In this episode of the AlchemistX Innovators Inside Podcast, host Ian Bergman sits down with Joseph Banh, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Avida, to explore the intersection of art, sensory experience design, and innovation leadership. Joseph’s fascinating journey—from his roots in art and museum planning to leading innovation initiatives in retail spaces—offers profound lessons on creativity, user-centric design, and the power of transformative experiences. 

Here are the five main takeaways from their conversation:

Innovation Begins with Letting Go of Ego

Joseph highlights the importance of setting aside personal biases and ego to truly prioritize the user. Whether you’re designing a museum exhibit, a retail space, or a groundbreaking product, the foundation of effective innovation lies in listening to and understanding the user’s needs. This balance between vision and user feedback ensures meaningful, impactful solutions.

Sensory Experiences Are the Future of Design

Through his work at Avida’s X Lab, Joseph has honed a systematic approach to sensory experience design. By focusing on how physical spaces interact with human senses—sight, sound, touch, and even emotion—he demonstrates how carefully curated experiences can evoke powerful feelings and behaviors. His project, Portal to the Arctic, is a compelling example of storytelling through sensory immersion, using visual and auditory elements to raise awareness about climate change.

Storytelling Enhances Emotional Impact

Great design goes beyond aesthetics; it tells a story. Joseph stresses the need to weave narratives into experiences, whether through visuals, soundscapes, or interactive elements. By incorporating Inuit throat singing into Portal to the Arctic, Joseph’s team created a visceral connection between visitors and the Arctic’s endangered ecosystems, elevating the project’s emotional resonance.

Modular Design Enables Scalability

Innovation doesn’t always require groundbreaking new technology. Joseph advocates for leveraging existing tools and creating modular, scalable solutions that can be tailored to different environments. This pragmatic approach ensures accessibility and adaptability, allowing experiences to reach broader audiences while maintaining high impact.

Balancing Risk and Vision is Key to Leadership

As a leader in innovation, Joseph emphasizes the importance of taking calculated risks while staying grounded in a clear purpose. Whether navigating the complexities of AI or designing for diverse audiences, successful innovation requires both courage and adaptability. Joseph’s work exemplifies how to strike that balance and create meaningful, sustainable impact.

Joseph Banh’s insights remind us that innovation isn’t just about technology; it’s about crafting experiences that inspire, move, and connect people. Whether you’re an artist, a corporate innovator, or a startup founder, these lessons provide a roadmap for creating impactful solutions in an ever-evolving world.

Catch the full episode to dive deeper into Joseph’s inspiring journey and actionable strategies for designing the future!

Timestamps

🎙️ Introduction to Joseph Banh (00:00:00)

🖌️ Joseph’s Journey: From Artist to Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer (00:01:00)

🎨 The Influence of Art and Surrealism on Design Thinking (00:03:00)

🏛️ From Museums to Innovation: Curating Experiences in Public Spaces (00:06:00)

🌟 Letting Go of Ego and Prioritizing the User in Innovation (00:07:00)

🤝 Balancing Leadership Vision with Community-Driven Design (00:08:30)

💡 Defining Innovation Leadership at Avida’s X Lab (00:10:00)

🎯 The Importance of a Clear Purpose and Strategy in Innovation (00:12:00)

✨ The Power of Experiences to Transform Human Behavior (00:14:00)

🛍️ Sensory Experience Design in Retail and Physical Spaces (00:16:00)

📺 Highlighting X Lab’s ‘Portal to the Arctic’ Project (00:18:00)

🎶 Incorporating Inuit Throat Singing for Emotional Impact (00:22:00)

📊 Designing Modular and Scalable Sensory Experiences (00:25:00)

🌍 The Ethics of Storytelling and Community Inclusion (00:28:00)

🌊 Ocean Tech vs. Space Tech: The Mystery Beneath the Waves (00:31:00)

🤔 Navigating the Complexity of AI: Optimism Meets Pragmatism (00:33:00)

🔮 The Future of Experience Design: Balancing Innovation and Practicality (00:35:00)