Earlier this month St. Louis University’s Parks College of Engineering, Aviation, and Technology hosted Dr. Bryce Rutter, the second tech figure in its new Speakers Pioneering Innovation Creativity and Entrepreneurship (SPICE) series. Sponsored by the Kern Entrepreneurship Education Network (KEEN) and the Coleman Foundation, the SPICE series aims to bring engineering students together with some of the biggest names in the St. Louis tech industry.
Bryce Rutter (right) shaking hands with SLU Professor Sridhar Condoor
Dr. Bryce Rutter is the founder and CEO of Metaphase Design Group, Inc., which specializes in design research, ergonomics, and innovation strategy. The St. Louis company has worked on product design for companies including Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft, and the US Navy, among many others. Metaphase has won a number of industry awards for its design services in a variety of industries, including International Design Excellence Awards, Foodservice Packaging Awards, and most recently two Appliance Design Excellence in Design awards.
During the December 4th event, Rutter spoke to SLU students about the common myths of innovation and detailed his personal, highly-praised User Centered Innovation Process. Engineering student Ryan McNeely described the talk as “intelligent, thoughtful, and inspiring.”
“I hope that I can apply his vision in my own pursuits as an entrepreneur,” said McNeely.
“Dr. Rutter exceeded all expectations for the highly anticipated presentation,” said KEEN program coordinator Nicole Germain. “His discussion on award winning design products gave a whole new perspective on ergonomics and innovation.”
SPICE’s first event was kicked off by Bud Albers, a St. Louis entrepreneur who formerly worked as the chief technology officer of Disney Interactive Media. Albers now runs his own tech consulting firm called Interactive Technology Strategies. During his October presentation Albers spoke to students about technology’s emerging role in future media.
SLU plans to have three more SPICE speakers by the end of the Spring semester. The events are free and open to the public, so keep your eye on the SLU events page to find out who will be among the next SPICE speakers.
