The Origin Tail: the story behind our name

The mystery behind our Platypus

In our opinion, the Platypus is a symbol of the wild creativity that drives innovation forward.

Picture this: an eccentric creature with the furry charm of an otter, the sleek tail of a beaver, and the unmistakable duck bill. Just like this marvel of nature, each one of us is a vibrant and unique combination of experiences, skills, and personality. To truly break new ground, we must embrace our diversity and work hand in hand, to challenge each other's views, biaises and uncover new perspectives.

But, our Platypus is also indirectly a symbol of courage. When British scientists first laid eyes on this strange creature, they couldn't believe their senses! The extraordinary Platypus seemed like a prank from Mother Nature herself. So much so that for nearly a century, scientists hesitated to acknowledge it as a legitimate species, fearing ridicule. 

The first ever scientific description of the platypus.  © The Naturalist's Miscellany, George Shaw, 1799. 

Yet, innovation demands boldness. It's about daring to tread uncharted waters, even if it means facing the possibility of failure. In the realm of Design Innovation, we don't see failure as defeat, but as a crucial step towards discovery. We stumble, we learn, and we leap forward. 

Together, as creative explorers, we embark on a journey of design and discovery. We are fearless. We are bold. We are resilient. And most importantly, we are full of ideas. Joining courage to boundless creativity, we tackle the challenges  that come our way. 

As we join forces with our clients and their stakeholders, a remarkable transformation occurs. Together, we blossom into a force to be reckoned with, making the world a brighter, more innovative place. This is where we truly come alive. This is where we, together, finally bloom.

And why is our Platypus 'Blooming'?

A few weeks ago, as we visited Keukenhof, a famous tulip gardenin the Netherlands, it made us reflect on the why I chose a 'Blooming' Platypus.

The beautiful tulips of Keukenhof

As a Design Innovation agency, we have heard countless times people we work with saying they’re just not the creative type. But we’ve never believed them and we have always made a point proving them wrong. Why?

Because we believe that we are all born creative. But over the years, through education, and life, we disconnect from our creative self.

The good news? It is not irreversible.

Creativity is in fact just like a flower you’ve forgotten to water. It has faded over time, but is ready to grow again. And we’re here to help you bring your creativity back to life.

We help you, your team, and your stakeholders reconnect with your inner creativity, and apply it to address the complex problems and challenges you’re facing, so that together, we can make the world a better place.

By nurturing your (and our!) creativity, just like tending to a garden, we help you and your organisation grow, flourish and bloom, much like the vibrant tulips at Keukenhof!