Agency #96 - How Good Design Can Save The Planet | Jesse Leeworthy
Nov 2, 2025
Jesse Leeworthy, a product design engineer and co-founder of Memo Bottle, shares his journey from a simple idea to creating a flat reusable bottle that's redefined sustainable design. He discusses the chaos of manufacturing challenges and the pivotal Kickstarter launch that sold 14,000 units without ads. Jesse emphasizes the importance of authenticity in branding, using design as a tool for environmental change, and the emotional connection to products. He also reflects on balancing customer feedback with vision and the strategy of positioning Memo Bottle as a design-forward icon.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Kickstarter Overnight Success
- Their Kickstarter sold 14,000 bottles to 6,000 backers in 72 countries with no ad spend.
- They raised far more than expected and scrambled because the product didn't yet exist.
Keep Backers Constantly Informed
- Be transparent and communicate frequently with backers when delays occur.
- Avoid silence: stopping updates escalated backlash and distrust.
Design As A Trojan Horse
- Design can act as a Trojan horse to change consumer behavior toward sustainability.
- Make products desirable first; environmental benefits follow as a secondary outcome.
