By Design is a speaker series hosted by Georgia Tech's Master of Industrial Design program that creates a platform for conversations with practitioners working in integrated design and emerging technology. The series brings together designers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and students to explore how design is taught, learned, and practiced within a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
 

Spring 2026 Speakers
 

Dhaval Patel

Founder & CEO - Lotus
 

In the third installment of By Design, founder and CEO of Lotus, discussed how to build a product and company by designing for accessibility first. Lotus is a wearable ring that allows users to control lights, switches, and other objects simply by pointing, without any apps, WiFi, or rewiring.

Dhaval discussed how designing for inclusivity can lead to more usable products for everyone, and how simplicity can remove friction from the environments we interact with daily.

Lotus was named one of Time’s Best Inventions of 2025, recognized in Inc Magazine's Best in Business for Veterans, and is used by organizations across 30+ states.

By Design 03 Replay
 

Joe Hollier

Co-founder - Light
 

In the second installment of the series, Joe Hollier, co-founder of Light will joined us virtually for a conversation about how the Light Phone uses minimalism as both an aesthetic and strategic choice. He discussed how subtractive design decisions challenge dominant technology models built to grab as much of our attention as possible. This conversation also explored Light's unconventional marketing tactics and how they reinforce the philosophy of the product, positioning it as a tool for more intentional use and sustained focus.

Joe Hollier is a multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur, who has been recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 for consumer technology products, Print Magazine’s Top 20 Under 30 for visual artists, and the A.D.C Young Guns. The Light Phone was named one of Time’s Best Inventions of the Year in 2021 and 2025.

By Design 02 Replay
 

Diana Tobey

Executive Design Director - IDEO Play Lab
 

In the first installment of the series, Diana Tobey joined us virtually to discuss play as a core design skill. She shared how embracing ambiguity and imagining multiple possible futures can lead to more thoughtful, human-centered outcomes.

Diana is the Executive Design Director at IDEO’s Play Lab and with 15 years of experience in strategy, startups, and innovation, she helps organizations move ideas from concept to impact.

By Design 01 Replay