram Wraptech technology.

(Image courtesy of Brandblack's Instagram.)

5. What is the future of the company? We hope to scale our business and reach more people. Our ultimate goal is to become less restrained as we create beautiful and innovative products.

(Image courtesy of Brandblack's Instagram.)