VOICES OF LEGACY

Greg is Chief Exploration Officer at Superunknown and a globally recognized expert in integrating AI into design. Known for his dynamic, improvisational talks, he has trained teams at Netflix, LEGO, and more. Combining formal machine learning education with two decades in UX, industrial, and brand design, Greg pushes the boundaries of AI to shape a new design paradigm.

Allegra is the Consul of Italy in Detroit, serving Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee. Born in Rome, she holds a Political Science degree from LUISS and a master’s in International Relations from SIOI. After a decade in the private sector, she joined the diplomatic corps, serving as Deputy Head of Mission in Colombo.

Jason Belaire, IDSA, is an industrial designer, presenter, and entrepreneur with 25+ years of impact. As IDSA Chair, he launched the Circular Design Council and led groundbreaking sustainability initiatives. Known for pioneering design experiences, Belaire blends EQ-driven research, trend forecasting, and inclusive leadership. He’s shaped major events like Denver Design Week and Outdoor Retailer’s Trend and Design Center.

Habacuc S. Bessiake is a Detroit-based artist, curator, and organizer whose work blends visual storytelling with grassroots activism. A graduate of the College for Creative Studies, his art has been exhibited nationally while his community practice centers on inclusive programming at the LOVE Building. Through murals, exhibitions, and youth engagement, he fosters cultural connection, justice, and creativity rooted in heritage.

Dr. Deepa Butoliya is an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan’s Stamps School of Art & Design. Her work blends industrial design, biodesign, and speculative practices with a focus on the Global South. Exploring concepts like Jugaad and critical making, she champions design for social innovation and examines Detroit’s landscape through a pluriversal, justice-oriented lens.

Natalia Castellanos is an industrial designer and educator based in Paterson, New Jersey. She supports student success across Architecture, Digital Design, Industrial Design, and Interior Design, with a focus on inclusive learning. Her current research explores the intersection of design and philosophy, examining how visual rhetoric shapes meaning in the design of everyday objects

Stephan Clambaneva is Managing Director of PARK USA, driving circular innovation and sustainable design leadership. With 25+ years of experience across IBM and Dassault Systèmes, he’s shaped industries from mobility to MedTech. A global speaker and mentor, Stephan champions design as a catalyst for positive change—merging strategy, impact, and vision to challenge outdated systems and elevate design’s role in business.

Grace Engels is a Creative Director at the Newell Brands Design Center, where she leads multidisciplinary teams across design and writing. With a background in architecture, she specializes in insights-driven innovation, trends research, and directs the Newell Design Institute. She helps shape the future of iconic brands like Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Coleman, and Yankee Candle through strategic design leadership.

Christine Facella is a designer, maker, and founder of Modest, a research-driven design studio focused on reforestation and ecological restoration across the Americas. Her work has been recognized by the ASLA, Van Alen Institute, and Architectural League of New York. She also serves as Director of the MFA Industrial Design program and Assistant Professor at Parsons School of Design.

Marty Gage is Vice President at Lextant and a global leader in design research, helping top brands like Google, Ford, and P\&G translate consumer insights into business strategy. Known for aligning teams around user desires, he drives innovation and growth. Marty co-authored a design research book, created a SCAD certification, and regularly teaches and speaks worldwide.

Kevin is an investor, advisor, and advocate for creative people with global team-building experience. At Design Core Detroit, he supports startups with business coaching, talent search, and resource navigation. Previously, as Head of Design, International at 3M, he led multidisciplinary teams across Asia, Europe, and the US, including four years in Tokyo expanding studios in Japan, India, China, and Korea. He also serves as Vice Chair of IDSA Detroit and will host and speak at the upcoming International Design Conference.

Ani Grigorian is a geriatric social worker turned systems designer advancing accessibility across Detroit. She manages Detroit Disability Power’s consulting program, advising on audits, policy, and design practices that expand equity in housing, infrastructure, and cultural spaces. Ani also supports major initiatives such as the Detroit Home Accessibility Program, ensuring people can age and live with dignity in their communities.

Amanda Huynh is Associate Professor and Coordinator of Industrial Design in the Department of Design, The Ohio State University with a special research interest in food design and community engagement.

