Hendrix to speak at Iceland Innovation Week 2025
Reykjavík - 15 January 2025:
Today Iceland Innovation Week, Iceland’s premier festival for innovation and entrepreneurship, announced its first speakers for the 2025 festival running May 13-15, 2025.
Huldunótur founder, R. Michael Hendrix, is returning to the stage for a second year in a row, following last year’s surprise, “banel,” during the OK, Bye Climate Theater—a panel discussion that evolved into a full band performance with José Ramos (MIT), Peter Godart (Found Energy), and Freyr Eyolfsson (SORPA). The panel discussed innovations in sustainable innovation through circular and recyclable waste strategies then punctuated the session with a racous performance of INXS’s “Elegantly Wasted,” accompanied by multi-instrumentalist, Sveinbjörn Thorarensen aka, Hermigervill.
Check out the complete list 2025 speakers here.
- hendrix@invisiblenotes.com
Announcing Episode 5 of podcast Two Beats Ahead: Live!
Reykjavík - 6 January 2025:
Episode 5 of podcast Two Beats Ahead: Live! is available today. In the episode, Huldunótur founder, R. Michael Hendrix, interviews accomplished Icelandic fine artist and photographer, Lilja Birgisdöttir, co-founder of Fischersund Perfumery and Art Collective. Lilja takes listeners on an intimate scent journey through the collective's shop and explains how this multi-sensory experience emerged from a desire to collaborate with her siblings, the most well-known being Jónsi, the singer of atmospheric post-rock band, Sigur Rós.
They discuss how pursuing personal passions results in universally relatable art and how this pursuit can also be a platform for growing a business. She shares how the experience design of Fischersund is a a gentle counterpoint to modern, aggressive retail experiences and why she values creativity and connection. They also touch on the science of embodied cognition—understanding the world through the five senses—and how the collective's latest exhibition, Faux Flora, has been a means of personal artistic growth through collaboration.
Two Beats Ahead Live! Is a podcast inspired by the book of the same name, “Two Beats Ahead: What Musical Minds Teach Us About innovation.” In the book Hendrix looks into the musical minds of entrepreneurial artists and creators like Pharrell, T Bone Burnett, Imogen Heap and Hank Shocklee. The books was coauthored with Panos A. Panay, president of the Recording Academy, presenter of the GRAMMYs.
Listen to the podcast here or on Apple and Spotify.
- hendrix@invisiblenotes.com
Announcing “Design Thinking Microdose” with Miðstöð hönnunar og arkitektúrs
Reykjavík - 10 December 2024:
Today Miðstöð hönnunar og arkitektúrs (Iceland’s Center for Design and Architecture) announces “Design Thinking Microdose,” a workshop series led by designer, R. Michael Hendrix. The modules are created to deepen design thinking skills for professional designers and architects. Focused on the research phase of a design thinking methodology, the three sessions emphasize methods of observation, interviewing and analogous inspiration.
Hendrix is the former Global Design Director at IDEO, one of the world's most influential design firms. At IDEO, he led diverse projects that combined creativity and strategic thinking. With over 30 years of experience in the field of design he has been a leader in developing innovative solutions for companies and organizations in different sectors, from technology and health to arts and culture. He is known for his ability to integrate the creative process and practical business thinking, and for emphasizing the human element in design.
Hendrix is the co-author of the book Two Beats Ahead: What Musical Minds Teach Us About Innovation, where he connects musical intuition with business innovation. Hendrix has a strong passion for creative collaboration and the impact of design on society and has had a profound impact on the development of design thinking on an international level.
Full details here.
- hendrix@invisiblenotes.com
An interview with Huldunótur founder R. Michael Hendrix
Reykjavík - 2 December 2024:
Svetlana Graudt of Raketta Studio interviews founder R. Michael Hendrix on the state of branding and creativity in Iceland. Excerpt and links to full interview in English and Icelandic below:
What are the practicalities of working with Icelandic businesses?
