D’Wayne Edwards Applies Bruce Lee Philosophy to Design Education

Legendary sneaker designer D’Wayne Edwards, who previously held roles at Nike and currently serves as president of Pensole Lewis College, has long been influenced by the philosophy of Bruce Lee. Edwards first encountered Lee's work in high school, initially perceiving him as a martial artist but later recognizing him as a profound philosopher. Edwards, whose design education was acquired entirely on the job at Skechers and Nike, found that Lee's approach significantly shaped his own design methodology. He articulates Lee's philosophy as adaptable, stating, "He doesn’t have a fighting style. His fighting style is whatever his opponent forces him to do." Edwards applies this principle to design, asserting that his own approach is not about personal style but about addressing the specific problem at hand. He stated, "I focus on becoming the creative or the designer for the problem I’m trying to solve." This problem-solving orientation is now central to his efforts to transform design education at Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design in Detroit. Pensole Lewis College is notable as the only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) with a design focus, and Edwards aims for it to establish a new standard for design education. His career in product design informs his vision for the future of design at the institution, integrating principles of problem-solving, business acumen, and educational innovation. Edwards outlines several guiding principles for creative development. He advises breaking one's life into distinct chapters, a process he experienced by transitioning from being an artist capable of realistic depiction to a designer who imagines and creates novel concepts, and subsequently to a "creative" who understands the influence of the human mind on output. He emphasizes making creativity a daily practice, viewing it as an inherent human trait applicable to all aspects of life, from navigating everyday obstacles like potholes to professional roles such as accounting or law. Edwards believes that embracing creativity enhances life experiences, making them more enjoyable and expansive, and advocates for the integration of "creative" as a descriptor for any profession.