James Rudolph is an Assistant Professor of Industrial Design at the University of Notre Dame. His research bridges emerging technologies and healthcare challenges, using design to deliver impactful solutions. Before academia, he led design and development for global Fortune 500 companies and early-stage medical startups, focusing on healthcare innovation and consumer electronics through research-driven, human-centered design practices.

Byungsoo Kim is an Assistant Professor of Industrial Design at North Carolina State University. His research explores technology integration in Human-Centered and Universal Design, with an interdisciplinary focus. He has industry experience with General Motors and JLG Industries and has earned honors including the GM Design Competition, iF Universal Design Award, and Red Dot Design Award.

Ranee Lee is an Associate Professor of industrial design at OCAD University in Toronto, Canada. Founder of DESIGNwith, an innovation lab for circular economy and social innovation at the juncture of academia, corporation, and community. Her practice adopts a participatory design methodology to develop alternative economies within marginalized communities.

Nancy Liu is an executive leader with 25 years of experience in smart home design strategy, human-centered research, and UX/UI design. She has directed global design teams across the U.S., Asia, South America, and Europe, uniting creative vision with business strategy to produce award-winning products. Passionate about the future of innovation, Nancy integrates AI into the design process and inspires organizations to harness its power for new possibilities.

Fabrizio Mina is CEO of Italdesign USA LLC, appointed in 2024. A mechanical engineer from Politecnico di Torino, he brings more than two decades of global automotive leadership. His expertise spans site and project management, business development, sales, and marketing, with a strong focus on innovation. Mina has a proven record driving growth, partnerships, and high-impact programs across complex organizations.

Dr. Elham Morshedzadeh is an industrial designer, educator, and usability researcher focused on healthcare innovation and community-centered design. She directs the Health Design Lab at the University of Houston, holding joint appointments in the Colleges of Architecture, Medicine, and Engineering. With over a decade of design experience, she has led NIH- and NSF-funded research and mentors students in human-centered, systems-based design. Dr. Morshedzadeh also serves as IDSA Education Council President-Elect and South District Representative for the Women in Design Committee.

William Nickley is an Assistant Professor of Design at The Ohio State University. Merging industrial design with social impact, his work uses person-centered and design-based making frameworks. He co-designs with LGBTQIA+ youth to advance culturally competent healthcare and Positive Youth Development. With eight years in industry and nonprofit roles, he also co-founded the community tech nonprofit Local Tech Heroes.

SK O’Brien is an artist, designer, and Assistant Professor of Product Design at the University of Kentucky. Her work explores materials and processes to reveal unexpected beauty and function. Formerly Lead Designer at Kohler and Products Director at 212box, her product designs hold 10 patents and have earned Red Dot, iF, and IDEA awards, alongside international fine art recognition.

Rebeccah Pailes-Friedman, FIDSA, blends art and design to create emotionally resonant, human-centered solutions. As founder of Interwoven Design Group and a longtime Pratt Institute educator, she explores the intersection of creativity, technology, and nature. Her work—spanning wearable tech to ceramic sculpture—embodies her belief that innovation emerges through curiosity, collaboration, and the seamless fusion of disciplines.

Nancy Perkins is principal of Perkins Design Ltd., with patents on 27 product designs spanning consumer goods, communications, transit, and industrial equipment. A former President/CEO of the Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind, she has held leadership roles in IDSA, academia, and corporate design. An IDSA Fellow, Nancy continues advancing design, accessibility, and design history research.

Jon is Senior Director for Hardware Experience at GE HealthCare, leading the global industrial design team across imaging and patient care lines. With 25+ years at GE, he has shaped brand language, led global workshops, and driven solutions for MRI, Ultrasound, Patient Monitoring, and more. He holds a Bachelor of Industrial Design from Syracuse University and runs a Milwaukee-based fitness and wellness business.

Bret is a world-renowned industrial designer, entrepreneur, investor, and the visionary founder of Box Clever and Box Garden Ventures.
Our award-winning design studio is recognized for creating physical products and experiences that delight consumers and build category-leading brands. Bret’s creative leadership has shaped breakthrough designs in multiple categories, including Away, Caraway, Clip, Jawbone, HermanMiller, One Laptop Per Child, Nixon, Tiffany & Co., Knoll.

