Integral - Design for a better world with Franck Barès and Guillaume Blum

translated by CREAT from author: Charles-Olivier Roy, Lac à L’épaule
source: https://lacalepaule.quebec/design-holistique-franck-bares-guillaume-blum-integral/

🎤 Charles-Olivier Roy, Franck Barès and Guillaume Blum examine the importance of innovation and design in Quebec’s development.

In this unabridged episode, Charles-Olivier Roy, Franck Barès and Guillaume Blum explore the potential of design thinking to transform Quebec society. Franck Barès, researcher at HEC Montréal, shares his vision of community at the heart of entrepreneurship. Guillaume Blum, professor at Université Laval, explains how the design approach can help solve societal problems. Together, they emphasize the importance of innovation and empathy for the development of society.

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The dream of a nation rich in intelligence, creativity and audacity

Charles-Olivier Roy, entrepreneur and link builder, shares his dream of building a nation rich in intelligence, creativity and audacity with the Mouvement des accélérateurs d’innovation du Québec.

Introducing Charles-Olivier Roy.

The mission of the Mouvement des accélérateurs d’innovation du Québec.

The importance of supporting programs to disseminate innovative ideas.

In this podcast segment, I, Charles-Olivier Roy, introduce myself as an entrepreneur, link builder and dreamer. I share my dream of building a nation rich in intelligence, creativity and audacity with the Mouvement des accélérateurs d’innovation du Québec. Together, we want to change the world, and we believe in doing it one person at a time. I’d like to welcome everyone to “Lac-à-L’Épaule”. I also stress the importance of supporting the show by subscribing, commenting or sharing episodes from your favorite podcast platform. That’s how we can continue to spread bold, innovative ideas for a better world.

The importance of holistic design in innovation and entrepreneurship

Charles-Olivier Roy talks to Franck Barès and Guillaume Blum about the importance of design thinking in innovation and entrepreneurship, and their respective backgrounds in the field.

In this conversation, I broach the subject of design thinking with two experts in the field, Franck Barès and Guillaume Blum. We discuss the importance of a holistic approach to increasing our potential to transform society. Franck Barès, a researcher at HEC Montréal, has a bold vision where community is at the heart of the entrepreneurial process. He recently published a book entitled “Startup Tribu” which explores this idea. For his part, Guillaume Blum, a professor at Université Laval, advocates a humanist approach to design. His engineering training and doctorate in management have enabled him to develop expertise in innovation and knowledge management, particularly in the aeronautics sector. His research focuses on innovation through design, digital technology and social transformation.

Designing innovation: between theory and practical application

Charles-Olivier Roy discusses the evolution of industrial design and its integration into many innovative processes, as well as its potential to change the world.

Introduction by design researchers Frank Barès and Guillaume Blum.
Discussion of the evolution of industrial design and its integration into innovative processes.
Exploration of design’s potential to change the world.
Mention of the growing importance of design research.

In this part of our conversation, I welcome two eminent researchers, Frank Barès from HEC in Montreal and Guillaume Blum from Laval University’s School of Design. We discuss the evolution of industrial design, a field that was relatively unknown in Quebec when I began my training. Having spent a large part of my career in entrepreneurship, I was pleasantly surprised to see how widespread design has become, and how integral it has become to many innovative processes. We are also exploring the idea of design as a means of changing the world. This transformation is achieved not only through exhausting strategies, but also through design research, a field that is gaining in importance.

The power of design in entrepreneurship and innovation

Guillaume Blum discusses the importance of design in innovation, as a process that integrates various disciplines to meet people’s real needs and transform their daily lives.

Guillaume Blum, professor at Laval University’s School of Design, shares his atypical background and approach to innovation.
The holistic approach to design at Université Laval, which integrates fields such as sociology and anthropology.
The importance of the design approach in innovating while remaining grounded in reality.
Guillaume Blum compares design to the social sciences, engineering and science, and explains how design transforms people’s real lives.
The designer’s role in combining different variables and disciplines.
The designer as translator, capable of understanding people’s needs and finding relevant scientific and technological solutions.

