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Episode 3

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Published on:

29th Jan 2025

How Bebello is Redefining Parenting: Andrew Carr on Time-Saving and Sustainability

In this episode of Why Design?, Chris Whyte speaks with Andrew Carr, founder of Bebello, a mission-driven startup transforming the way new parents approach bottle and pump cleaning with sustainability at its core. Andrew’s flagship product, the Bebello Washer, saves time for parents while drastically reducing environmental impact.

Andrew’s career journey spans nearly two decades, including roles at Elvie, Shark Ninja, Plexus, and design consultancies across the US, China, and Scotland. Along the way, he’s learned how to balance user-centric design with the demands of sustainability, all while driving impactful product innovation.

This conversation dives into:

  • How Andrew’s time at companies like Elvie and Shark Ninja shaped his approach to design and leadership.
  • The inspiration behind Bebello and the challenges of launching a hardware startup.
  • Why sustainable design must also offer superior user experiences.
  • Insights into building a circular economy business model.
  • How his personal journey as a parent influenced the creation of Bebello’s first product.

Whether you’re interested in sustainable product development, building mission-driven businesses, or the challenges of hardware startups, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sustainable products must deliver better user experiences to succeed in the market.
  • Transparent communication and openness to feedback are critical for early-stage startups.
  • Sustainability isn’t just an add-on—it should be embedded into a business’s foundation.
  • Great design comes from understanding real-world problems through user research.
  • Disrupting entrenched habits (like hand washing) can drive significant environmental benefits.

Links & Resources:

Book Recommendations from the Episode:

  • Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough
  • Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth

Podcast Recommendations:

  • The Economist Podcast
  • Lenny’s Product Podcast
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About the Podcast

WHY DESIGN?
For people interested in physical product design and development
Why Design is a podcast exploring the stories behind hardware and physical product development. Hosted by Chris Whyte, founder of Kodu, the show dives into the journeys of founders, senior design leaders, and engineers shaping people and planet-friendly products.

Formerly "The Design Journeys Podcast", each episode uncovers pivotal career moments, lessons learned, and behind-the-scenes insights from industry experts. Whether you’re a designer, engineer, or simply curious about how great hardware products come to life, Why Design offers real stories, actionable advice, and inspiration for anyone passionate about design and innovation.

Join us as we listen, learn, and connect through the stories that define the world of physical product development.

About your host

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Chris Whyte

Hi, I'm your host of Why Design? (Formerly "The Design Journeys Podcast")

I'm also the founder of Kodu - a specialist recruitment consultancy focused exclusively on physical product development. It's the people who I've met in my years in the industry that inspired me to start this podcast.

When I'm not hosting the podcast, I help physical product brands, start-ups and design consultancies identify, attract and hire the best product design & engineering talent ahead of their competitors, across the USA, UK and Europe 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇪🇺

I focus exclusively on 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘴!)

𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 & 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬:
✅ Do you have high growth plans for your physical product development and engineering division?
✅ Would you like to engage with and source those hard-to-find Design Engineers and Industrial Designers?
✅ Are you spending too much time in the hiring process only to find that the talent doesn't match your expectations?

𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐌𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬:
✅ Are you interested in joining an exciting start-up, design consultancy or technology brand?
✅ Interested in honest, transparent advice as to which companies would be the best fit for you?

If you agree with any of the above, I know how you feel as I deal with people just like you every day.

I have successfully placed hundreds of design engineers, industrial designers, managers and directors into some of the world's most exciting technology brands, start-ups and consultancies.

My clients tell me they work with me because:

⭐ I focus on long-term relationship building, not transactions
⭐ I speak their language and understand their businesses and job roles
⭐ I’m professional, yet friendly and very approachable
⭐ My robust process significantly reduces time-to-hire

I’ve worked within consumer electronics, homewares, kitchen appliances, e-bikes, medical devices, gaming controllers, furniture, life-sciences, audio-equipment, vacuum cleaners and more!

Typically, I recruit the following roles:
💡 VP Engineering
💡 Engineering Director
💡 Design Manager
💡 Industrial Designer
💡 Product Designer (products not apps!)
💡 Product Design Engineer
💡 Mechanical Design Engineer
💡 Mechanical Engineer

Outside of work, I'm a wannabe rock star and a father to two teenagers. I support Manchester United and I'm terrible at FIFA/FC24 🤓

If you want to talk about my work or anything else, message me on here and I'll respond as soon as I can. Or you can reach me via:

chris@teamkodu.com

UK: +44 7538 928 518
US: +1 862 298 5088