Jessica Medina Rodriguez is a graduate student in Industrial Design at the University of Houston with a background in Architecture from Texas Tech University. She brings a spatial and systems-based perspective to her work and is currently exploring interests in human behavior, accessibility, and thoughtful problem-solving. Jessica is passionate about learning and shaping a meaningful path as a designer.

Michael Seum is Vice President of Global Design at Kohler, where he drives innovation through consumer-focused product, digital, and brand experience design. With award-winning leadership across agencies, startups, and global corporations, he blends business acumen with creative vision. Michael builds collaborative design cultures that spark innovation, shape brand equity, and deliver transformative, design-led growth across competitive markets.

At Toyota Material Handling North America, leading styling, ergonomics, UI/UX, and concept development across North American brands. He aligns product, engineering, and marketing to champion human-centered design, safety, and manufacturability. Smiley drives a unified brand language and differentiated customer experiences, accelerating innovation from insight to launch and guiding a forward-looking portfolio that delivers measurable impact.

Omari Souza, Assistant Professor of Communication Design, merges industry experience with academic insight to champion equity and inclusion in design. A Bronx native with Jamaican roots, he founded the State of Black Design conference and co-hosts the "Design of Business | Business of Design minisode" podcast. His work focuses on decolonizing design and promoting ethical, inclusive practices across disciplines.

Ewelina Swierad, PhD, is a behavioral scientist, educator, and UX researcher with 15+ years across academia, healthcare, and technology. She translates behavioral science and neuroaesthetics into resonant product experiences. A former Columbia University Medical Center research scientist and Fulbright Scholar, she founded Notemakker, a consultancy for research-led experience design. Her work explores how science and aesthetics drive meaningful, lasting change.

Monica is Director of Industrial Design at Frida, with over 15 years of experience in toys, medical devices, consumer goods, and soft goods. She combines empathy-driven research with brand strategy to create meaningful, problem-solving products for families. A Cleveland Institute of Art graduate, she is also a mentor and advocate for design leadership and impact.

Sushant Vohra is a Senior Industrial Designer at Teague and the founder of Young Designers India (YDI), the country’s largest design community. With nearly a decade of experience across consumer electronics, mobility, and healthcare, he has led products for Fortune 100 companies and startups alike. His work blends cultural insight with forward-thinking design, earning recognition in TIME’s Best Inventions and Fast Company. Passionate about mentorship, Sushant has built YDI into a 16,000+ member ecosystem supporting jobs, learning, and exposure. He speaks globally on design leadership, creative experimentation, and using design as a strategic tool for impact and innovation.

Molly Wang is a Senior Designer at Shinola and a founding member of its design team, shaping iconic watch collections through heritage-driven, research-based design. With over a decade of experience, she blends artistic vision with technical precision to create emotionally resonant products. Originally from Taiwan, Molly draws inspiration from Detroit’s resilience and culture of making.

With over 20 years in global automotive design, Crystal is a visionary leader recognized for award-winning concepts, transformative customer experiences, and record-breaking results. A change agent with expertise in emerging technologies and cross-functional collaboration, Crystal Windham drives aesthetic and technology vision while mentoring diverse talent. Their leadership blends design integrity with efficiency, shaping the future of prestigious global brands.

Bahar Aryana is an Iranian industrial designer and researcher pursuing her Master’s at the University of Illinois Chicago. With a background in branding and CGI, her work blends sustainability, emerging tech, and human-centered design. She focuses on VR education, neurodivergent tools, and kinetic installations, and is the IDSA UIC Liaison and 2024 Gianninoto Graduate Scholarship recipient.

Romina Barrera is a Mexican designer and Lead Researcher at IDSA, advancing equitable design through ethical data practices. With 10+ years of experience, she guides Fortune 500 companies in crafting inclusive, evidence-based solutions. Romina excels in translating complex data into impactful design, blending behavioral insights, AI, and cultural fluency to drive innovation across physical and digital experiences.

Abygail is a designer based in Tiohtià:ke (Montreal) and a recent graduate of Concordia University’s Master of Design program. Their research explores user-modified objects as inspiration for evolving industrial design practices. Centering accessibility, social change, and speculative futures, Abygail’s work challenges conventional design approaches and invites new possibilities for both designers and the design discipline.

