Flexible, Fractional Design Leadership for Climate-Tech Startups

“80% of a product's environmental impact is influenced by decisions made at the design stage.” 
-Ellen Macarthur Foundation

I’m Jim Varney. For 25 years as a designer and executive, I helped dozens of tech startups in biotech, med-device and commercial equipment navigate the critical transition from proof-of-concept to productization and market success.

I started 80%Design to provide climate-tech startups easier access to experienced design leadership when it’s most impactful.

Your climate-tech startup needs design, but not another full-time role.

I can help.

Even for tech startups where customer adoption is key, design leadership is not typically an early hire. But waiting for design input puts the organization at risk of being too late to correct critical flaws.

As a Fractional Chief Design Officer (CDO), I can guide your organization through the product development process, in whatever capacity is needed, without the risk or overhead.

Here are just some of the ways fractional CDO services can help:

  • Drive productization.

    Work alongside technical teams to optimize commercial viability.

  • Be the user advocate.

    Help you tap into the voice of your customers to improve market adoption.

  • Speak “Design” to scientists, engineers, and investors.

    Guide stakeholders across the organization through the product development process. See the big picture.

  • Manage design resources.

    Build and lead internal & external teams. Write plans & budgets. Manage deliverables.

“Demand matters. This is basic to any market but is oft ignored in climate tech: someone needs to want to buy your product.” 
-MIT Technology Review

Tech startups in other industries already know the power of design.

Learn from their success.

Design has been used for decades by the biotech and medical device industries to address usability and market adoption issues, and provide investors with a clear vision to market success.

Reach out for a free consultation to learn how design helps early stage tech companies compete and succeed.