Design Thinking: OOOF

Image courtesy of OOOF.

In Graduate School, professors loved to discuss "Design Thinking." Design Thinking is an iterative process in which we seek to understand the user, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems to identify alternative strategies and solutions that might not be instantly apparent with our initial level of understanding (Dam and Siang). Design Thinking enables companies to understand consumer needs.

Image courtesy of OOOF.

In this article series, I contacted different companies to learn how organizations apply Design Thinking. I spoke with OOOF Co-Founder Celine Kaplan to learn more about the company.

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OOOF (Out of Office Forever) Article

Image courtesy of OOOF.

1. What makes OOOF different from other companies? 

   The difference lies in our spirit and DNA. OOOF was created to embody a lifestyle — Out of Office Forever. It’s not just a brand; it’s a state of mind centered around time, pleasure, and stepping away from constant urgency. We are building a community of like minded people.

   

   Image courtesy of OOOF.

2. ⁠How has OOOF evolved since its founding?

   OOOF has grown through my partnership with my co-founder, Elisabeth Holder, and through the expansion of our e-commerce assortment. Alongside our own OOOF creations, we’ve continued to thoughtfully curate and grow our selection, always staying true to our point of view.

   

   Image courtesy of OOOF.

3. ⁠How does OOOF incorporate its mission and vision into its products?

   Elisabeth and I have a very strong sense of what is and is not OOOF. Every product we create or select goes through what we like to call the “OOOF committee” — which is simply us. If it doesn’t reflect the OOOF lifestyle, it doesn’t make the cut.

   

   Image courtesy of OOOF.

4. What advice would you give to students and young professionals who want to start their own venture?

Listen. Be patient. Stay true to your core DNA — but remain open to progress and change. It’s a constant balancing act between conviction and flexibility. - OOOF Co-Founder Celine Kaplan

Image courtesy of OOOF.

5. ⁠What’s the future of the company?

   Bright, we hope. More pop-ups for sure, and a few new OOOF ideas launching this summer.

   

   Image courtesy of OOOF.