Franco Bevione is CEO of Wedoo LLC, a digital innovation company with offices in the U.S. and Italy. With over 20 years in automotive, manufacturing, and industrial sectors, he helps organizations transform through technology. His work in Computer Graphics includes leading European projects and directing a Virtual Reality and CGI research center for nearly a decade. Franco holds a Master’s in Industrial Engineering from Politecnico di Torino and an MBA.

David is Principal and CEO of SF, where he leads purposeful design that drives innovation and market impact. With over 25 years in the industry, he has delivered solutions ranging from Hyundai’s walking cars to high-speed trains and virtual education tools. A CCS alum, David has designed for GM, Saleen, and New Balance, and now champions design talent as president of the Michigan Design Council.

Yoon Jung Choi is an Assistant Professor of Industrial Design at Virginia Tech. Her research advances sustainability through interdisciplinary design and community collaboration. She holds a Ph.D. from the Royal College of Art and an MA from Kingston University. With over a decade of design experience in London, she previously taught at Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art.

Julia DeVoy, MBA (Oxford), MTS (Harvard), PhD (Boston College), is Dean of Undergraduate Programs at Boston College. She leads the ERA program and Design for Impact initiative, focusing on ethics, psychology, and design-driven innovation. A recipient of Oxford’s GOTO and Dean’s Prizes, she also serves on boards including the Harvard Alumni Association and Families First Parenting Programs.

Lew is Founder/CEO of Lot21, a nonprofit platform advancing climate action through design in the built environment. A former Steelcase leader with 23 patents, he brings decades of experience in sustainable innovation. Lew advises eco-driven companies, serves on IDSA’s Circular Design Council, and teaches at institutions like Harvard and Parsons, championing regenerative design and environmental advocacy across disciplines.

Bonnie Fahoome, Co-Executive Director of Design Core Detroit, has over 15 years of experience driving Detroit’s design economy. She leads initiatives like the Design Guide for Product Businesses and Design Jam, focusing on inclusive, adaptive innovation. As a global social design advocate, Bonnie bridges policymakers, educators, and communities to position Detroit as a leader in equitable, design-driven economic development.

Victoria Garner is a service designer and strategist who transforms complexity into clarity for mission-driven organizations. As Lead Service Designer at Cities Reimagined, she advances equity and innovation in urban systems. A 2025 Urban Future Young Leader, Victoria brings empathy, curiosity, and human-centered design to projects spanning public policy, digital transformation, and urban innovation—making systems more accessible and impactful.

Ralph Gilles is Chief Design Officer at Stellantis, leading design for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, Maserati, and FIAT in Latin America. A passionate car enthusiast and longtime Chrysler designer since 1992, he champions diversity as an executive sponsor and actively supports community initiatives. Gilles has earned numerous industry awards, including the 2023 EyesOn Design Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his influential design leadership.

Michael Held is Vice President of Design at Steelcase, where he leads teams shaping the future of work and workplace technology. With global experience at Asus and Philips Design, his background spans industrial design, strategy, and innovation. He holds degrees from the University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt and the University of Art and Design Zurich.

Born in England, Dickon is an award-winning creative business leader, advisor, and investor - guiding our team to deliver exceptional experiences for clients and partners. He leads all aspects of the process at Box Clever, leveraging global corporate and consultancy experience growing businesses for Intuit, Motorola, and IDEO. Dickon’s leadership has created positive impact and increased market share, by guiding teams to create breakthrough designs and human-centered experiences in categories including Mobile Devices, Audio, Wearables, Medical, Wellness, Furniture, and Precision Imaging.

Mary Jensen is an Executive Search Consultant specializing in product development, marketing, and creative leadership roles. With a candidate-first approach, she offers coaching, search strategy, and interview prep. Drawing on deep industry insight, she helps build impactful, future-ready teams across Fortune 500s and family businesses, shaping the evolving landscape of leadership in design-driven industries.

​

Laura Leenhouts, an architect by training, specializes in innovation strategy, design research, and facilitation. Having led cross-functional innovation initiatives at Herman Miller, Johnson Controls, and currently Newell Rubbermaid, where helping brands like Sharpie and Graco explore untapped market opportunities. Work blending foresight, ideation, and user insights to drive business growth across industries.

