The Human
Hi, I'm Brent. I solve problems for a living, but my best ideas come from walking my dog, lifting weights, and learning from scouts.
The Ritual
The gym isn't just exercise—it's ritual. This is where minds clear and bodies strengthen. There's power in turning up, pushing through resistance, and emerging different. Mental clarity matters as much as physical strength.
The Walk
Haku and I do our best thinking on walks. This is where design problems get solved—somewhere between the park and home. The rhythm of walking unlocks what sitting at a desk never could.
The Family
Evenings mean gaming with kids, attempting dinner without disasters, diving into DIY projects that seemed brilliant at the time. Being dad of 2 and granddad of 2 keeps perspective sharp and priorities clear.
The Understanding
Best solutions come from understanding people. Through data, interviews, or simply watching where things break. This is where complex problems get untangled and systems start working properly.
The Fix
Interviewing users, tearing apart systems, building prototypes until something clicks. Deep satisfaction comes from removing everyday frustrations that everyone accepts as "just how things are done."
The Growth
Watching other designers grow energizes everything else. Taking someone on their career journey and witnessing that "aha" moment when it all connects—that's the real work. Different muscles get flexed. Purpose gets remembered.
The Adventure
Leading scouts means brilliant outdoor activities and constant learning from young minds. Their perspective humbles everything—they remind me that the best adventures happen when you're curious, brave, and willing to try something completely new.
The Philosophy
Doing things differently comes naturally. Always trying to improve lives around me. It's not about following playbooks—it's about questioning why they exist and whether there's a better way forward.
About That Name...
You might be wondering about the connection between Brent Starling and "Murmr." It's not just a clever rebrand—there's a deeper story about collective intelligence, quiet conversations, and how small birds create something extraordinary together.
Sometimes the best insights come from paying attention to patterns that were there all along.
What gets me up in the morning: untangling complex problems, helping teams see things differently, and making systems that actually work for people. Want to see how this translates into actual work?
Let's Share Knowledge
Looking for someone to speak to your team about service design, run workshops, or share experiences? I love helping teams develop their own approaches and build confidence in tackling complex problems.
* The only social media platform I use.
Life's better without the rest of the noise.