Vi Lam Email & Phone Number

Janesville/Beloit, Wisconsin Area

PlayMonster (Formerly Patch Products, LLC)Effectively lead many projects from initial concept to production:• Researched categorized products, identified user needs, and facilitated brainstorm sessions with other team members for better understanding of brand integrity, product vision, and intended users.• Created conceptual idea sketches and mock-ups for product sales pitch and executive approval. • Generated high details of 3D computer-aided designs with the applications of fundamental ergonomic principles, engineering development, manufacturing methods, and cost implication• Produced product BOM, technical drawings, molded part and assembly layouts, material selection, color specs, and quote packages for manufacturing and packaging• Generated 3D prints from CAD files, reviewed, and tested reiterations and created fully-functional final prototypes for showroom and Toy Fair events• Supported marketing and sales team with realistic product renderings from 3D CAD files. • Reviewed samples and followed up with factory for product improvement. Projects:My Fairy Garden (2016-2020), Perplexus Drakko, Farkle Cup, Wonder Crew Dolls, Mirari Juballees, Magnatab tablets (NEW asymmetrical design), Spirograph Animator, Latchkits Yarnimals, Koosh (2021)

Beloit, Wisconsin Area

Utilizing my previous work experiences and applying my design-ninja skills to create super fun products for the toys and games industry: Taking products from concept through production under specific timelines by creating sketches, layouts, renderings, designing products, quote packages and data analysis.

Waterloo, Wi

In 2006, a Trek Kids’ Bike Team was created to handle all kids bicycle design. As a sole kids’ bike Product Designer within a multidisciplinary team, I was responsible for developing kids’ innovation projects, and have led many of them from concept through production implementation. In 8 years, I’ve designed 28 kids’ bike models including kick-bikes, tricycles, tag-along, single-speed, multi-speed, performance MTB, hybrid, and road bikes. My key roles were in new frame and fork designs for various age group (3-12 years old), ranging in different sizes (12”, 16”, 20”, 24”, 26”), and gender specific styles (boy's, girl's, unisex). On certain models, complete bicycle design with unique components and or accessories soon followed: handle bar, handle bar and stem pads, top tube frame pad, fenders, chain guard, saddles, tires, grips, tassels, valve and axle nut covers.http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/collections/kids/models/Aside from focusing on design work, I’ve also done extensive research on kids’ user centric information and maintained up to date on kids’ related issues:• Learned the bike industry's lingo and dialed kids specific sizes, acquired knowledge of clearance models, and incorporated kids’ safety standards into all aspect of design features.• Interacted and traveled with product managers or team members from researching of customers (dealers/end users) and latest product trends (competitors, market, materials, technology, fun ideas) to development planning.• Followed Trek’s industrial design process protocol: Identified project parameters, conducted research/focus group, brainstormed ideas, created concept proposals, generated CAD models for prototypes, conducted design reviews/refinements/approval, presented final renderings, supported Trek team and vendors in Asia via electronic communication/travel, followed up on production time line• Participated or volunteered outside of work’s responsibility for special events

Waterloo, Wi

• Defined and analyzed end users, market, product environment, ‘Best in Class’ competitors, project parameters, cost limitation, and manufacturing constraint to conceptualize ideas through sketches and notes• Created 2D concepts and translated them into hand built prototypes or 3D printed through CAD generated models.• Reviewed, refined, and tested concepts for project scope's best solution.• Approved final design and followed up on design direction’s documents with detailed instruction for better communication with product team and vendors in AsiaProjects:Bontrager Aero Hydration Pack (Aero waterbottle with insulated sleeve), Speed Box Bontrager Kids Handle Bar Bag, Kids Seat Pack, Kids Rear RackBontrager Interchange Seat Post Rack, Standard Rear Rack, Disc Brake Rack Trek Side Loader Interchange Seat Pack, Messenger BagWrench Force Tune-up Tool Kit

Greater Chicago Area

Freelance designer for various design consultancies and corporation:• Collaborated with other designers on product research and participated in brainstorm activity & evaluation • Created ideation sketches, refine product concepts through drawing & computer rendering, and produced graphic layouts for presentation materials.

