I was talking to a friend about tech devices we had over the years and my old SanDisk Sansa m200 came up. 512mb of storage could hold about 88 songs. Sure, there were iPods at the time that could hold over 10,000 songs, but who really needs that many?

Now my phone has 128gb to store over 30,000 songs, but I don't even need it in order to access all music ever released. That's because cheaper and faster technology transformed how we consume and interact with media.

If what you do, say or make can resonate with someone, it means your voice resembles theirs.

The differences between Google, Samsung and Apple flagship phones are subtle. The same can be said about fridges, TVs or bike helmets.

A good design solves a problem. A great design has a unique, nuanced experience geared towards the person who would value it most.

Nothing grabs attention quite like a good drawing on a whiteboard.

I heard a story from the CEO of a design firm. He had a meeting at a client's location and one of his methods for keeping everyone engaged was drawing on a whiteboard. He sketched out an idea that he would later develop with his team.

Many new designers only sketch digitally so they can use drawing assist and to erase mistakes. It's a useful tool, but there's good reason why seasoned designers prefer pen and paper.

There is tremendous versatility in Industrial Design.

James Dyson studied Industrial Design, invented the bagless vacuum cleaner and is Founder and Chairman of Dyson. Brian Chesky studied ID and then founded Airbnb. Syd Mead was an Industrial Designer who drew concept art for movies, including Blade Runner (1982), Tron (1982) and Aliens (1986).

You probably use the tooth-wheeled cranking can opener design which was invented in 1931 by Charles Arthur Bunker. This is called a top-cut can opener. Most people haven't given a second thought to can openers since. It's still the bestseller, but not the best can opening product.

A wide open field with no disruption in sight can feel more appealing than the shelter you're in where needs are met.

Unless you are a transportation (cars), fashion (shoes) or toy designer, it probably doesn't matter exactly what tangible product you design. Usability, feasibility and desirability problems that affect lives in a silent way are the ones worth sinking teeth into. Emphasis on usability.

Don't wait for inspiration. Often times you need to show up and build towards your goals without feeling inspired.

Sometimes I don't feel like writing. But when you sit down and put your fingers on the keyboard, you come up with something. It might not be your best work, but sometimes I am happier with what I come up with in those moments than when I feel inspired. The same goes for design work or anything else I need to do.

Dolly Parton writes song ideas while doing her makeup.

Scraps of paper are scattered and mixed with her makeup on her bathroom counter. Her mind wanders freely while doing makeup. If she doesn't write down a thought, it gets lost. She said she hasn't lost an idea in years.

When you're telling a good story, you don't need to apologize for rambling. It's generous to share what you have to share.

Outside of sharing more on Thanksgiving, "It goes without saying," most of the time. Of course we're thankful for good friends and family, but we're too caught up in the daily whirlwind to show it more often. That and there's fear and effort involved. We hold back on saying the important stuff, saving it up for Thanksgiving.

Today, "It goes with saying."

Anyone can learn to draw, use Solidworks or create beautiful presentations.

The greatest designers I've had the privilege of meeting all have a deep sense of curiosity for the world and for others who share the same sense of curiosity.

The Chicago Board of Trading Building in Chicago, Illinois is over 600 feet tall. On top is the Ceres Statue, a 31 foot faceless goddess of agriculture. In 1930, it stood high above all other buildings. John Storrs, the artist, didn't sculpt a face because he believed that no one would be able to see it from the ground. Today there are skyscrapers, including Willis Tower, surrounding the statue where people peer out of their windows to a woman with no face.

I always want to be a part of a team.

One thing I've learned from years of cooking and leading in kitchens is that listening is crucial. If you're talking all the time because you know best, very little will improve.

Failure isn't a destination, it's a path. And when you're on it, you have to figure out why you're on it and how to change course.

When something needs to get done, it’s important to get it done.

And if you're scared, get it done scared.

Good answers to the usual questions are rarely the path to innovative solutions.

Frisbees were invented with the goal to make something more fun to throw, not by following the latest toy trends.

The first frisbee was a pie pan.

Walter Frederick Morrison, a student at Yale University, was throwing tin pie pans around the campus for fun (you had to make your own fun in the '40s). He liked how they glided through the air and thought to experiment with other shapes and materials that would fly better.