Designing for Dignity: Douglas Katz on Adaptive Innovation, Disability, and Purpose-Driven Product Design

In this eye-opening episode of Mind Over Matter, host Aanya welcomes Douglas Katz—West Point graduate, disabled Army veteran, and founder of RedLeg Innovation—for a raw and practical conversation on leadership, adaptive design, and creating impact through lived experience. Doug shares how his personal injuries sparked a mission to develop assistive tools that prioritize dignity and independence, starting with a breakthrough adaptive knife. He dives deep into the concept of the Ability Curve, redefining disability through the lens of specific tasks rather than fixed identities. From kitchen tools to caregiving systems, Doug’s work reminds us that thoughtful, inclusive design is for everyone—not just for those society labels as disabled.

About the Guest:
Douglas Katz is a U.S. Army veteran, former telecom executive, and the founder of RedLeg Innovation, a venture studio focused on creating adaptive products that blend utility with empathy. His mission is rooted in lived experience, and his designs serve not only those with physical limitations but also caregivers and broader communities navigating moments of vulnerability and change.

Key Takeaways:

• Disability isn't binary—Doug introduces the Ability Curve as a better model to design inclusive solutions.

• True innovation often starts from personal need, not market research.

• Small improvements, like a reimagined knife handle, can restore independence and transform daily life.

• Inclusive design is not niche; it’s better design for all ages and stages.

• Empathy and foresight are essential when building for a future where everyone will, at some point, face physical limitations.

Connect with Douglas Katz:
Explore his work and read the Ability Curve whitepaper:
https://linktr.ee/dougkatz 

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