{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2Fda37ffb6-43e9-409e-ad88-4ef7253e9370","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"<iframe style=\"width: 100%; height: 200px;\" title=\"Designing for Dignity: Douglas Katz on Adaptive Innovation, Disability, and Purpose-Driven Product Design\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allow=\"clipboard-write\" seamless src=\"http://player.captivate.fm/episode/da37ffb6-43e9-409e-ad88-4ef7253e9370\"></iframe>","title":"Designing for Dignity: Douglas Katz on Adaptive Innovation, Disability, and Purpose-Driven Product Design","description":"In this eye-opening episode of Mind Over Matter, host Aanya welcomes Douglas Katz\u2014West Point graduate, disabled Army veteran, and founder of RedLeg Innovation\u2014for a raw and practical conversation on leadership, adaptive design, and creating impact through lived experience. Doug shares how his personal injuries sparked a mission to develop assistive tools that prioritize dignity and independence, starting with a breakthrough adaptive knife. He dives deep into the concept of the Ability Curve, redefining disability through the lens of specific tasks rather than fixed identities. From kitchen tools to caregiving systems, Doug\u2019s work reminds us that thoughtful, inclusive design is for everyone\u2014not just for those society labels as disabled.\n\nAbout the Guest:Douglas Katz is a U.S. Army veteran, former telecom executive, and the founder of RedLeg Innovation, a venture studio focused on creating adaptive products that blend utility with empathy. His mission is rooted in lived experience, and his designs serve not only those with physical limitations but also caregivers and broader communities navigating moments of vulnerability and change.\n\nKey Takeaways:\n\n\nDisability isn't binary\u2014Doug introduces the Ability Curve as a better model to design inclusive solutions.\n\n\nTrue innovation often starts from personal need, not market research.\n\n\nSmall improvements, like a reimagined knife handle, can restore independence and transform daily life.\n\n\nInclusive design is not niche; it\u2019s better design for all ages and stages.\n\n\nEmpathy and foresight are essential when building for a future where everyone will, at some point, face physical limitations.\n\n\n\nConnect with Douglas Katz:Explore his work and read the Ability Curve whitepaper:Linktree - https://linktr.ee/dougkatz\u00a0\n\nWant to be a guest on Mind Over Matter? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch\n\n\nDM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik\n\n\nTune to all our 15 podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavik\n\n\nSubscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/\n\n\nJoin Community: https://nas.io/healthymind\n\n\nStay Tuned And Follow Us!\u2022\u2060 YouTube \u2013 https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylife\u2022\u2060 Instagram \u2013 https://www.instagram.com/healthyminds.pod\u2022\u2060 Threads \u2013 https://www.threads.net/@healthyminds.pod\u2022\u2060 Facebook \u2013 https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind\u2022\u2060 LinkedIn \u2013 https://www.linkedin.com/in/reemachatterjee/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/avikchakrabortypodcaster\n#podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness #adaptiveinnovation #disabilityrights #inclusiveleadership #mindovermatter","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/f5e0dd22-67b6-47ee-9cda-03355850cb4a/zdjkyi5qcgc.jpg"}