In our interview with Guillaume Blum, professor at Laval University’s School of Design, we explored the role of design in innovation and entrepreneurship. Guillaume shared his atypical background, moving from technical and engineering to social sciences, and how this experience led him to a holistic approach to design. He emphasized the importance of a design approach that remains rooted in reality, while at the same time breaking with traditional approaches. Guillaume also compared design to the social sciences, explaining how it serves to apply the major concepts developed in disciplines such as anthropology, sociology and psychology to transform people’s concrete lives. He emphasized the designer’s role as a translator, capable of understanding people’s needs and finding relevant scientific and technological solutions to meet those needs. This discussion highlighted the importance of design in creating innovative solutions that meet people’s real needs and have a significant impact on their daily lives.

The confrontation between the engineer’s approach and that of the designer

HEC Montréal’s Franck Barès explains how he integrated design into management and entrepreneurial processes, and shares his experience of collaborating with engineers and artists to create an interdisciplinary teaching approach.

Franck Barès from HEC Montréal shares his experience of integrating design into management and entrepreneurial processes.
He began his career in France, studying the impact of policies to support business start-ups.
Recruited by HEC Montréal, he continued to explore the creation of collective value.
He collaborated with engineers and artists in an interdisciplinary teaching program called Artem.
He emphasizes the importance of these collaborations and how they have enriched the students’ experience.
He talks about his new MBA course entitled “Design Thinking”, which aims to integrate design into management and entrepreneurship.

In this segment, Charles-Olivier Roy talks to Franck Barès, from HEC Montréal, who shares his unique experience of integrating design into management and entrepreneurial processes. Franck Barès began his career in France, where he studied the impact of policies to support business start-ups. He was then recruited by HEC Montréal, where he continued to explore the creation of collective value. Franck Barès also recounts his experience of working with engineers and artists as part of an interdisciplinary teaching program. This program, called Artem, brought together students from different disciplines to work together on projects. He emphasizes the importance of these collaborations and how they enriched the students’ experience. He concludes by talking about his new MBA course entitled “Design Thinking”, which aims to integrate design into management and entrepreneurship.

The challenges and limits of the design approach

The design approach can be beneficial or detrimental to society, as demonstrated by the example of Uber, which innovated socially by using design to improve the user experience, but also caused economic and social problems.

Guillaume Blum shared his background, from engineering to human and social sciences.
Discussion of the challenges and limits of the design approach.
Exploration of the example of Uber, which used design to improve the user experience, but also caused economic and social problems.
Importance of a balanced approach to design, taking into account both societal and economic impacts.

In this segment, Guillaume Blum and I, Charles-Olivier Roy, discussed the challenges and limits of the design approach. Guillaume shared his background, from engineering to the humanities and social sciences, and how he was seduced by the design approach, which combines technical and human aspects. We explored the example of Uber, which used design to improve the user experience, but also caused economic and social problems. Guillaume pointed out that social innovation can be beneficial or detrimental to society, and that companies like Uber need to consider the impacts of their actions. This segment highlights the importance of a balanced approach to design, which takes into account both societal and economic impacts.

Innovation by design for a prosperous Quebec

Guillaume Blum explains how innovation by design can help solve societal problems, such as Uber’s impact on the cab industry in Quebec, and how this approach is often sidelined in favor of short-term solutions.

Innovation by design as a solution to societal problems.
Uber’s impact on the Quebec cab industry.
The importance of entrepreneurial activity in the innovation process.
Teaching entrepreneurship in product design programs at Université Laval.

In this part of our conversation, Guillaume Blum explains how innovation through design can be used to solve societal problems. He takes the example of the cab industry in Quebec, which has been turned upside down by the arrival of Uber. According to Guillaume, a design approach would have made it possible to develop more sustainable and interesting solutions to the problems created by Uber. Unfortunately, this approach is often sidelined in favor of short-term solutions. Guillaume also stresses the importance of entrepreneurial activity in the innovation process, and how design can help structure this activity into a viable business model. He mentions that as part of their training at Université Laval, product design students receive entrepreneurship courses to help them integrate these concepts. This discussion underlines the importance of thinking long-term and considering societal issues in the innovation process.

