Ellen Hughes Email & Phone Number

Denver, Co, Us

Everywhere

I’m Ellen - a multi-disciplinary designer, idea generator, and design thinking facilitator operating under the assumption that design is intended to make the world a more just place. I use a human-centered design process to help develop innovative solutions that keep user needs at the very core. I am deeply devoted to reimagining social services, designing for our tiniest humans with the biggest ideas, and the international development of underserved communities.

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

PDES 2701 Creative Design Methods Facilitated design thinking workshops for teams of interdisciplinary students focusing on the early stages of product development. Introduced a variety of tools and methods including user research, market research, idea generation methods, concept evaluation, concept selection, intellectual property, and idea presentation. Provided feedback and guidance throughout the process and application.PDES 3711 Product Innovation LabIndustry mentor for semester-long product design course providing a hands-on experience in integrated product design. A blend of lectures and studios incorporate elements of industrial design, engineering, business, and humanities to provide opportunities for real-world learning, portfolio building, and networking. Cross-functional teams of students work together to design, develop, and fabricate innovative consumer product concepts using the College of Design’s fabrication resources.

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Oversaw quality and consistency of brand assets and marketing visuals for IHG and Marriott properties nationwide. Ensured all print and web materials adhered to strict brand standards set by global corporate guidelines. Maintained database of brand guidelines, photography, and submission deadlines for print and web advertisements for 20+ properties and their accompanying outlets.

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

In addition to designing the interior and visual brand identity, I researched and managed sustainable solutions reflecting a mission statement encouraging consumers to think holistically about the broader impact of climate change. This included mapping manufacture and supply chain touchpoints to ensure the organization and its systems adhered to the social impact of reducing carbon emissions; from sourcing repurposed, local furnishings to curating menu offerings. I also designed strategies to launch community initiatives in tandem with our mission. We partnered with Mayor Jacob Frey to issue a proclamation for Minneapolis citizens to eat less meat and introduced plant-based meals to Minneapolis Public School cafeterias. Fig + Farro was 1 of 4 Minnesota businesses, alongside Target and Best Buy, selected as part of a leadership delegation to the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP24) in Poland as a critical way to show the enduring U.S. commitment to the Paris Agreement pledge.Recognized by Eater, the Travel Channel, Esquire.

I produced graphic packaging and custom products for clients including Neiman Marcus, The Minneapolis Institute of Art, Royal Caribbean, Pharrell Williams Foundation, Target, Whole Foods, Minnesota Public Radio and more. Made is a custom product agency that offers design, manufacturing and distribution services. Led by the consumer voice our team uses a Big Brain process to concept new ideas and bring them to life with prototypes and custom production. We specialize in sustainable materials, closed loop production and re-purposed products. Our award-winning products have been designed in collaboration with enterprise clients, advertising agencies and non-profits. Some of the brands we represent include University of Minnesota, The Walker Art Center, Target Corporation, Department of Defense, American Public Media Group, Columbia, Bluezones, USAID and Medtronic.

Master Of Industrial Design, Industrial And Product Design

Bachelor Of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Graphic Design, Product Design Minor

Activities and Societies: NCAA Women's Rowing