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Lyse Martel, a Berlin-based “Color, Materials, and Finish” (CMF) designer and strategist in the mobility and consumer electronics industries, was featured in a 

 with Doreen Lorenzo. Their conversation explored the emotional dimension of circular design and how combining craftsmanship and emerging technology can shape design strategy, drive material innovation, and create new sensory experiences.

Martel has spent the majority of her career in the automotive and consumer electronic sectors, working with brands like Bang & Olufsen, Hopium, and NIO. Most recently, she directed a circular design project at Volkswagen Group, where she was tasked with introducing longevity, adaptability, and recyclability across all design touch points for the automaker brand. Circular design, according to Martel, is about designing products to stay in use longer and with easier repair and reuse. She acknowledges the business challenges of circularity but sees growing industry momentum driven by regulation and consumer demand.

Martel shared how she draws inspiration from neuroaesthetics, the science of how aesthetics affect the brain and emotions, to create more intuitive and emotionally engaging environments, such as calming car interiors or tactile surfaces that make sustainable materials more appealing. “It’s really about how shapes, colors and textures support the digital experience; all the micro-details working together to help the user feel at ease,” she explained.

AI also plays a growing role in her work, helping her visualize concepts and identify local materials for sustainable use. “As the digital world increasingly shapes the physical one, I think there’s real potential in using these new, hyper-sensory AI-generated visuals to inspire physical experiences. Neuroaesthetics helps us design for emotion, and AI can help translate those emotional cues into visual concepts that, when made real, feel meaningful and multi-sensory,” Martel said as she reiterated her belief that CMF invites designers to gently shift the visual language and open up new emotional possibilities.

Designing for Emotion in Emerging Technology 

The City of Fresno Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and ForeFront Power conducted a “Flip the Switch” ceremony to celebrate the completion of solar energy and smart battery storage projects at three sites: the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility, the Northeast Surface Water Treatment Facility, and the Southeast Surface Water Treatment Facility. 

At a combined 27 MW-DC in size, the DPU projects are expected to save over $122 million in ratepayer dollars by 2045. The crown jewel of the portfolio is the 19.6 MW system at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility, which is the largest commercial solar and battery system in the U.S. to date.

The City of Fresno DPU developed its “behind-the-meter” solar and storage portfolio in partnership with ForeFront Power, a leading developer of solar energy and battery storage assets in the U.S. and Mexico. The portfolio was constructed by local union labor from the IBEW Local 100, creating 120 local jobs in the process. Each DPU site features rows of ground-mounted solar modules fitted with single-axis tracker technology, enabling the modules to follow the sun’s movement across the sky to capture the maximum amount of abundant Central Valley sunshine. The DPU portfolio has a combined output of 47 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, enough to power 6,000 homes.

“I am so proud of this extraordinary achievement that is putting Fresno on the map and honoring our commitment to building a sustainable Fresno,” said Mayor Jerry Dyer. “Powering these citywide projects and DPU with renewable energy is one facet of the City’s comprehensive plan to lower our energy costs, secure critical infrastructure, and increase our environmental sustainability. By energizing this massive renewable energy portfolio to support our public utilities, Fresno is showing the rest of the country that clean power is a valuable tool in serving our communities.”

“We are honored to partner with the City of Fresno to realize their visionary energy plan,” said Dr. Ruben Fontes, CEO of ForeFront Power. “The DPU sites are unique in their scale as well as their impact. By generating and storing clean power on site, DPU reduces its reliance on costly grid electricity and can pass those savings back to ratepayers. Moreover, the batteries installed at each site ensure that energy is always available to power the City’s essential infrastructure.”

Fresno DPU's Landmark Solar & Storage Portfolio Comes Online 

The City of Fresno Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and ForeFront Power celebrated the completion of a 27 MW portfolio of solar energy and smart battery storage assets at three of the City's water and wastewater treatment facilities. At a time of escalating operational costs, the solar and storage projects are expected save DPU over $122 million in ratepayer dollars by 2025. The crown jewel of DPU's new renewable energy portfolio is a 19.6 MW system at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility, which is the largest commercial solar and battery system in the U.S. to date.

's Global Managing Director, and Nathan Matthews, an Associate Director at the company, took the stage at SXSW Austin 2025 to share their perspectives on what's next for the design industry. 

