NEWS
Bridging Practice and Education
For more than 40 years, Carla Blackman and Adrian Slattery have led Design Interface Inc., building a respected practice rooted in innovation and industrial design expertise. In addition to serving as principals of the firm, both are dedicated educators at the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA), where they teach in the Industrial Design Department. Carla teaches Ergonomics and Design, while Adrian leads courses in Materials and Processes.
Their active roles as design firm owners uniquely position them to bring real-world experience into the classroom. By sharing current industry knowledge, emerging technologies, and practical design challenges, they provide students with insights that extend well beyond theory. This professional engagement also keeps Carla and Adrian closely connected to evolving design processes and business practices, creating a mutually beneficial exchange between academia and industry.
This year, their CIA classes will expand beyond traditional studio settings into the Interactive Media Lab (IML) building. There, students will explore virtual reality technologies and investigate new ideas in design through immersive, hands-on experiences. The IML offers next-generation tools that support experimentation, collaboration, and innovation—helping students develop the skills needed to lead in the rapidly evolving arts and design workforce.
Design Interface Inc. can show you what is possible. Our forward-thinking solutions for tradeshow booth design, product design, package design, medical device design, graphic design, and photography unlock the value of your ideas as we communicate your message and goals. See more here: https://designinterface.com/
Delivering Oxygen Innovation
Design Interface is thrilled to see our client heading to CES 2026 show, where they will debut a video showcasing the O2rizon™ mask. This project represents a true collaboration—from the initial idea through design, development, and the final product—and we’re proud to see it presented on such a global stage. The O2rizon™ mask represents a breakthrough in passive oxygen delivery, delivering unmatched performance in both efficiency and safety.
View the O2rizon™ mask video here: https://youtu.be/WF1kghr_Q10?si=esu_uWk8QNMcX05R
Design Interface Inc. can show you what is possible. Our forward-thinking solutions for tradeshow booth design, product design, package design, medical device design, graphic design, and photography unlock the value of your ideas as we communicate your message and goals. See more here: https://designinterface.com/
3D-Printed Molds for Silicone Prototype Development
At Design Interface, we leverage in-house 3D printing to rapidly create small, precise molds that allow us to cast silicone parts during early product development. As shown in the video, our team can design and fabricate custom mold tooling, pour and cure silicone components, and quickly evaluate form, fit, and function before committing to full-scale manufacturing. This capability gives clients fast, flexible iteration and high-quality prototype parts that closely represent final production materials.
Design Interface Inc. can show you what is possible. Our forward-thinking solutions for tradeshow booth design, product design, package design, medical device design, graphic design, and photography unlock the value of your ideas as we communicate your message and goals. See more here: https://designinterface.com/
Wishing You a Warm & Joyful Thanksgiving!
As we approach Thanksgiving, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your continued partnership and support. It is clients like you who make our work so rewarding.
In the spirit of the season, our company is pleased to make a donation to Providence House in Cleveland, Ohio. They provide vital services to children and families in crisis, and we are proud to support their mission on behalf of all our clients.
We wish you and your loved ones a peaceful and joyful holiday.
The Team at Design Interface!
For more information about Providence House and all they do go to: https://www.provhouse.org
Design Interface Inc. can show you what is possible. Our forward-thinking solutions for tradeshow booth design, product design, package design, medical device design, graphic design, and photography unlock the value of your ideas as we communicate your message and goals. See more here: https://designinterface.com/
Unveiling Our Latest Sheet Metal Innovation
One of our recent projects involved creating a custom addition for a hospital medical cart. This sheet metal piece attaches to the cart and holds a row of ExitSafe decappers for hospital medication vials. It’s always rewarding to see the finished article installed and working as intended — it represents the completion of a journey from concept to production.
What product can we help you design? Contact us and let’s get started!
Design Interface Inc. can show you what is possible. Our forward-thinking solutions for tradeshow booth design, product design, package design, medical device design, graphic design, and photography unlock the value of your ideas as we communicate your message and goals. See more here: https://designinterface.com/
Pantone Color of the Year 2025 — Mocha Mousse
Pantone Color of the Year 2025 — Mocha Mousse
Pantone has announced Mocha Mousse as its Color of the Year for 2025—a warm, inviting brown that strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. Inspired by the richness of chocolate and the smooth depth of coffee, this soft yet intense shade is designed to evoke feelings of calm, contentment, and groundedness. Its earthy undertones make it an ideal color for the fall season, offering versatility across fashion, interiors, and beyond.
At Design Interface, we see Mocha Mousse as a perfect example of how color can influence emotion and enhance user experience. As a multidisciplinary design firm specializing in product design, medical devices, packaging, and graphic design, we’re always tuned in to cultural and visual trends that resonate across industries. Whether integrated into sleek consumer products, healthcare devices, or brand identities, Mocha Mousse offers a warm, timeless appeal that can bring depth and human connection to any design solution.
For more information and use of the color of the year go to: https://tinyurl.com/4nk3sunt.
