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\u201cMany have seen a TED talk about design thinking but they don\u2019t know what\u2019s next \u2014 what it looks like.\u201d This week on the On Brand podcast we unpacked design thinking, magical experiences, Nordic design, and how to criticize creative work with Jon Kolko, author of\xa0Creative Clarity\xa0and Partner at Modernist Studio.\nAbout Jon Kolko\nJon Kolko\xa0is the author of\xa0Creative Clarity, Partner at Modernist Studio, and the Founder of Austin Center for Design. Previously the Vice President of Design at Blackboard, he has worked extensively with both startups and Fortune 500 companies. He has been a Professor of Interaction and Industrial Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and has taught at the University of Texas at Austin, the Center for Design Studies of Monterrey, Mexico, and Malm\xf6 University, Sweden.\nEpisode Highlights\nHow is teaching in the US different than teaching abroad?\xa0Jon has taught in some of my favorite places. But how is teaching Austin, Texas different from teaching in Malmo, Sweden? The work ethic is a little different to say the least. \u201cSweden is committed and motivated. They respect design and humanity ahead of business.\u201d\nMore on Nordic design.\xa0As a frequent visitor to Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, I am a huge fan of Nordic design. \u201cThey take it very seriously. They roll up their sleeves and work on something until it\u2019s done.\u201d\nHow can your brand embrace design thinking?\xa0Jon shared his two core pillars. First, vision/narrative. Design thinkers have a knack for embracing the world as it could be and sharing that vision. Usually through storytelling. Second, criticism/iteration. We need to get better at talking about why something doesn\u2019t work.\nHow can we get better about talking about things that don\u2019t work?\xa0\u201cThere are rules! First the person being critiqued shuts up. This lets everyone be heard. But they also get to filter. We also make sure the language is aimed at the work product.\u201d As opposed to critiquing the person behind the work.\nWhat brand has made Jon smile recently?\xa0An experience buying a washer and dryer. That\u2019s all I\u2019ll say here. You have to listen for the smile.\nTo learn more,\xa0go to\xa0jonkolko.com\xa0and\xa0moderniststudio.com.\nAs We Wrap \u2026\nDid you hear something you liked on this episode or another?\xa0Do you have a question you\u2019d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show.\nOn Brand is sponsored by my new book\xa0Brand Now.\xa0Discover the seven dynamics to help your brand stand out in our crowded, distracted world.\xa0Order now and get special digital extras.\xa0Learn more.\n\n\nSubscribe to the podcast\xa0\u2013 You can subscribe to the show via\xa0iTunes,\xa0Stitcher,\xa0TuneIn, and\xa0RSS.\n\n\nRate and review the show\xa0\u2013 If you like what you\u2019re hearing, head over to\xa0iTunes\xa0and click that 5-star button to rate the show. And if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review. This helps others find the podcast.\n\n\nOK. How do you rate and review a podcast?\xa0Need a quick tutorial on leaving a rating/review in iTunes?\xa0Check this out.\n\nUntil next week, I\u2019ll see you on the Internet!\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices