In this era of rapid change, design is no longer just a manifestation of aesthetics; it has become an important tool for driving social progress and creating profound impacts. Against this backdrop, Shuyi Liu, a service experience designer with far-reaching vision and innovative thinking, is committed to creating significant social value in service and experience design with her unique design concepts and methods.

Shuyi Liu’s story started with a simple yet strong curiosity: How do human behaviors and social interactions shape our lives? This curiosity began to grow during her early education. While pursuing her undergraduate degree in Communication Engineering, Shuyi realized that design transcends the traditional definitions of appearance and functionality. She came to understand that true design is about deeply understanding user needs and behaviors. This insight led to a significant career shift, focusing her professional attention on service experience design and seeking solutions through social science research methods.

Ever since learning about the establishment of the New Bauhaus in 1937 in Chicago, which later evolved into today’s IIT Institute of Design, Chicago, Shuyi Liu has been filled with admiration for Chicago’s rich design culture and its outstanding historical achievements. Her passion and professional ambition led her to cross oceans to this sanctuary of design. There, she not only earned her Master’s degree in design but also studied in depth how service design can benefit diverse social groups. Her projects spanned from empowering traditional industries with computer/AI/chip technology to sustainable community energy design. Her achievements were recognized in the academic world and also received significant recognition at international design awards. Her team’s research on the current American food system, which integrated elements of psychology, anthropology, and sociology, led to a more empathetic and inclusive service experience. This project, titled “Envisioning Sustainable Food Sourcing Solutions,” focused on key areas such as production, distribution, procurement, consumption, and disposal, helping her and her team win the ‘Core77 Design Awards 2021 – Category Design for Social Impact’.

Additionally, her work in the “Aid City of Chicago in Parking Ticket Reform” project showcased her diverse capabilities. The project, aimed at addressing urban parking issues, was innovative and practical enough to be a finalist in the Fast Company 2020 Innovation by Design Awards student category. These projects reflected her passion for creating a harmonious society, improving the efficiency of public services, and significantly enhancing people’s quality of life through the integration of the humanities. She believes that by focusing on human needs and deeply understanding different cultural backgrounds, more humane and sustainable social solutions can be created. Her work demonstrates that the power of design lies not only in its aesthetic value but also in its profound social impact and change.

After graduation, Shuyi Liu quickly shifted her focus to bridging the gap between academia and industry, a challenge she deeply understood. To help students transition more smoothly, she co-founded a volunteer organization with like-minded friends. The organization provided students with a smooth transition from academia to profession through a series of thematic discussions and practical activities. During this phase, she focused not only on her professional growth but also actively participated in community service, helping others.

In this stage, Shuyi Liu’s focus was on bridging the gap between theory and practice. Knowing that the transition from academia to the professional world is a challenge for many students, she committed herself to helping students gain valuable practical experience through projects, workshops, and lectures. Her work was not limited to teaching design theory but more importantly, teaching students how to apply these theories to solve real-world problems. Through these efforts, she helped students better understand the practical significance of service design and how it could change people’s lives.

To utilize her professional skills on a more powerful platform and contribute to society, she joined a multinational design consulting company in California. Here, she not only applied her academic knowledge to practical projects but also continued to explore the potential of service design in creating social value. In this company, which highly aligned with her values and methodologies, she led several service experience design projects with profound social value and impact. These projects included designing financial benefits for employees of technology companies, providing emotional support and solutions for people experiencing unplanned pregnancies, and more. Additionally, she tirelessly explored new ways to create social value, co-founding a design studio. They designed a psychology-based journaling app for people who lost pets, a breathing-based board game for people tired from fast-paced social life, and an educational app for pre-teens. These innovative projects won several international design awards, including the MUSE DESIGN AWARDS silver medal, The NY Product Design Awards silver medal, and two London Design Awards gold medals.

Photo Credited to: Shuyi Liu

Photo Credited to: Shuyi Liu

Photo Credited to: Shuyi Liu

Photo Credited to: Shuyi Liu

During her time in California, Shuyi Liu not only demonstrated her skills and innovative ability as a designer but also her potential as a thought leader and agent of social change. Her work expanded beyond traditional service design to focus on solving larger social issues through design. Her projects often involved complex social issues such as economic inequality, social health, and environmental sustainability. Her designs aimed not just to solve these problems but also to inspire people to rethink these issues and encourage more proactive societal action.

As a service experience designer, Shuyi Liu’s work goes far beyond the boundaries of commercial design. Based on her exploration of human behavior and social structures, she has created both humane and efficient social service experiences. Her story is not just about personal career development but also about how to use design as a tool to solve complex social problems. She believes that by better understanding the people we serve, we can design more impactful and lasting services, thereby bringing positive changes to society. Shuyi Liu’s journey and achievements are an inspiration to all those seeking design innovation and social impact. Her work shows that service design is not just a profession but a force for driving social progress.

Dr. Dean Bartles, a skilled personality in manufacturing innovation, has made an impact on the industry through his efforts and leadership roles. He is the CEO and founder of the Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group (MTDG), an organization focused on advancing and applying cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. With a diverse career, Dr. Bartles has demonstrated a sheer commitment to driving transformative change within the manufacturing field, collaboration, and technological progress. His role at MTDG reflects his dedication to moving the industry forward and shows his stature as a leader in the industry.

Dr. Dean Bartles’ journey through academia promotes lifelong learning and academic excellence. His academic foundation began at Hagerstown Junior College, where he earned an associate degree in business administration in 1976. He continued to cultivate his knowledge at Shepherd University, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in business administration, followed by an MBA from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania in 1981. Driven by passion for exploration, he pursued further studies, acquiring a master’s degree in International Business in 1991 and then a Doctorate in business administration from Nova Southeastern University in 2000.

Not content to rest on his wins, Dr. Bartles expanded his expertise even further, securing a second Ph.D. in technology management from Indiana State University in 2013. His continuous learning further earned him an executive certificate from the MIT Sloan School of Management, which attests to his commitment to staying at the forefront of business and technological advancements.

Dr. Dean Bartles’ career within General Dynamics is marked by a progression highlighted by his strategic and leadership approach. Starting in 1978, he began his journey at Fairchild Republic Company before joining General Dynamics, where he worked for the company’s growth and success. His ascent through the ranks marked his persistent commitment and strategic vision, eventually leading him to become the Vice President and General Manager. Dr. Bartles’ impact extended beyond national borders, as he undertook roles in establishing and managing manufacturing operations in Egypt and Turkey. These international experiences showcased his adeptness in navigating diverse environments and his capacity to compose successful ventures on a global scale. His role as a driving force behind General Dynamics’ growth and international ventures displays his position as a dynamic leader within the manufacturing domain.

Dr. Dean Bartles’ leadership extends beyond the corporate walls to transformative initiatives. He played a vital role in founding the Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII) under UI Labs. The significance of DMDII cannot be understated, as it was chosen to lead this initiative by President Barack Obama himself. Dr. Bartles’ leadership proved influential in overseeing the development of DMDII’s $16.5 million facility renovation project. Under his supervision, DMDII coordinated research projects that valued over $80 million, driving large-scale innovation projects.

Dr. Dean Bartles’ leadership portfolio includes contributions to various influential organizations within the manufacturing sector. His tenure as a leader at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, University of New Hampshire, National Tooling and Machining Association, and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) has been marked by his insights and dedication to advancing the industry. His roles encompass a wide range, from his position as a Senior Technology Advisor at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers to his directorship of the John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center at the University of New Hampshire.

His presidency at the National Tooling and Machining Association further steered industry organizations with vision and purpose. Currently serving as the President and CEO of the Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group (MTDG), Dr. Dean Bartles continues to advance the manufacturing industry. In this role, he looks after the strategic direction of MTDG, an organization that holds the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) and Advanced Manufacturing International (AMI) under its umbrella.

Dr. Bartles’ commitment remains steadfast as he invests his wealth of experience and expertise to drive innovation, collaboration, and the effective utilization of cutting-edge technologies. His leadership at MTDG outlines his enduring pursuit of enhancing manufacturing processes, growth, and nurturing the symbiotic relationship between technology and industry.

Dr. Dean Bartles’ influence on the manufacturing side is an example of his dedication and visionary leadership. Through his versatile roles, including CEO, founder, and executive across various organizations, he has consistently championed innovation, collaboration, and the integration of advanced technologies into manufacturing practices. His ability to bridge academia, industry, and research has resulted in advancements and shown a culture of continuous improvement.

On October 6th, 2023, Pakistan witnessed a swift and unexpected appointment that would ultimately become a lightning rod for controversy. Tahir Javed, a Pakistani-American, was named as a Special Assistant on Investment to the Prime Minister. However, this appointment was soon met with an overwhelming negative reaction from the Pakistani diaspora, ultimately prompting the government and establishment to reverse their decision. The key driving force behind the controversy stemmed from Tahir Javed’s criminal history, particularly his conviction in 1992 and a subsequent warning in 2017 from the Food and Drug Administration.

The Appointment

Tahir Javed’s appointment as Special Assistant on Investment was seen by some as a potential move to harness his financial expertise and business acumen to drive investment in Pakistan. However, it wasn’t long before his past came under the spotlight, leading to an outcry both within the country and among the Pakistani diaspora.

Criminal History

One of the primary reasons for the negative reaction to Tahir Javed’s appointment was his criminal history. In January 1992, he was convicted of a crime that resulted in a five-year probation period. This past conviction raised concerns among many who questioned his suitability for a high-ranking government position. Criminal records can often have a significant impact on an individual’s eligibility for public office, and the public was quick to raise questions about whether Javed’s appointment met the necessary ethical and legal standards.

FDA Warning

In addition to his prior conviction, Tahir Javed’s association with a warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2017 added to the controversy. The FDA is a key regulatory body responsible for safeguarding public health in the United States. Any warning or action taken by the FDA carries serious implications. Javed’s connection to an FDA warning further fueled doubts about his suitability for a role related to investments and economic policy.

Pakistani Diaspora’s Reaction

The negative reaction was not limited to the borders of Pakistan but echoed within the global Pakistani diaspora. This diaspora, often an influential and vocal community, expressed strong reservations about Tahir Javed’s appointment. They highlighted his criminal record and the FDA warning as compelling reasons for the government to reconsider his role. Social media campaigns, petitions, and open letters were mobilized to voice these concerns, creating substantial pressure on the government.

Reversal of the Decision

Under the weight of growing dissent and public outcry, the government and establishment were compelled to reevaluate the appointment of Tahir Javed on 23^rd October 2023. This decision was swift and notable for its responsiveness to public concerns. It demonstrated the significance of public opinion and the role of the diaspora in influencing government decisions.

Conclusion

Tahir Javed’s appointment as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister was short-lived but marked by intense controversy. The negative reaction from the Pakistani diaspora played a pivotal role in urging the government and establishment to reconsider their decision. Tahir Javed’s criminal history and association with an FDA warning proved insurmountable obstacles to his tenure in this influential position. This incident underscores the importance of public scrutiny and the need for governments to be responsive to the concerns of their citizens, even when those citizens are spread across the world in the form of a vocal diaspora. It serves as a reminder that transparency and public trust are essential elements of effective governance, both in Pakistan and beyond.

Undeniably, the preservation of wealth remains a crucial function of prenups, with property, businesses, bank accounts, and even a child’s inheritance all playing prominent roles. A prenup upholds the financial autonomy of partners and safeguards their respective assets in any spousal separation or divorce. For those entering into a union already owning a business, including intellectual property like patents or trademarks, it sets clear-cut boundaries. Without a prenup, claims from a spouse during a divorce could lead to significant losses or even the compulsory sale of a cherished business.

Despite the tangible benefits of asset protection, a prenup arguably holds even more value as a tool for an open and honest conversation about monetary expectations and future financial plans. Many couples find discussing financial matters daunting, fearing disagreements or tension. Chaney posits that a prenup can mitigate these issues, providing a safe space for couples to have vital conversations about finances without the cloud of uncertainty. It sets the stage for complete transparency about financial expectations and reduces the potential for future discord.