An innovative and strategic design leader, ClayVon brings extensive experience in developing design strategies and market-leading products.

Toni Moceri is a strategist and leader shaping visionary media and social justice work as Executive Director of Allied Media Projects. A native Detroiter with two decades of public service, she previously served as a Macomb County Commissioner and continues to champion immigrant rights, sustainability, and community-rooted development. Toni fosters collaborative, trust-based environments where bold ideas thrive and endure.

Rob Moser is Vice President of Design at Whirlpool, leading global design strategy across kitchen, laundry, and CPG categories. With executive experience at Ford and HP, he merges creative vision with business strategy to deliver award-winning products. Rob is known for building innovative, multicultural teams and aligning design with consumer insight and go-to-market goals to elevate brand and product experiences.

With over 20 years of global experience, [Name] has led creative work spanning vehicles, product, architecture, brand, and experience design. Skilled in high-performance team building, talent development, and cross-functional alignment, [Name] excels at simplifying complexity and elevating design’s influence across corporations. Holding degrees in Transportation Design (ArtCenter) and Marketing/International Business (Indiana University), [Name] unites design vision with strategic impact.

Clare is Creative Strategy & Ai Integration Lead at AIxCreative, where she helps global design teams harness generative tools to enhance their design processes. With a background in both Industrial Design and Instructional Design for Human Factors Applications, she offers agility in highly regulated industries, generative tech, and creative industry thought leadership. Before joining AIxCreative, her work focused on the design and regulatory interface for Amgen’s combination products, translating user research into FDA-compliant visual systems.

Chorong Park is a doctoral candidate in technology and design, researching aging, accessibility, and human-computer interaction. Their work blends participatory design, Kansei Engineering, and critical disability studies to create empowering tech experiences for older adults. With 500+ hours of ethnographic fieldwork, they develop inclusive frameworks that challenge legacy norms and promote intergenerational equity in industrial design education.

Jay is a Design Management and Leadership expert with 25+ years of experience driving innovation and business growth through design. As Chair at SCAD and Partner at PARK USA, he empowers over 1,000 professionals and top organizations, advancing design maturity and triple-bottom-line impact. Jay shapes future leaders through curriculum development, coaching, and strategic consulting in professional practice and education.

Dr. Isabel Prochner (she/they) is an award-winning industrial design researcher, educator, and public scholar advancing equity, health, and inclusion through design. A Virginia Tech faculty member, she has published widely and spoken at major events including Women in Design 2024. Her forthcoming book, *Human Factors for Industrial Designers*, and her international research collaborations highlight her commitment to inclusive, community-centered design.

Christopher Roberts is Director of Service Design at Baylor Scott & White Health, bringing 20+ years of experience across industrial, UX, and service design. A systems thinker, he improves experiences for patients, caregivers, and staff. Co-founder of Dallas’s Service Design Network chapter, Christopher is known for connecting strategy to execution and championing design as a catalyst for meaningful, lasting change.

Raja Schaar is Associate Professor and Associate Director of Product Design at Drexel University. She studies the impact of design and technology on the environment and society through ethics, climate action, social entrepreneurship, and speculative design. She has decades of experience working with interdisciplinary, community-based partnerships focused on capacity building for youth through design and STEAM education.

Ted Shin is Chair and Professor of Industrial Design at MSU Denver, where he has taught since 2006. A former senior designer at Samsung Electronics, he focuses on design development, curriculum innovation, and global collaboration. His research explores integrating AI into industrial design education and enhancing creative processes through emerging technologies.

With 30 years in automotive design, Brian has directed Cadillac’s exterior studio, leading programs for the Lyriq, Escalade IQ, Celestiq, and LMDh race car. Previously, they managed 11 production vehicles and 8 concepts, including the Cadillac Sixteen, Camaro, and Converj. Blending advanced design, product strategy, and global experience, Brian brings technical expertise, creative vision, and a passion for automotive heritage.

Lea Stewart is Senior Manager of the suite of brands under the Baby & Parenting business at Newell Brands. She is a visionary product development leader directing global, cross-functional teams to launch market-winning and emotionally resonant innovations across diverse industries. Her team’s work has earned multiple prestigious awards, including IDEA Gold, Good Design, and Red Dot. Beyond her design expertise, Lea is recognized for her advocacy work, championing diversity and inclusion as Chair of IDSA’s Women in Design Committee. She was the 2024 recipient of IDSA's Individual Achievement Award, becoming the second woman to receive this award in three decades.

