Episode 19 of The Design Journeys Podcast hosted by Chris Whyte. New episodes every Wednesday!



In this episode, Chris Whyte sits down with Fred Russell-Pavier, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Super Smith, a company focused on creative accessible micro-mobility solutions. Fred’s journey started in academia, where he explored complex sensing and measurement technology, leading to multiple patents and innovations. He shares insights on moving from research to a start-up, using sensing technology to enhance mobility scooters, and the challenges of adapting advanced technology for public use. This conversation delves into the balance of safety, design, and functionality needed to create accessible and intuitive products.

1. Transition from Academia to Startups: Fred’s path from a Ph.D. in sensing technology to founding a micro-mobility startup highlights the adaptability needed to turn research into impactful products.
2. Focus on Safety and Stability: Super Smith prioritizes designing stable, user-friendly mobility solutions that cater to various accessibility needs.
3. Prototyping and User-Centric Design: Fred’s experience shows the importance of frequent prototyping and user testing to develop intuitive and accessible products.
4. Challenges in Inclusive Design: Creating for a broad user base requires sensitivity to differing needs and adaptability in design.
5. Community Support and Networking: Fred emphasizes the value of incubator spaces and networking for early-stage startups, offering crucial resources and support.

Connect with Fred Russell-Pavier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fsrp/

Learn more about SuperSmith here: https://supersmith.co/

Connect with Chris Whyte on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrchriswhyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about Kodu Recruitment: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://teamkodu.com/⁠