“Þetta Reddast” can be freeing, but as you point out, may be exhausting for someone who likes to plan. It’s certainly forced me to let go of a lot of cultural professional practices from the US. I’ve gone from having my days fully scheduled for weeks to having nearly nothing on my calendar and just agreeing to meet people in that moment when they text. Things are much more casual in that sense, but it doesn’t mean planning is totally out the door.
You’ve heard Iceland called the land of fire and ice? That really sums it up. Everything here is hot then cold, urgent then absent, intimate then distant, all or nothing. Accepting this as the pulse makes things easier. Wanting it to be something else is just frustrating.
That is all personal, of course. From a branding perspective, I believe it’s a problem when it comes to business planning. Companies working internationally have found ways to even out this behavior. They may even make 3-year growth plans! But companies working exclusively domestically still struggle with it. The mental muscle memory is activated by rapid problem solving rather than deliberate, strategic growth planning. This is a difficult shift, but an essential one in this new competitive landscape.
That said, I don’t want to paint this as all bad. I believe this mindset has been critical to Iceland’s resilience and survival. So there is something we all must learn from it. We shouldn’t try to replace it. I just want to add some additional skills.
Read More:
Full interview in English and Icelandic.
- hendrix@invisiblenotes.com
Huldunótur: Empowering Icelandic Brands with Insights-Based Design
Reykjavík - 6 May 2024:
Renowned designer and author R. Michael Hendrix introduces Huldunótur, a pioneering creative consultancy established to elevate Icelandic brands and organizations through innovative product and service development. Hendrix's relocation to Reykjavík signifies a commitment to lead this transformative initiative.
Fostering Sustainable Growth:
The creation of Huldunótur supports Iceland's goals for enhancing quality of life, fostering value creation, and promoting sustainability. Through partnerships with local stakeholders and adherence to the principles of the Iceland Ministry of Culture and Business Affairs’ Design and Architecture Policy, Hendrix seeks to make a real difference and encourage innovation in the community.
Deepening Brand Loyalty:
Particular focus will be given to the tourism industry. With American tourists comprising a significant portion of Iceland's visitors, Hendrix recognizes a prime opportunity for Icelandic brands to enhance their global appeal. Leveraging his extensive experience, he aims to bridge cultural gaps and optimize communication strategies to resonate with international audiences long after their visit.
Design Thinking & Design:
Hendrix's unique approach, rooted in design thinking, emphasizes profound customer insights as the foundation for creative solutions. The name "Huldunótur," meaning "hidden or invisible notes" in Icelandic, reflects this methodology, highlighting his consultancy's commitment to uncovering latent opportunities and crafting authentic brand experiences.
Conclusion:
Through Huldunótur, R. Michael Hendrix envisions a future where Icelandic brands thrive on the global stage, anchored in authenticity, innovation, and sustainability. As a catalyst for change, Huldunótur aims to redefine the landscape of design and business in Iceland, empowering organizations to realize their full potential.
About Huldunótur:
Huldunótur is a Reykjavík-based creative consultancy specializing in design thinking-based innovation for brands and organizations. Led by R. Michael Hendrix, former partner and Global Design Director of IDEO, the company is dedicated to unlocking creative potential and driving meaningful change.
About R. Michael Hendrix:
R. Michael Hendrix is a founder, creative director, professor, and author. Prior to Huldunótur he gained widespread recognition as the Global Design Director for IDEO, one of the world’s most influential design and innovation firms. His illustrious 30-year career has made him a sought after speaker; he has delivered design keynotes at Fast Company, WIRED, SXSW, AIGA, FUSE, and HOW, among others, plus music keynotes at SXSW Music, Sonar Plus and Moogfest. He was also an Assistant Professor of Music Business/Management at Berklee College of Music, the inspiration for his book, “Two Beats Ahead: What Musical Minds Teach Us About Innovation,” co-authored with Panos A. Panay, President of the Recording Academy, presenter of the GRAMMYs.
In Iceland he has been a keynote speaker at HönnunarMars, a panelist at Iceland Innovation Week, lectured at Listháskóli Íslands and Háskólinn á Bifröst and been featured on RÚV Kastljós.
- hendrix@invisiblenotes.com