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When I think about the people who have influenced my perspective on design, innovation, and education, J.R. Campbell is one of the first names that comes to mind. Our professional journeys first intersected while we were both in graduate school, attending the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) conference in Banff, Canada. Even then, it was clear that J.R. possessed a unique vision—one that combined creativity, technology, and a relentless curiosity about the future of design. Over the years, I have followed his career with admiration, watching as he made an impact in various roles worldwide.
recent conversation with J.R. on the iNNOVATION Insights podcast provided an opportunity to reflect on his incredible journey, his philosophy on design and innovation, and his transformative work at Kent State University. J.R. is currently the Executive Director of the Design Innovation Initiative at Kent State. This role allows him to merge his passion for human-centered design, technology-driven maker communities, and collaborative problem-solving.
From Textile Design to a Broader Vision
During our discussion, J.R. traced his design roots back to his childhood experiences growing up in a farming family, where problem-solving and hands-on making were part of everyday life. While his father pursued a vastly different career path as a nuclear physicist, J.R. found his calling in textiles and design. His academic journey led him to UC Davis, where he studied environmental design—a multidisciplinary program that set the foundation for his collaborative approach to design thinking.
His transition from textiles to innovation was not a sudden leap but rather an evolution. While serving as Director of The Fashion School at Kent State, J.R. recognized that students needed to think beyond industry-specific roles and explore the intersections of fashion, technology, and problem-solving. His experience at institutions like the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology and the Auckland University of Technology further reinforced the idea that design should not exist in silos but instead should foster cross-disciplinary collaboration.
One of his major contributions to Kent State was the establishment of the TechStyleLab, which brought together digital tools and technologies, attracting students from diverse disciplines. This initiative helped to break down silos, encouraging students from fields such as computer science to engage with fashion students. This experience opened up new ways of thinking and creating.
Building a Culture of Innovation
J.R.'s approach to innovation is deeply rooted in collaboration and human-centered design. One of the pivotal moments in his career was the creation of the National Fashion Tech Hackathon at Kent State. This event invites students from across the country to collaborate on fashion technology and wearable innovations. The energy and excitement of these hackathons demonstrated the power of bringing together individuals with different expertise to tackle complex challenges.
As J.R. transitioned into his leadership role with the Design Innovation Initiative, he carried forward the lessons from the TechStyleLab and the hackathons. The initiative focused on creating spaces and experiences that encouraged students and faculty to collaborate across disciplines. One of the most significant milestones was renovating the old art building on campus into the Design Innovation Hub (DI Hub). This space was intentionally designed with flexibility in mind—movable furniture, open-access maker environments, and a dining facility to foster interaction and collaboration.
The DI Hub officially opened in 2020, but due to the pandemic, its grand opening had to take an unconventional approach. Rather than hosting a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, J.R. and his team created a digital walkthrough of the space, complete with interactive elements and gamified experiences. The result was a global audience engaging with the DI Hub in ways that might not have been possible with an in-person event.
The Importance of Fearless Collaboration
One of the most compelling ideas J.R. shared during our conversation was their concept of the Fearless Collaborator. He believes true innovation happens when individuals are willing to step outside their comfort zones, engage with diverse perspectives, and embrace the unknown. In the DI Hub, students are encouraged to work across disciplines, challenge conventional thinking, and develop skills that prepare them for the evolving demands of the workforce.
J.R. also emphasized the role of making in the innovation process. Whether through prototyping, digital fabrication, or hands-on experimentation, he sees making as essential for problem-solving and idea generation. He argues that making is not just about the final product but about creating a shared language for collaboration.
Lessons from Global Experiences
With a career spanned multiple continents, J.R. has gained valuable insights into how different cultures approach design and innovation. His time in China, for example, highlighted the contrast between Western individualistic approaches and the more team-oriented structures prevalent in Chinese institutions. He reflected on how these experiences informed his work in building more inclusive and collaborative innovation cultures.
Another key takeaway from our conversation was fostering an innovation mindset in higher education. J.R. believes that universities should do more to teach students how to work in teams, communicate effectively, and develop trust—skills often undervalued in traditional curricula but essential for professional success.
Redefining Innovation
I always ask my guests to define innovation in their own words, and J.R.'s response resonated deeply. He described innovation as an intentional and thoughtful process of making positive change together. For him, innovation is not just about technology or business—it is about harnessing diverse perspectives, fostering collaboration, and implementing meaningful solutions.
This perspective aligns with my own beliefs about innovation. Too often, the term is narrowly associated with technological breakthroughs, but true innovation is just as much about human connections, creativity, and problem-solving. J.R.'s work at Kent State exemplifies this holistic approach, demonstrating that when we embrace collaboration, we unlock new possibilities.
Final Reflections
My conversation with J.R. Campbell was both inspiring and thought-provoking. It reminded me why I have followed his work for so many years—his ability to think beyond traditional boundaries, his commitment to fostering inclusive innovation cultures, and his unwavering belief in the power of collaboration.
Reflecting on our discussion, I am reminded that innovation is not just about new ideas, but about how we bring those ideas to life through collaboration and making. Whether through the DI Hub, hackathons, or interdisciplinary projects, J.R. continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in design education and innovation.
I highly recommend exploring the Design Innovation Initiative at Kent State for anyone interested in learning more about J.R.'s team's work. His journey is a testament to the power of creativity, risk-taking, and the belief that we can create meaningful change together.
Keep innovating!
Eulanda
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