Caley Taylor is the Head of Customer Success at Vizcom, where she supports customers on their AI journey across industries including automotive, footwear, apparel, industrial design, and gaming. She brings deep experience from the fashion industry with CLO and from her time at Gravity Sketch, giving her a unique perspective across multiple design verticals. At Vizcom, Caley leads initiatives to help teams maximize the value of AI-powered design tools and build long-term success with Vizcom’s platform.

Dr. Sally Uren OBE is Executive Director and Chief Acceleration Officer at Forum for the Future, after over a decade as Chief Executive. A leading expert in systemic change for sustainability, she co-founded the Net Positive Coalition and leads major initiatives on regenerative agriculture and climate-health action. Sally also advises global businesses and serves on multiple boards dedicated to purpose-driven impact.

Rachael Volker is a designer and educator at the University of Oregon with over 15 years of experience in industrial design. A PhD candidate researching neuroaesthetics, she explores how design shapes emotional and sensory experiences. Her work blends research and craft to promote wellbeing, inviting designers to center human emotion in methodologies that foster deeper, more meaningful connections.

Alecia Wesner is an award-winning industrial designer, entrepreneur, and Type 1 diabetes advocate. She co-founded Kovacs-Wesner Design Group, licensor of the renowned George Kovacs Lighting brand, creating lighting and furniture featured worldwide in publications, TV, and film. Alecia also founded Alecia Wesner Jewelry, donating 10% of proceeds to diabetes research. A participant in multiple clinical trials advancing diabetes technology, she serves as a Clinical Trial Education Volunteer for Breakthrough T1D and has shared her experiences through speaking engagements at hospitals, medical schools, conferences, and media appearances. She hosts the Healthy By Design podcast, combining her design expertise, lived experience with T1D, and commitment to medical research, while consulting in design, medical, and advocacy initiatives.

​

Danielle is the founder of benyo studio, a design practice focused on children’s products, collaborative design, and children’s books. With a background in anthropology and a Master’s in Industrial Design from Pratt, she empowers youth as designers and changemakers. Danielle is a Visiting Instructor at Pratt Institute, teaching toy design, studio courses, and thesis seminars.

Hannah Berkin-Harper is an Associate Professor of Industrial Design at NJIT’s Hillier College of Architecture and Design. She is the Design Lead at Street Lab, a non-profit that creates pop up design and programming in New York City where she works with community groups and New York City agencies on new designs for open streets and public spaces.

Jen Bucci is the VP of Design at Anduril Industries, where she leads the company’s identity across brand and product. Since joining in 2021, she has driven the aesthetic and creative direction across disciplines including industrial design, visualization, photography, and graphic design. Prior to Anduril, Jen held design leadership roles at Boeing, contributing to major programs like NASA’s Starliner and various aircraft liveries. Jen holds a Bachelor of Science in Transportation Design from ArtCenter College of Design and has a strong background in industrial design, branding, and automotive advertising.

Farrell bridges the industrial design community with corporations to drive sustainable, circular solutions. She empowers designers with tools, insights, and partnerships to influence early-stage decisions and align with evolving consumer and corporate expectations. By translating complex challenges into actionable strategies, she positions designers as key players in systemic change through education, collaboration, and storytelling.

Wayne Chung is a Professor in Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Design. His work spans medical, transportation, consumer, and robotic design, applying contextual, human-centered methods with appropriate technologies. With industry and academic collaborations, he advances inclusive innovation. He is the author of The Praxis of Product Design in Collaboration with Engineering. He holds a BFA from CMU and an MID from UArts.

Tejas Dhadphale is Associate Professor and Chair of the School of Product Design at the University of Minnesota. Holding a PhD from Arizona State University, his research focuses on integrating cultural insights into design. He teaches courses in design research, sketching, studio, and human-centered design, and leads design thinking workshops for government agencies, firms, and academic institutions.

