Changing the World...one product at a time

Todd Metlen, the visionary behind Ojai’s revolutionary design and product development firm, Design+Vision, Inc., is bringing eco-consciousness to the world of product development. Specializing in "green" products, Todd and his team focus on bringing new products to life, as well as modifying existing technology to meet today’s rising demand for sustainability.

The face of technology is changing, while “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” is quickly becoming the mantra for the 21st century. As laptops, iPods, and cell phones develop into standard requirements for modern living, and consumers become more aware of their personal impact, the trend toward environmentally responsible product design is inevitable.

Working with inventors and businesses across the country, Design+Vision offers an array of services - including 3D CAD modeling, engineering, and prototyping - to its varied clients. “Some clients come to us with a great idea and a sketch on a napkin,” Todd explains “others already have products on the market that they want to redesign and “green”. We can help at any stage.”

Design+Vision is continually finding new outlets for its foundational mission: to create “invisibly green” consumer and industrial goods, and modify existing products to reduce their global impact. “We want people to buy earth-friendly products without feeling like they’re sacrificing anything” Todd says. “I love the idea of minimizing consumers’ environmental footprints without them even knowing it!”

As a long-time resident of Ojai, and father of two, Todd’s recognition of the growing need for earth-friendly solutions to consumer desires led to his decision to become a changing force in his field. Todd reflects on his original motivation to transform the industry - "Ojai's natural beauty made me keenly aware of our environment and the need to take action to protect it. As a designer, and a role-model for my sons, I didn’t want my legacy to be a contribution to growing landfills.”

From award-winning low-energy LED lighting, to biodegradable tableware, Todd and the Design+Vision team, are finding ways to make the “greener” path, the path of choice for consumers everywhere. “More and more,” Todd observes “I see how many opportunities there are to apply new, “green” technologies to old ways of doing things. Whether it's using bio-plastic for the manufacture of existing products and their packaging, or creating solar-powered alternatives for consumer electronics – the possibility for positive change in this industry is limitless!”

Todd’s personal commitment to the environment has inspired Design+Vision’s research and development of resource management and monitoring devices they hope to bring to the Ojai Valley on a widespread basis sometime in the near future. Todd asserts “It's a very exciting time, and living in beautiful Ojai really brings home the necessity for all of us to take action. Wouldn't it be great if our town became known as a “model green community”? We just need to decide that’s what we want, and make it happen!"

Design + Vision , Inc. is a participating sponsor of “Go Green Ojai: A Summit for Environmental Action” presented by the Ojai Valley Green Coalition. The event is Free and open to the public on Saturday, May 12, 2007 at the Matilija Jr. High School Auditorium in Ojai, CA. from 10am – 4:30pm.

Ventura, CA - Wednesday, January 10, 2007 – Design+Vision, Inc. is the Ojai-based design firm behind some new alternative energy products for the global mobile communications industry.

Design+Vision is committed to responsible design and manufacturing of environmentally and socially responsible products.The firm uses renewable resources with recyclable and sustainable materials garnered from all over the world.

Since it was launched in October 2005, the company has been awarded more than $750,000 in design contracts and another $5.5 million from domestic and international clients. (Ventura County Star)

Ojai, CALIFORNIA – Monday, October 23, 2006 – The methodology behind the development and manufacturing of environmentally and socially responsible products is breaking ground in the world of industrial design at the California-based firm, Design + Vision, Inc.

With over 20 years in design and development, company founder and president, Todd Metlen, has been an integral part of the design process in many high profile and familiar products. Metlen has done work for BMW, Johnson & Johnson, Siemens, Porsche Design Golf, Samsonite and Nokia.

Celebrating the company’s one-year anniversary this month, Metlen stated, “D+V was founded a year ago to bring together the best design talent and change the way the world makes products.” Every product Design+Vision, Inc. develops and manufactures reflects not only the company’s commitment to responsible design, but also to safe and clean manufacturing facilities, providing living wages to employees in manufacturing roles overseas.

Design+Vision, Inc. utilizes renewable resources without losing the beautiful styling their products are known for. With recyclable and sustainable materials garnered from all over the world, original and thoughtful products are returned to a demanding global market.

Not only is the commitment to responsible design and manufacturing setting Design+Vision, Inc. apart competitors, but also their approach to the design process itself. Marketing their own design and development strategy, D+V, Inc is creating a paradigm shift in the way products successfully handle the transition from sketch to shelf. D+V’s, Radial Development strategy offers a new way of approaching the traditional linear design process.

The experts at D+V are the best in the world at their craft. The results show not only in their manufactured products, but also in their ability to collaboratively focus their efforts - maximizing efficiency and compressing the delivery time line. A symphony of design, engineering, technology and manufacturing defines Design+Vision, Inc. and their sense of concept, action and delivery.

Design + Vision, Inc. is currently booking both speaking engagements and workshops for the aspiring inventor both locally and nationally for the upcoming year.

Since it’s founding in October 2005, Design+Vision, Inc. has been awarded over $750K in design contracts and another $5.5M from domestic and international clients. These projects have created over a dozen US patents on behalf of their clients. For more information, please visit www.designplusvision.com, or call, 805-640-2468. You may also email to media@designplusvision.com .