The Award-Winning Strategy Behind Sustainable Product Design

In this episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, Ian Peterman interviews Ravi Sawhney, founder and CEO of RKS Design, a global human-centered design firm. Ravi shares his journey in industrial design, the development of his Psycho-Aesthetics® methodology, and how emotional durability and sustainable materials are shaping the future of innovation in product design.

They discuss Ravi's groundbreaking work on electric guitars, including a collaboration with Dave Mason to create the world’s first sustainable electric guitar. The conversation dives into circular economy principles and how businesses can successfully integrate aesthetics, function, and sustainability to make a lasting impact.

𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

00:00 - Guest Introduction

00:39 - The Journey of RKS Design

02:05 - The Philosophy of Human-Centered Design

17:00 - Revolutionizing the Electric Guitar

22:23 - Innovating the Guitar: From Early Concepts to Icons

26:46 - Sustainability in Product Design

30:09 - Beyond Trends: Emotional Durability and Sustainable Products

35:57 - The Future of Design and Sustainability

About Ravi Sawhney and RKS Design

Ravi Sawhney, CEO and Founder of RKS Design, has spent over four decades driving innovation in product design and technology. As a serial entrepreneur and thought leader, he has shaped industries with breakthrough solutions, incubated companies, and created products that impact lives globally. Through RKS Design, he’s developed game-changing designs for diverse clients, earning media praise and prestigious awards.

Sawhney also founded LoanGifting, a platform using technology to tackle the student loan crisis, and D&A Guitar Gear, which ensures the security of instruments at major events like the Grammys and Coachella. As the visionary behind RKS Guitars, he partnered with legendary guitarist Dave Mason to create the world’s first sustainable electric guitar, used by top musicians worldwide.

The inventor of the Psycho-Aesthetics® design methodology, studied by Harvard Business Press, Sawhney co-authored Predictable Magic, a Wharton School-published book. He’s been honored as a Fellow in the Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA) and holds an honorary Ph.D. from the Academy of Art University. Ravi Sawhney’s work continues to inspire positive change across business, design, and beyond.

Learn More about Ravi Sawhney and RKS Design

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravisawhney/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rksdesign/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RKSdesign

X: https://x.com/rks

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RKSDesign

Website: https://rksdesign.com/ 

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