The founder of Kansas City’s Willoughby Design shares insights on positioning the company to design for a gender-balanced world, the importance of educating clients about the value of design and what studios must do to retain their best workers in 2015 and beyond.

The founder of Local Projects weighs in on the mobile computing paradigm, the user experience perspective and what it means for the design studio of the future.

In this interview, Kelly Stevens, Southwest regional art director at Whole Foods Market, discusses her dynamic role at the natural and organic food store chain. Sharing anecdotes and stories, Stevens offers insights into the day-to-day responsibilities, challenges and rewards of her in-house work. 

In this final installment of a three-part conversation, Bob Calvano, director of Merck’s Global Creative Studios, offers practical advice for the in-house team faced with an all-too-common issue—being perceived as a service provider rather than a strategic partner. Breaking down the assignment, enhancing team communication and establishing accountability are just a few of the solutions he proposes.

In this interview, popular author and design management consultant Mark McGuinness discusses the role of the design team leader and the skills team leaders need to succeed. For current and prospective in-house team managers, Mark offers suggestions on how to lead design teams by example.

Stefan Bucher, whose Daily Monster inkblot creations have been connecting with web audiences for the past five years, now has an iPhone and iPad app. And it’s spooky good fun.