Glendale Heights, Il

• Generated conceptualization and design development of product and display graphics for a beverage dispensing equipment design and manufacturing corporation • Executed detailed industrial design activities which included brainstorming, researching, sketching, product drawing, and prototyping required in the development of the concept into actual product• Collaborated with engineering, marketing, manufacturing and suppliers throughout the development process from product definition to product launch, while maintaining the design language & coordinating design intent with engineering • Actively participated in creative thinking sessions, internal design reviews, evaluation and refinement of the project scopeProjects:Commercial beverage dispensing equipment for convenience stores and restaurant franchises (7-eleven, Speedway, Yum franchise group, McDonald's, Quiznos) Easy123 - Flavor Fusion, Flavor Blast, Lipton PG Tips display and flavor dispenser, A&W dispenser

Elk Grove Village, Il

• Executed conceptualization and design development of soft goods and graphic for a luggage wholesales company. The process entailed sketching to prototyping and sample development through manufacturing that served the luggage and travel accessories, sporting goods, baby products, and hardware industries.• Identified and solved travel needs through design of creative packing features and travel solutions with technical/functional innovations and translating them into commercially viable products.• Planned, organized, and managed multiple projects, communicated and managed sample requests and materials development with project managers and overseas manufacturers thoroughly and timely.Projects:Carry-ons, duffle bag, organizer packs and bag, insulated lunch kits, insulated medical/milk bag for baby, diaper pad and bag, zipper pull, hang tags, soft badges, packaging, planograms

Louisville, Ky

• Interfaced with multi-disciplinary product team to develop design from initial concept to final finishes/appearance and pre-production of major home appliances.• Executed detailed industrial design activities and functions: Collaborated with design interns, CAD designers, and or outside consultants to create 3D models, reviewed/tested/refined concepts and ordered prototypes. Attended focus group with marketing staff to confirm and approve best prototype for production.• Planned and developed a cross product strategy to update and or create a fresh GE brand image, while maintaining consistent user interfaces across product line. Participated in new product team researching alternative technology and developing new control panels.Projects: Monogram: High end built-in side by side refrigerators, bottom freezer, vent hoodGE: Wall oven control research & concepts, built-in microwave, cook-top graphics, badges

Kokomo, In

(Delphi Automotive Systems, formerly Delco Electronics, is a leading global supplier of electronics and technologies for automotive, commercial vehicle and other market segments)• Generated OEMs and aftermarket design concept proposal and graphical user interface for global automotive electronic products from audio receivers to integrated driver systems.• Interfaced with multi-disciplinary teams from initial concept to final production of projects. Incorporated human factors and ergonomic requirements, researches of competitive products/teardown evaluation/software limitations into concept directions. • Trained interns and new design employees in daily design operation and procedures.Projects: Rockford Fosgate aftermarket radio system - 1st faceplate and keyfob design OEM audio faceplate designs for GM NAO, SA, EU, AP (Oldsmobile, Chevrolet, Buick, Opel, Fiat, Holden, Toyota)Heavy Duty Truck Receivers - Caterpillar, HummerTelepath - Navigation displayOnStar - Communication, in-vehicle security, remote diagnostic systemMonsoon - Speaker design conceptHarley Davidson/Viper - Key fob

Kokomo, In

(Dayton Engineering Laboratories Co., an automotive electronics design and manufacturing subsidiary of General Motors, became Delphi Automotive System in 1997) • Supported User Interface Design Team, Aftermarket Radio Team, Telepath-100 Team• Utilized knowledge of computer graphics and human factors principles to design graphical user interface for concept vehicle display system (code name Maestro)Projects:Maestro - a fully functional prototype of a luxury vehicle, showcased the entire electronic dashboard with integrated heads up display, instrument cluster, audio system, speaker phone, and climate controls.Telepath100 - GPS navigation unit