Nathan Weyer hosted the interactive workshop, 

Pitch Camp! How to Win New Clients at Your Creative Agency

. The two shared stories from their time at McKinsey, frog design, and Philips Design. 

Humanizing Digital Experiences Through Adaptive Interfaces

, in which they discussed how tech brands are embracing adaptive interfaces to prioritize personalization, inclusivity, and safety in their digital products.

Both sessions offered their participants insights on design as a tool for connection, demonstrating how creative leadership can create meaningful, user-centered experiences—whether for end-users or for B2B customers. 

forpeople Spotlights Design Leadership at SXSW Austin

 took the stage at SXSW Austin 2025 to share their perspectives on what's next for the design industry. 

Designer Fri Forjindam and writer Taiye Selasi, both African expats and self-identified “Afropolitans”, were featured in a 

 with Doreen Lorenzo. The two first met in Tangier, Morocco, at 'Between the Two of Us', a gathering of business leaders, artists, futurists, and activists hosted by the 

. Their conversation with Lorenzo delved into their shared mission of building a new creative economy in Africa and amplifying the continent’s storytelling traditions on a global scale. 

Forjindam, chief development officer and executive creative director at 

, integrates stories into physical spaces, events, and transformative experiences. She shared how her work brings African storytelling traditions to life through immersive entertainment spaces. “Humanity started in Africa. Stories started in Africa—community and relationships and entertainment and folklore,” Forjindam said. She emphasized the importance of showcasing Africa’s diversity, noting, “We are adapting stories that are uniquely African to create physical spaces that can help a city chart a new path culturally and economically. Rather than simply repackaging stories for profit outside Africa, we want to tap into what already exists and use themed entertainment to help a city envision and build a more prosperous future.”

Lisbon-based writer Selasi, whose career in storytelling spans literature, film, and essays, reflected on the shifting perceptions of African identity in today’s global landscape. “It occurs to me that being an African in the 21st century is an interesting exercise in self-building. That powerful beginning that we all had in Africa was disrupted by the political process of colonization. Coming out of that, thoughtful Africans around the world have started building new notions of self. And the concept of Afropolitan experience is my contribution to the self-building project of the 21st century," she explained. Selasi also spoke about the global relevance of African stories and the need for high-quality, authentic content that resonates beyond borders.

Both women recognize the importance of vision in shaping the future of African storytelling; and while investment is necessary, the drive to create is already there.

Fri Forjindam & Taiye Selasi Discuss Africa’s Newest Creative Boom

 with Doreen Lorenzo. The two first met in Tangier, Morocco, at "Between the Two of Us," a gathering of business leaders, artists, futurists, and activists hosted by the 

, a trusted leader in solar energy, battery storage, and fleet electrification services, was selected by the 

 (LOC) to provide EV charging and fleet electrification solutions to cities across the state. This partnership aims to make it easier for Oregon municipalities to transition to clean energy by offering cost-effective and accessible EV infrastructure solutions.

"It's an honor to be selected for this Master Agreement that enables us to help LOC members electrify their fleets with our customizable, turnkey solutions, and position Oregon as a leader in the clean fleet category," said Rachel McLaughlin, Chief Commercial Officer at ForeFront Power. "By leveraging this contract, Oregon cities can accelerate their fleet electrification initiatives with confidence, knowing that ForeFront Power will provide the technology, support, and flexibility they need to meet their goals."

The partnership gained attention from media outlets like 

Electric Vehicle Charging & Infrastructure

, which emphasize how the agreement will simplify the transition to electric fleets for public sector organizations.

League of Oregon Cities Awards ForeFront Power EV Master Agreement

 CEO Steph Speirs recently penned an op-ed in the 

, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding trust to unlock the full potential of solar energy in New Mexico. With a focus on transparency and accessibility, Solstice aims to combat the mistrust and aggressive sales tactics that have impacted the lives of New Mexicans.

In the op-ed, Speirs writes, “Clean energy should work for everyone, regardless of income, credit score, or homeownership — and especially for disadvantaged communities that suffer from higher energy burdens and energy insecurity.”

Speirs pledged that Solstice is committed to winning the trust of residents and delivering community solar in an ethical and equitable manner. With Solstice, New Mexicans can trust that their transition to solar energy is rooted in fairness, sustainability, and community benefit.

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