As we continue exploring new ways to set 3M apart, design represents a tremendous opportunity. That’s why I’m excited to share that we’ll soon have a new home for our designers, the 3M Design Center.

This multi-level design studio is under construction at our Minnesota headquarters, with the opening planned for spring 2016. Here, our designers, marketers and R&D colleagues will explore creative solutions and differentiate our brands in the new Brand Labs. A Trend and Color/Material Lab will provide inspiration and direction for future ideas, and a Fast Prototyping Lab will help us to experience new 3M solutions in an early stage. The whole open workspace concept will be highly adaptive to the needs of our multi-disciplinary design talent.

The space will also include a “Design Hive,” a vibrant place for the open and spontaneous exchange of ideas. This amphitheater-like area will include a presentation space to connect, inspire and educate our design talent. It’s such an exciting time to be at 3M; progress is happening every day. As Chief Design Officer, I’m inspired by 3M’s commitment to support collaborative creativity through design.