Events

Several Design Concepts’ staff members rode on the Cadence Keepers team in the Best Dam Bike Ride, August 7 – 8, 2010. Cyclists rode 75-miles each day of the two-event raising funds for the Wisconsin chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

It was hot, humid and rained on Sunday, but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm or the commitment of the riders. The 17-member Cadence Keepers team raised an amazing $8,000 in support of a great cause.

To look for the next generation of engineering and design talent, look no further than the kids selected to participate in the University of Wisconsin – Madison College of Engineering’s Camp Badger program. On Friday, July 23rd, Design Concepts’ staff members were visited by thirty-three, soon-to-be eighth grade students attending the week-long residential learning opportunity held on the UW campus each year.

Their creativity and enthusiasm were clear as they pondered a better way to move books from class to class and make today’s backpack obsolete. Their free-wheeling brainstorming session generated amazing ideas that got everyone talking and thinking about how great ideas become successful new products.

Dave Franchino, president of Design Concepts, spoke to the Madison area Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) on May 20th, 2010. SCORE offers sound and helpful advice to help innovators determine if they have a successful product or service idea. Franchino’s presentation, titled Introduction to Product Design Consulting, introduced entrepreneurs to the opportunities in collaborating with a design firm experienced with the triumphs and challenges of product development.

Creating powerful connections with customers means understanding their needs, their goals and their lives. Filene Research Institute and Design Concepts are teaming up to help credit unions gain insights into opportunities to improve member services.

On November 12, 2009, Design Concepts staff were proud to host the area’s first Designers Accord Town Hall Meeting and begin the discussion on ways to actively encourage sustainability within the design community.