Ben Ewy is VP of Global Product Design at Carhartt, where he leads human-centered innovation for durable workwear. Previously, he held leadership roles at New Era, VF Corporation, and Nautica. With degrees from the University of Michigan and Parsons, Ben also teaches and mentors across design institutions, blending passion for apparel, sneakers, and creative education.

Seth Frankel is Associate Director of Design at PA Consulting’s Boston studio, where he leads human-centered, cross-functional design efforts across industries—from surgical robotics to sustainable packaging. With a background spanning Philips, HP, BMW Group, and Fisher-Price, Seth blends strategic thinking with hands-on prototyping. He holds degrees in Industrial Design and Evolutionary Biology, bringing both rigor and empathy to innovation.

Yong-Gyun Ghim is an Assistant Professor of Industrial Design at the University of Cincinnati. With over 13 years of experience at LG Electronics and Midea, he blends design and engineering expertise. He holds degrees from IIT Institute of Design and Seoul National University. His research focuses on human-robot interaction, robot morphology, and systematic design for emerging technologies.

Daily Gist is Global Vice President of R\&D at Newell Brands, leading design and engineering for iconic brands like Sharpie®, Graco®, and NUK®. With 25+ years in industrial design and consumer product innovation, she champions design thinking and servant leadership. A graduate of Auburn University, Daily began her career at Porter-Cable before advancing to top leadership at Newell.

Sunki Hong is an Assistant Professor in the School of Design at Carnegie Mellon University. With a background in product, furniture, and metal design, she teaches foundational and advanced studio courses emphasizing material exploration, form-making, and interactive design. She holds an MFA in Furniture and Metal Design and has taught in both Korea and the United States.

Master’s student in Engineering Design with a focus on human-centered systems and context-aware design frameworks. Passionate about integrating user experience and systems thinking, their work explores how technology and environment intersect to support intuitive, adaptive solutions. Current research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to design challenges across emerging industries and user-centric innovation.

Amy Kern, MID from Pratt Institute, is a Professor of Industrial Design at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Her expertise includes human-centered design, design thinking, and design research. With a background in spatial, furniture, and lighting design, she now leads a consultancy focused on humanitarian, universal, and hospitality projects, drawing on her experience with global factories and American design firms.

Priyankaa Krishnan, a Program Manager at Meta, boasts an impressive educational background in Industrial Design, Instructional Design, and is a PhD ABD in Human Computer Interaction from Iowa State University. Her professional affiliations include being an active Women in Design Representative for IDSA for three years. Pri is a designer by day, creating impactful designs and solutions, and an artist by night with work presented in Los Angeles Emerging Artist galleries.

Tzuhsiang Lin is an industrial designer with a master’s degree from Pratt Institute. Influenced by both Taiwanese and American cultures, his work merges research, color theory, and home aesthetics to create human-centered designs. He focuses on transforming everyday experiences into meaningful interactions through thoughtful, emotionally resonant products that reflect cross-cultural values and elevate daily living.

Lindsey Maxwell is Vice President of Client Engagement at Teague, where she drives strategic partnerships across industries. With over 20 years in product and experience design, she has shaped iconic projects in aviation, space, and defense. A former IDSA Board Chair and dedicated mentor, Lindsey champions human-centered design and empowers clients to redefine what’s possible at the intersection of technology and mobility.

President of MooreDesign Associates, Moore holds degrees in industrial design, psychology, gerontology, and advanced biomechanics. Named one of the 100 Most Important Women in America and among the 40 Most Socially Conscious Designers, she’s been widely honored for advancing Universal Design. Her many awards include the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award, World Design Medal, and multiple honorary doctorates.

An executive leader in product design and development, I blend creative and business expertise to drive innovation across digital and physical experiences. With global success in UX strategy, team leadership, and brand equity, I’ve led multicultural teams across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. I specialize in aligning design, innovation, and business strategies to deliver impactful, market-ready solutions.

Audra Norvilas is an Innovation and Design Leader with over 20 years of experience shaping consumer products and guiding creative strategy for global brands. She specializes in translating consumer insights into innovation roadmaps, holistic product designs, and brand experiences that drive long-term growth. Throughout her career, Audra has led cross-functional teams and collaborated with leading companies like Kimberly-Clark, Unilever, SC Johnson, and Thermos to bring impactful design solutions to market.

