Episode 9 | Human-Centered Design with Tucker Fort, Industrial Designer, Partner & Executive Director at Smart Design

In this episode, we sit down with Tucker Fort, Partner and Executive Director at Smart Design, to explore the evolution of his career shaped by curiosity and a commitment to human-centered design. From his early days taking apart gadgets and cleaning a ceramics studio to leading multi-disciplinary teams at one of the world’s top design consultancies, Tucker shares how he transitioned from engineering to industrial design—and eventually to the intersection of physical and digital design. He reflects on how his time at Pratt, and learning alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, helped him shift from simply solving problems to asking the right questions. We dive into pivotal moments that reshaped his thinking about innovation, and discuss how designing for people—not just products—has helped keep his work relevant. Tucker also opens up about the challenges and rewards of leading a creative business, nurturing fragile creative environments, and growing a career by staying curious and grounded in purpose.For more about Tucker visit www.alifecreativepod.comFollow us on Instagram at @alifecreativeVisit RowentaUSA.com and use ALIFECREATIVE for 10% off your next purchase.