Frank Wagner on Designing a Better Future

1. What are the most important topics or drivers of the current business world?

In design development, we are facing a fundamental realignment of our industry. This has to do with the profound transformation we are undergoing as a society, the effects of which companies and brands are having to deal with.

2. ... and what are the biggest challenges?

That all changes are dismissed as temporary trends and are not recognized in their scope.

3. Which innovations and tech trends do you find particularly exciting?

AI, of course. And the networking of all applications and thus the penetration into all areas of our lives.

4. What idea, product, or thought leader has excited or inspired you lately?

Product: My Tesla, but as for Elon Musk as a thought leader, not so much.

5. Why do culture change and digital transformation go together?

If we assume that digital transformation will have an impact in all areas of our lives, then it becomes a cultural question of how we approach it as individuals and as a society. How much freedom do we give technology to intervene in our lives?

6. In one sentence, what is a topic that we should no longer be discussing in five years?

What design is, because design will then hopefully be recognized as what it will be, especially in the future, a term that stands for a special approach (substantial, interdisciplinary, curious) and a special attitude (person-centric, open-ended, solution-oriented), on the basis of which constructive answers to any questions can be found.

7. What makes companies successful in the long run? What makes leadership successful in the long run?

Being who you are while remaining constantly open to change.