Conflict of Interest & Time Machines

This one’s a follow-up to my recent post about NDAs and first chats, and it’s especially relevant if you’re working on something innovative, competitive, or quietly disruptive, like time machines.

This is something that doesn’t get talked about enough in freelance or agency design - Conflict of Interest.

As a client, you might be worried about sharing your idea with a designer before an NDA is signed. I get that. But there’s something just as important that works the other way, too:

What if I’m already working on something similar?

Or even, what if I shouldn’t be working on your project at all?

Let’s say two different teams, in the same niche, both approach me a few weeks apart with similar concepts. Maybe both are developing very similar nifty gadgets, a kitchen appliances or sporting products. Or yes, even a time machine. Believe me, it has happened before. Especially with ideas that are driven by trends, economic climates or fads.

If I signed an NDA with the first team before knowing the second team existed, I’m now in an awkward spot. I technically shouldn’t even be talking to the second team. I couldn’t give them 100% focus or brainpower, as I would have to filter what the first team is working on. Even if the two projects aren’t identical, I could be locked out of future opportunities, or worse, caught between competing goals.

Nobody wins in that situation.

That’s why, before jumping into formal paperwork, I always prefer a quick, high-level chat first.

Not to sniff around your IP. But to make sure I’m even able to help - ethically, professionally, and cleanly.

It’s Not About Playing Favourites

It’s about staying fair and transparent.

If you’re investing in product development, you want to know your designer is fully focused on your goals, not walking a tightrope between two competing projects in the same space.

I take that responsibility seriously.

If I’ve already taken on a project that overlaps too closely with yours, I’ll tell you. And I’ll politely step back or refer you on. No hard feelings. I’d much rather lose a job than compromise trust (yours or someone else’s).

That First Chat Protects Both of Us

A short conversation up front, before we get into the details, helps uncover potential conflicts early.

You don’t have to tell me everything. Just the broad strokes. Enough for me to ask:

• Does this overlap with something I’m already doing?
• Can I give this project the full attention it deserves?
• Is it clear, from the start, who I’m working for and where my loyalties lie?

That clarity helps us both move forward with confidence, or bow out before things get complicated.

NDAs Still Have Their Place

Just like I said in the last post, I’m always happy to sign an NDA if we both decide to move forward. But they come after that first check-in, not before. Otherwise, I could be agreeing to protect IP I shouldn’t have access to in the first place.

So if you’re working on something cutting-edge, or in a highly competitive space, and you’re thinking of reaching out, please do.

You don’t need to send blueprints or business plans. Just a quick intro and a little context. I’ll let you know if there’s any potential conflict, and we’ll take it from there.

In short, conflict of interest isn’t just a legal thing, it’s a trust thing.

And the best way to avoid it? Start with a conversation.

---

Lucas Lastman

Freelance Industrial Designer Melbourne | Conflict-Aware | No Time Machines (at least, not two at once)

‍