Founder of CreateValue, a consulting practice in entrepreneurship, innovation, and ecosystem development. A Colombian innovation strategist, mentor, and workshop facilitator, he blends human-centered design, experiential learning, and strategic capacity building to support early-stage founders. He holds an MBA from the University of Exeter (UK) focused on sustainability and the circular economy.

​

Jill is a UX designer and co-founder of Bad Ideas Studio, where she helps others break free from perfectionism and fear-driven creativity. Drawing from her own experience with anxiety and OCD in big tech, she co-created the Bad Ideas Workshop—an inclusive space for playful, judgment-free exploration. Jill champions authentic expression and unconventional thinking to unlock creative freedom.

Francesco Reale is the COO & Principal of Mitchell Wool Co., leading regenerative agriculture and sustainable wool production while integrating cutting-edge technology with ancient techniques. A serial entrepreneur in healthcare and agriculture, he has launched and scaled ventures that bridge human-centered design with operational excellence. Francesco holds an MBA from Wayne State University, a GMP from Harvard Business School, and an IDEO University Certificate in Advanced Design Thinking.

Brian Roderman, President and Chief Innovation Officer at IN2 Innovation, brings over 30 years of design leadership across 50+ industries. Named one of IDSA’s 50 most notable designers, he blends strategic thinking with creativity to unlock new opportunities for organizations. An IDSA Fellow, Brian champions curiosity, storytelling, and innovation frameworks that drive meaningful, future-forward design solutions.

Alex Schorndorf is a designer and artist shaping digital experiences at Google Messages, where she helps billions connect daily. With a background in fine art and strategy, she blends empathy, play, and big-picture thinking. As co-founder of Bad Ideas Studio, Alex empowers teams to break free from burnout and perfectionism, fostering joyful, fearless creativity through workshops and collaborative design.

With 20+ years of experience, Magnus is a Senior Designer at Mako Design, known for user-focused solutions across industries—from aircraft interiors to EMP-proof phones. He blends sketching with AI-assisted development, holding multiple patents and accolades. A passionate mentor, Magnus champions design as a service, guiding teams from concept to launch and pushing innovation through impactful user experiences.

Camille Snyder is a design researcher, educator, and creative practitioner based in Columbus, Ohio. She holds an MFA in Design Research and Development from The Ohio State University. Her work explores participatory methods, speculative design, and public-facing practices, with a focus on sexual and reproductive futures, inclusive imagination, and community engagement. She also coordinates creative projects at the University District Organization.

Martha Sullivan is Associate Professor of Practice and Chair of the Industrial Design Program at Virginia Tech. She co-leads TEAM Malawi, guiding interdisciplinary healthcare messaging through art, radio, and storytelling. Honored with the 2025 Ut Prosim Award and IDSA’s 2024 Career Educator Award, her work exemplifies service, global engagement, and the power of design for social impact.

Yuanqing Tian is an Assistant Professor of Industrial Design at North Carolina State University. Her research focuses on custom-fit wearable products using parametric design, 3D scanning, and digital fabrication. With advanced degrees from Georgia Tech, she explores broader human-centered design through emerging technologies, AI, anthropometrics, and ergonomics advancing innovation in wearable design, health, wellness, and mass customization.

Greg Verras is Design Director at Shinola, where he leads the creation of timepieces and lifestyle products that fuse modern design with American manufacturing. With 15+ years of experience, his systems-oriented approach balances form, function, and fabrication. Rooted in hands-on iteration and storytelling, Greg champions durable, meaningful design and the role of leadership in preserving brand integrity.

John Wanberg is a Professor of Industrial Design at Metropolitan State University of Denver. With a passion for hands-on learning, he specializes in lab-based courses and teaches across the department’s curriculum. John enjoys digital and physical prototyping, making complex topics approachable for students. Outside academia, he designs for clients and builds custom research vehicles of his own.

Quintin "Q" Williams is a footwear designer, educator, and industry veteran with 15+ years of global experience. A SCAD graduate and PENSOLE alum, he’s designed for top athletes and brands like Disney and Bata. Co-founder of Q4SPORTS, he now leads SCAD Atlanta’s Sneaker Design Minor, mentoring the next generation of footwear and accessory designers.