Design thinking and innovation in the entrepreneurial world

Design thinking is a powerful tool for innovation, enabling us to solve societal problems creatively and collaboratively, by putting people at the heart of the process and promoting a practical, iterative approach.

In this segment, Charles-Olivier Roy, Franck Barès and Guillaume Blum discuss the importance of design thinking in the entrepreneurial world. In their view, design thinking is a powerful tool for managers, enabling them to step back from societal problems and innovate creatively and collaboratively. According to Franck Barès, design thinking is human-centered, and aims to understand what is possible for the user. It also allows us to move away from the idea of creative genius and focus on a collective logic. Guillaume Blum adds that creativity and curiosity are essential for innovation, and that design thinking involves a process of learning by doing and prototyping. He also stresses the importance of inquiry and understanding in the innovation process. Finally, they discuss the challenge of innovation in the face of social acceptance, using the example of qwerty and Dvorak keyboards.

Design and entrepreneurship: a creative and innovative approach

The design method, although often misunderstood, is a structured and scientific approach that can be used to innovate and create new businesses, while addressing societal issues.

Design is a structured, scientific method that can be used to innovate and create new businesses.
Design is not simply a matter of aesthetics, but an approach that follows well-defined steps.
The inspiring story of former product design students who founded a company based on their final-year project, a small domestic composter.
A warning against over-commercialization of the design method, emphasizing that it is not a quick fix and requires a well-thought-out approach.
The importance of getting out of the university and applying these concepts in the real world, while addressing societal challenges.

In this discussion moderated by Charles-Olivier Roy, Franck Barès and Guillaume Blum explore the links between design and entrepreneurship. They emphasize that design is not simply a matter of aesthetics, but a structured and scientific method that can be used to innovate and create new businesses. Franck Barès discusses the importance of design in project conception, emphasizing that this approach is not improvised, but follows well-defined steps. He also mentions the influence of Silicon Valley and consultants such as David Kelly, who have helped integrate design into the business world. Guillaume Blum, meanwhile, shares the inspiring story of former product design students who founded a company based on their final-year project, a small domestic composter, thus responding to a societal problem. However, Franck Barès warns against over-commercializing the design method, stressing that it is not a miracle solution and requires a well-thought-out approach. He concludes by stressing the importance of getting out of the university and applying these concepts in the real world, while addressing societal challenges.

Empathy, diversity and sustainability: the crucial role of design

Design, based on empathy and diversity, plays a crucial role in problem-solving, but must be used sustainably, not as a temporary solution to systemic problems.

Empathy and diversity are essential in design and problem-solving.
Design can be used to solve complex problems, as in the example of nurses’ schedules.
However, design should not be used to mask or delay the resolution of systemic problems.
Design solutions must be sustainable and address the real issues.
Sustainability must be at the heart of our approach to design.

In our discussion, we explored the essential role of empathy and diversity in design and problem-solving. In my opinion, Charles-Olivier Roy, good design requires a strong capacity for empathy and a deep understanding of the end-user’s needs. For example, by reorganizing the nurses’ schedules to meet their needs and those of the patients, we were able to find an innovative solution to a complex problem. However, Guillaume Blum stressed that design should not be used to mask or delay the resolution of systemic problems. Instead, we need to ensure that our solutions are sustainable and tackle the real issues. Franck Barès added that sustainability must be at the heart of our approach to design. Overall, we agreed that design, when used in an empathetic, diverse and sustainable way, can be a powerful tool for solving problems and creating positive impact.

The Quiet Revolution and the nationalization of hydroelectricity in Quebec

Charles-Olivier Roy explains how the Quiet Revolution and the nationalization of hydroelectricity in Quebec transformed Quebec society, emphasizing the importance of this decision for the province’s economy, education and entrepreneurship.

