Joanna Peña-Bickley

Waymo says its remote assistance (Fleet Response) passed TÜV SÜD’s independent audit, aligning with AVSC best practices and ISO 15026-2. Key point: remote assistance is supportive only—Waymo Driver stays in control. The design is AI driving, humans adding context for edge cases. #waymo #autonomous https://lnkd.in/gVKhaYkD

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If the product or service you're building isn’t seamless, it’s worth asking: where might things break down? Launching a medtech device, a consumer wearable, or even a warehouse automation system without designing the physical and digital experience together is a recipe for misalignment. When no one owns the full experience, things fall apart. And too often, it’s the digital layer, critical in connected systems, that gets scoped too late or treated like an add-on. This doesn’t happen because teams lack skill. It happens because they're siloed. The teams that succeed work differently: they integrate early, think across systems, and build digital as the backbone, not the afterthought. Big thanks to Christine Pillsbury for the great article, definitely worth a read for anyone building connected experiences today. #ProductInnovation #ProductExperience #Innovation

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Ready to elevate your product innovation game in 2025? 🚀 . 3D reverse engineering isn’t just about copying old parts anymore—it’s a power move for precision, speed, and nonstop innovation. Thanks to ultra-accurate 3D scanners capturing every detail, paired with advanced design tools, companies today are slashing development time and costs while creating designs that truly impress. From aerospace to automotive, laser scanning and 3D metrology are the secret weapons for top-tier quality control and rapid design iteration. Digitizing your products in 3D isn’t optional anymore—it’s the solid foundation for AI-driven optimization and next-gen manufacturing. With 15 years sharpening our skills and mastering high-end surface modeling, PSH Design is here to help you stay ahead of the curve. Curious to see how? Check this out: https://lnkd.in/gW7_VUGB

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With no affiliation, sharing this as I know it will be good. Peter Merholz's ideas have been instrumental in my shaping of design teams. As iF Design point out here - the right environment around the design team is key to producing a successful team. The role of the leader is to create that environment.

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A fascinating conversation with Jorge Arango this week sparked this piece. As design leaders, we’re being asked to hold two things at once: steward risk responsibly and make sure our teams are building real fluency with AI. This article is sort of a set of field notes on how I’m seeing that balance take shape inside design organizations. And thanks to Jorge for the push (and helpful feedback). https://lnkd.in/gRdvk92D

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#CES2026 was a whirlwind, and also reminder that the most meaningful innovation doesn’t happen overnight, but is built through vision, craft, and long-term collaboration. A few moments that stood out: - Spending time with Nex at their CES showcase. Their continued momentum is a clear example of what’s possible when strong design is paired with enduring partnerships. Grateful to David, Jorge, Paul for building with intention. - Seeing Percy represented on the busy showroom floor (congrats Conner Herman, BCBA, MBA) - Reconnecting with longtime collaborators and meeting the next generation shaping hardware at memorable gatherings - informal, KeyShot/Nova, Baukunst (thanks for the mystical tiki drink!) And in between the chaos, napkin sketches and impromptu meetings. As we look toward 2026, the opportunity in hardware feels especially clear. If you’re building something ambitious in hardware this year, we should talk.

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