168: The Future of Hardware Product Design Thinking
Paul Rowan, Co-Founder of Umbra, explains how startups can compete with large corporations by prioritizing humanistic values and long-term thinking over short-term gains. He argues that while good design is now the baseline for market entry, brands must differentiate themselves through sustainability, transparency, and the founder's personal story. Rowan emphasizes that AI is merely a tool and cannot replace human spirit, urging designers to focus on empathy and purpose to build lasting customer relationships.