Stephen Opie Email & Phone Number

Greater Boston Area

OpieDesign’s customers in the footwear industry are consumer-focused and eager to innovate. At OpieDesign we know that closing the gap between observation and insight is the source of true innovation. If you are eager to craft an innovation strategy that fits your firm’s culture and the markets you serve, let’s talk. Sample clients & prior design lead roles include:Nike, Timberland, Patagonia, Keen, Merrell, Converse, Fila, New Balance, Kenneth Cole, Crocs, BZees, Ansell, Heely, Cleatskin, Dry Dock, Dansko, Muck, Technica, One 7, Head, StrideRite, I-Fit, Vancl, and Keds.

Greater Boston Area

Our CaneWraps take the cane that people normally want to hide, and turn it into an accessory that inspires self-confidence! With reflective details, vibrant colors, and saucy statements this simple, neoprene sleeve allows a cane user to be more visible as a person, not as a stereotype.The same product intended to help mobility and safety is often rejected or left unused because of stigma. CaneWraps are designed to empower individuals offering choice, improving function, and shifting the experience from, “I don’t want to use this…” to “I’m ready to go. Let me get my CaneWrap.” Sweetmobility is a new, aging-innovation company, and CaneWraps is our first product line. We are a husband/wife, industrial designer/occupational therapist team. Our aim is to make a positive impact on lives, challenging assumptions about aging and disability

Greater St. Louis Area

Helped to create the BZee's footwear brand - from a thought to a $35 million (annual sales) business in 6 years of selling history. With deep dives into blending modern day lifestyle, ease in use and really comfortable fit and feel, created a fun and playful brand. BZee's takes classic patterns, adds it's own DNA (fun!) and creates very wearable, everyday shoes for our modern woman.

Providence, Rhode Island Area

Created the Academic Alliance program between The Timberland Company and RISD. The program inspired students to delve into how technology and culture can transform an iconic product. Also taught courses sponsored by the MIT Age Lab, Maytag and KFC. In addition, I mentor and teach the next generation of designers about design theory and the power of observation and insight - where true innovation lives. At the same time, I also teach them about the real world of design - that a good designer isn’t just artistically gifted, but also needs to be a Renaissance thinker, a curious learner, and someone who can embrace (and create) change.

Greater Boston Area

Working with the world's largest manufacture of footwear to create new footwear business models, production paradigms and creative design methodologies.

Stratham, New Hampshire, United States

Work with In-line Pro WorkBoot team, Outdoor team, and the Invention Factory to create and launch innovative products to the marketplace. Created the initial conceptual work for Smart Comfort which then spread to all Timberland premium products. Received 6 patents while working with the Invention Factory team including a Mion Lacing System, a protective boot, and a fireman boot. Was the only outside consultant for 6 years, was involved in long-term strategic planning and visionary design thinking.