The Quiet Revolution and the nationalization of hydroelectricity transformed Quebec society.
Prior to these events, Quebec was primarily a society of workers and farmers, with few entrepreneurs.
The nationalization of hydroelectricity changed all that, transforming Quebec into a more entrepreneurial and economically prosperous society.
This decision made it possible to finance education, health care and other aspects of Quebec life.
René Lévesque played a crucial role in implementing these changes.
Charles-Olivier Roy raises the question of the long-term vision for Quebec.

In this segment, Charles-Olivier Roy looks back at a key turning point in Quebec’s history: the Quiet Revolution and the nationalization of hydroelectricity. He explains how, prior to these events, Quebec was primarily a society of workers and farmers, with few entrepreneurs. However, the nationalization of hydroelectricity changed all that, transforming Quebec into a more entrepreneurial and economically prosperous society. Charles-Olivier Roy also highlights how this decision helped fund education, health and other aspects of Quebec life, while fostering the emergence of a stronger Francophonie. He cites René Lévesque, an emblematic figure of the era, who played a crucial role in implementing these changes. Finally, Charles-Olivier Roy poses the question of a long-term vision for Quebec, inviting reflection on the opportunities and challenges facing the province.

Innovation, social issues and the impact of digital technology on culture

Guillaume Blum highlights the importance of innovation and culture in Quebec society, and how digital technology can influence these areas.

Discussion on innovation, social issues and the impact of digital technology on culture.
Guillaume Blum highlights the importance of innovation and culture in Quebec society.
Discussion on the impact of music streaming platforms on the music industry.
Importance of innovation and design to meet society’s challenges.
The need to be ambitious and build something that makes sense for Quebec society.

In this segment of our conversation, Guillaume Blum and I, Charles-Olivier Roy, discussed the impact of digital technology on culture and the importance of innovation in Quebec society. Guillaume pointed out that Quebec faces many challenges, including an aging population, the integration of immigrants and the preservation of Quebec culture. He also spoke of the impact of music streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music on the music industry. Guillaume suggested that innovation and design can play a key role in meeting these challenges. He also stressed that innovation must not be synonymous with digital, but must also take into account our human and material reality. In short, Guillaume stressed the importance of being ambitious and building something that makes sense for Quebec society, while adapting to changes in society.

The power of community and innovation: a look at Quebec’s development

Quebec’s development is based on innovation, entrepreneurial activism, a love of the province and the ability to create community, while recognizing the role of politics.

The importance of community and innovation to Quebec’s development.
Entrepreneurial activism as a driver of development.
Love for Quebec and its potential.
The role of politics in Quebec’s development.
The importance of innovation and empathy for the development of society.

In this rich and stimulating conversation with Franck Barès and Guillaume Blum, we explored the importance of community and innovation to Quebec’s development. Franck Barès emphasized the importance of entrepreneurial activism, citing the example of the Cameroonian music platform that has successfully mobilized a community around the defense of Cameroonian cultural identity. He also shared his love for Quebec, a place where he has found a wealth of perspectives and ideas, as well as great natural beauty. He emphasized the importance of creating community links and involving as many people as possible. We then discussed the role of politics in Quebec’s development. Charles-Olivier Roy pointed out that even if many things can be achieved without political intervention, to have a massive impact, it is necessary to create the conditions for the right decisions to be taken at the political level. In conclusion, we stressed the importance of innovation and empathy for the development of society. Innovation, even if it sometimes fails, is essential to create value.

Design thinking for a better world

Design thinking, an empathetic, human-centered approach, could be an effective solution to complex problems, including environmental ones.

In my discussion with Franck and Guillaume, I was struck by the potential of design thinking to solve complex problems. Taught at several Quebec universities, this empathetic, human-centered approach could be the key to finding solutions to problems such as environmental challenges. By putting an ecosystem, a forest, or even our planet at the center of discussions, we could find a holistic response to these problems. It’s important to remember that in this process, it’s not about ego or who has the right answer, but about finding the best possible solution for the problem at hand. I invite you to continue the discussion on LinkedIn and follow the Innovation Accelerator Movement to stay abreast of new ideas and approaches. Together, we can change the world.