Author Archive

Stefanie Norvaisas, principal and director of strategy & research, and Lucas McCann, senior design strategist, are heading to Boulder, Colorado for the 2011 Ethnographic Praxis in Industry Conference (EPIC). They’ve been selected to present a half-day workshop “More Meaningful Mapping: The How and Why of Diagramming Experiences,” September 20, 2011.

The three-day EPIC 2011 features presentations, workshops and numerous collaborative opportunities. The conference brings together strategists and researchers from around the world to discuss the theory and practice of ethnography in industry. This year’s conference theme is “Evolution/Revolution: Change and Ethnographic Work.”

“More Meaningful Mapping,” tasks a closer look at the power of visual mapping tools – tools that help researchers understand people and processes. The workshop challenges participants to move beyond using maps as merely descriptive tools and use experience maps as catalysts that create strategies and facilitate decisions.

It’s a fast-paced, rapid-fire team challenge for all the participants as they take part in discussions and hands-on opportunities to learn why and how to map and diagram experiences.

Learn more about EPIC 2011

Pepsi or Coke? Mac or PC? Paper or plastic? We all make decisions every day. For our design teams, understanding how and why we make the choices we do can turn good ideas into remarkable products and services.

Design Concepts staff members Jarold Beukelman and Vivian Lin will be sharing their insights into decision making in the first presentation of the 2011-2012 Wright Design Series, Thursday, September 15, 7:00 pm at Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison, WI. The event is free and open to the public.

Design Minds on Decision Making takes a closer look at the science and the behaviors of decision making. Jarod and Vivian show how an understanding of decision making is used to create products and services that people truly want and need. Their presentation reveals the many ways designers use this information to create new products and services that change the way people work, live and play.

To learn more about the series, visit the Monona Terrace Wright Design Series Web site.

Design Concepts, Inc., a nationally-recognized innovation and design consultancy headquartered in Madison, WI, has increased its ability to share award-winning product development solutions with the addition of Rick Stein to the firm’s business development unit. Rick joins Design Concepts as a strategic account manager for the Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN area.

Rick brings to Design Concepts an extensive background in business development and account management with a specialization in medical device design. Within his role at Design Concepts, Rick utilizes his in-depth knowledge of the industry to tailor the firm’s methodology and services to meet the needs of industry leaders in the Twin Cities and elsewhere.

Stein’s passion for healthcare and medical device development has been the focus of his career. Prior to joining Design Concepts, he was Vice President of Business Development at Devicix, in Minneapolis, MN. His work experience includes not only developing strategic business associations with leading device manufacturers but committing to the future of the field by volunteering at the University of Minnesota and at LifeScience Alley.

Jim Womble, director of business development and principal of Design Concepts, explains, “We are thrilled to welcome Rick to Design Concepts. We’re very pleased to be able to offer Rick’s experience and insights to our clients in the Twin Cities.”

About Design Concepts: Design Concepts, Inc. is an innovation and design consultancy with more than 44 years of experience providing product and service expertise spanning strategy, research, design, human factors, engineering and prototyping. www.design-concepts.com

The 6th Annual Maddie’s Miracle was a huge success! Among the highlights of the day were the obstacle course, the bouncy castle and of course, the pie throwing extravaganza.

I’m guessing this one is lemon meringue – certainly something special for the president of the company.

Thanks to everyone who came out and supported the effort to raise funds for the American Family Children’s Hospital. If you missed the event, it’s not too late to contribute. Visit the Maddie’s Miracle Web site for more information. for more information.

It’s August and for all of us at Design Concepts that means one thing: Maddie’s Miracle!

We’re very excited to be hosting the 6th Annual Maddie’s Miracle fund raising event in support of American Family Children’s Hospital (AFCH) Family Support Program! The family-friendly carnival, complete with plenty of games and prizes, will be held at Keva Sports Center in Middleton on Friday, August 12th, 2011 from 2 pm – 7 pm. Please join us!

Each year, Design Concepts’ staff joins together with friends, family, community members, clients and colleagues to honor the memory of Madeline Rose Hunter, daughter of Design Concepts’ director of information services Mark Hunter and his wife Robin. The many people who come out and support the event by taking part in the fun and games reflect Maddie’s joyous life and loving family.

There will be plenty of food, and lots of fun, at this year’s Maddie’s Miracle. The day includes lots of carnival games, adult tricycle races, a visit from the UW Volleyball team, and more. Maddie’s Miracle will also hold a raffle to win a new Trek 7.2 FX bicycle. The drawing will be held at 7:00 pm on August 12th at the event. You need not be present to win. Raffle tickets can be purchased at Design Concepts, or the carnival.

In just six short years, Maddie’s Miracle, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has raised over $40,000 for the Hospital’s family support services. AFCH Family Support Program helps families of hospitalized children by providing food, lodging assistance, gas cards, sibling care and much more.

See you there!