Consider for a moment the scenario of a marital separation without a prenup. These proceedings can be a lengthy, emotional, and expensive process. Chaney explains that a well-crafted prenup can expedite the process, cutting down on legal fees and expediting a typically drawn-out ordeal. Additionally, a prenup provides a clear road map for asset distribution, reducing the potential for litigation and preserving the financial resources of both parties.

The potential of a prenup extends even to unexpected life events, such as the demise of a partner. Often overlooked in the initial stages of marital bliss, having a comprehensive plan for asset division is crucial to avoid unnecessary complications and disputes during such sensitive times. By deciding on inheritance and asset division early on, couples can spare the surviving spouse additional hardship and streamline the allocation process.

Prenups, contrary to popular belief, are not exclusive to the rich and famous; they cater to couples from all walks of life. Even those not anticipating a divorce should still consider prenups as a forward-thinking investment into their financial futures. As Chaney candidly admits, “I never thought my marriage would end, and when it did, I wished I had a prenuptial agreement.”

In summary, prenups are a wise and thoughtful step towards financial security for any couple. They protect assets, preserve businesses, foster open financial dialogue, save time and money, reduce potential future legal disputes, and serve as an effective tool for estate planning. At its core, a prenup is a love letter to your future self – a promise to protect oneself regardless of what the future holds.

Interested in gaining more financial wisdom from Myesha Chaney? You can visit her website at www.myeshachaney.com and follow her social media accounts: YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook for more insightful posts and inspirational content. 

Having practical, relatable money conversations now can save your future self stress and heartache, and that is something we can’t afford to ignore. Embrace the unromantic side of romance for a happier, more secure future. Let’s challenge the stigmas surrounding prenups and see them for what they truly are – a smart, self-loving decision.

Karen Coley, CEO of SBC Waste Solutions, named her first two garbage trucks Unity and Humility five years ago. Coley says she has modeled her business practices on these principles, and her record shows it. Her company, where she’s the majority owner, was certified by the prestigious Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), and Coley has shown her commitment to empowering other women entrepreneurs and supporting family-owned businesses throughout Chicago.

A great example comes from her observation of 20 companies clustered along a street in an industrial corridor in the suburb of Broadview. Coley realized that if all those businesses switched to solar power, the community, the industries, and the environment would all benefit from this sustainable solution. And so the Solar Initiative was born, the first in Illinois.

“Karen’s always had a passion for recycling and the environment,” says Shawn Flood of SBC Waste Systems. “In fact, we’re trying to go to solar energy with our company.”

Coley is also big into recycling, with half the company’s trucks hauling recyclables. SBC Waste Systems is looking to cut costs and provide more local jobs by moving deeper into the recycling business.

“We’re at a point now financially, that we’re actually looking to start developing our own automated recycling facility, which will be automated with robots and other cutting-edge technology,” Flood says. “Then we can start taking all our waste and recycling to our own facility for processing it ourselves, instead of paying someone else for that service.”

And speaking of service, SBC Waste Systems’ customer service center is staffed locally, not in some faraway state or country. Customers like that.

“The biggest complaint of other companies’ customers is ‘We call their Arizona call center, and they don’t give us a response. Or they call us back four hours later,’” Flood says. “Our call center has people who live here. You can’t find that type of service in this market anymore. We’re family owned, you know. Bigger isn’t always better.”

With a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly practices, SBC Waste Solutions aims to revolutionize the way waste is handled and keeping an eye on sustainable business practices and growth. Catering to the suburbs around Chicago, the company maintains a strong local presence while also exploring innovative solutions for the future of waste management, the community, and a clean planet.

Another customer service touch that Coley has added is video cameras on the front of the company’s garbage trucks.

“We’ve got a crime-fighting idea here, so that if there’s any type of crime in the neighborhoods, our cameras will capture that,” Flood says. “We give access to our cameras to the police, which is another big thing in the industry. Another way for us to help the community.”

Besides the commingled recycling facility, another project under serious consideration is a construction and demolition facility as part of upcoming expansion plans. Coley believes in continuous advancement and acknowledges that improvements and diversifications are not only good for her business, but also for the community. Careful, sustainable growth, Coley says, means more jobs, a better community, and a cleaner environment.