Design Interface Inc. can show you what is possible. Our forward-thinking solutions for product design, package design, medical device design, graphic design, and photography unlock the value of your ideas as we communicate your message and goals. See more here: https://designinterface.com/
The Future Is Here—And It’s At The Cleveland Institute of Art
As an alum of the Cleveland Institute of Art, I’m incredibly proud to see CIA continuing to push the boundaries of creativity, technology, and innovation with the launch of its new $13 million Interactive Media Lab. Opened in early 2025 and located at E. 66th St. and Euclid Ave. in the Midtown Collaboration Center, this 14,000-square-foot facility is a major step forward for immersive media education and design in Cleveland.
The Interactive Media Lab is purpose-built for cutting-edge work in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), game design, and extended reality (XR) film. It’s a space where art, design, and technology intersect to inspire new forms of storytelling, hands-on prototyping, and creative problem-solving. By giving students and startups access to the latest high-tech tools, CIA is not only empowering the next generation of artists and designers but also contributing to the city’s creative economy.
Housed alongside organizations like JumpStart, Hyland Software, and the Cleveland Foundation, the lab is a hub for collaboration, innovation, and real-world career development. It’s exciting to see CIA securing its place as a leader in the evolving fields of immersive media and digital design.
Witnessing this evolution as an alum fills me with pride—not only for what CIA continues to achieve, but for the opportunities it’s creating for future creatives in Cleveland and beyond.
To learn more about the new Interactive Media Lab, visit: https://www.cia.edu/iml/
Design Interface Inc. can show you what is possible. Our forward-thinking solutions for product design, package design, medical device design, graphic design, and photography unlock the value of your ideas as we communicate your message and goals. See more here: https://designinterface.com/
Medical Device Design Trends to Watch in 2025
At Design Interface, we help bring new medical products to life through smart design, innovative technology, and strong branding. The medical device industry is changing fast, and 2025 will bring even more exciting developments. Technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and robotics are making devices more accurate, faster, and smarter. Wearable devices—like fitness trackers and health monitors—are helping patients track their health from home. At the same time, 3D printing is allowing for custom-made parts, like implants and surgical tools, to be created quickly and affordably.
One of the biggest changes in the industry is the move toward patient-centered design. This means creating devices that are not only effective but also comfortable, easy to use, and made for the specific needs of each person. Thanks to AI and 3D printing, it’s now possible to make personalized medical devices that offer better care and a better experience for patients. We focus on making sure the products we design are both useful and user-friendly.
Sustainability is also becoming a key part of medical device design. Companies are starting to use materials that are safer for both people and the planet, and looking for ways to reduce waste and energy use during production. At Design Interface, we help our clients design products that meet modern environmental standards while still being innovative and effective. From idea to finished product, we’re here to create medical devices that are ready for the future.
Design Interface Inc. can show you what is possible. Our forward-thinking solutions for product design, package design, medical device design, graphic design, and photography unlock the value of your ideas as we communicate your message and goals. See more here: https://designinterface.com/
Chasing Trends or Building Craft?
In the fast-paced world of design—whether it’s product design, medical devices, or branding—we’re seeing a shift among young creatives. Many are leaning toward quick wins: becoming influencers, using AI shortcuts, or chasing “passive income” instead of focusing on developing real, hands-on skills. Social media is full of promises of fast money and overnight success, and for some, that seems more appealing than spending time learning CAD, prototyping, or refining a design idea through trial and error.
Why It Matters for Our Industry
Design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about solving real problems. In the world of medical devices, for example, attention to detail, user safety, and long-term usability matter far more than what’s trending online. The same is true for thoughtful branding and functional product design. Good design takes time, testing, and a willingness to improve over and over again. At our firm, we value creative thinkers who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and stick with the process, even when it’s slow.
A Note to Future Designers
We believe tools like AI and automation have a place—but they don’t replace craftsmanship. Success in this industry comes from curiosity, patience, and a strong work ethic. If you’re starting out in design, don’t fall for the idea that hard work is outdated. The world still needs people who build things that last, solve real problems, and make a difference. And that means it still needs you.
Design Interface Inc. can show you what is possible. Our forward-thinking solutions for product design, package design, medical device design, graphic design, and photography unlock the value of your ideas as we communicate your message and goals. See more here: https://designinterface.com/
Summer Fun With Design Interface at the Movies!
Last Monday afternoon, the Design Interface team took a break from the office and headed out for their summer outing — a trip to see the new Superman movie! It was the perfect way to enjoy a warm summer day together. With popcorn in one hand and a cold drink in the other, the team settled in for an action-packed adventure on the big screen.
The movie didn’t disappoint — full of excitement, stunning effects, and classic superhero fun, it kept everyone entertained from start to finish. It was a great chance to relax, share some laughs, and spend quality time as a team. Aww, summertime — nothing beats a cool theater, good company, and a superhero saving the day!
Design Interface Inc. can show you what is possible. Our forward-thinking solutions for product design, package design, medical device design, graphic design, and photography unlock the value of your ideas as we communicate your message and goals. See more here: https://designinterface.com/
