Design—and design thinking—are powerful processes that are now getting more traction in management circles. While it’s well understood that design can be used to improve products and communications, it’s less understood that it can be used to craft services, customer experiences, internal processes, organizational structures, strategic decisions, and business models.

The new Liquid offices in Portland rock! The party to unveil Liquid’s new digs in Portland was a raging success. Around 200 people showed up to help christen our newly remodeled space. We had colorful mix in attendance, including loads of our favorite clients and a healthy dose of local partners, collaborators, friends, and family.

Some brands create such strong customer communities that they are practically cults. Apple, the Grateful Dead, and Harley Davidson are a few good examples. The customers for these brands become part of a tribe - with its own culture and sense of belonging. The brands that succeed in creating such a strong connection among its customers and employees benefit from exceptionally high levels of loyalty, to the extent their customers rarely practice brand-switching – instead, they actually promote the brand actively – and often try to convert others into becoming "brand believers".

The walls came down and the gloves went on to jump start a new look for the San Jose Liquid Agency office. After occupying the large building that spans between South Market Street and First, it was time for us to make it our own, in true Liquid fashion.