Having Michael Jordan as a Stakeholder, Designing for Different Brands and Creating Iconic Products: An Interview with Michael DiTullo Ep 113

On #wayofproduct this week, we're thrilled to feature Michael DiTullo, a visionary designer whose journey has taken him from iconic brands like Nike and Jordan to the forefront of industrial design across diverse industries. Michael brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on creating products that resonate deeply with consumers.Here's what we're getting into:⭐ Michael's philosophy on design as a brand exercise and his approach to creating iconic, beloved products.⭐ Insights from his time working with Michael Jordan and how those experiences shaped his approach to design and collaboration.⭐ The importance of understanding your brand's identity and audience to create relevant and resonant products.⭐ Michael's journey from major brands to an independent consultant, and the lessons he's learned about effective collaboration and respecting a brand's purpose.⭐ The power of storytelling in design and how understanding narratives can drive better product development.Subscribe and listen to The Way of Product on...🎧 Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pivot/id1442980948?mt=2&uo=4🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7dy9vYUPNj3dH9lKAVDheV🎧 Google Podcasts - https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy81ODQxMTc0L3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz🎧 Audible - https://podcasters.amazon.com/podcasts/9ed01fe7-2dbd-4eb6-a114-12ed367e371fHow to tune in for the new releases:📺  Watch the podcast clips - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrBZL31DoAT7vW2vbYkeXhw📲 Watch Episode Clips on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@caden.damiano?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc📲 Watch Episode Clips on X - https://twitter.com/Caden_Damiano📸 Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/caden.damiano/Who is Michael DiTullo?Michael DiTullo is a design force to be reckoned with. Having worked with some of the most recognizable brands in the world, Michael's expertise spans from creating iconic sneakers at Nike and Jordan to pushing the boundaries in industries like audio equipment and architectural systems. His unique approach to design is not just about aesthetics; it's about understanding the core of what makes a brand tick and delivering products that embody that essence. Michael believes in the power of design to transform everyday experiences into moments of joy and inspiration.Join us as we dive into Michael's world of design, storytelling, and innovation on The Way of Product. Don't forget to subscribe for more captivating stories and insights into the world of product design.#CreativeVision#DesignLeadership#BrandStorytelling#WayOfProduct#InnovativeDesignConnect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelditullo/00:00 Introduction and Career Journey01:15 The Art of Iconic Design02:03 The Apple Aesthetic and Branding05:03 Understanding Your Target Audience08:21 The Importance of Product Love and Belief09:10 Creating for Specific Audiences09:33 Working with Michael Jordan21:51 The Role of Design in Different Industries25:28 The Power of Personal Branding26:16 The Impact of Personal Definition31:08 The Power of Defining Yourself31:23 Transitioning Careers: From Nike to Frog Design32:13 The Art of Interviewing: Storytelling and Control32:47 Defining Your Professional Identity33:19 Collaboration and Leadership in Design35:27 The Impact of Directness and Honesty36:27 Understanding Your Brand's Perception36:57 The Importance of Consumer Perspective40:48 Learning from Mistakes: The Polk Audio Story43:40 The Principle of Maya in Design45:38 Designing for Digital First Companies55:13 Designing an Electric Speedboat59:01 The Role of Intuition in Design01:00:20 Maintaining Integrity in Design This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wayofproduct.com