Currently teaching Insights | HSOC-205I am teaching how to become insightful about the world around us by developing the strategic skills to translate trend data into innovative solutions. My course demonstrates how trend research and analysis can impact potential designs and business opportunities by understanding consumer technology and design trends that impact our world.

Develop CMF from conception to production, never settling for less than stellar results.

Mesh Collective is a global alliance of creative professionals with a diversity of expertise in brand strategy, socio-cultural research, trend forecasting, CMF strategy, material research and development, and manufacturing technology.We believe that effective research into socio-cultural influencers and consumer attitudes, as well as enabling technological advancements in color, material and finish in the design process, can provide our clients with unique insights that can be translated into effective solutions to suit relevant market needs.Founded by Y Studios, we are a team of founding members and collaborators with complimentary skill-sets. We have a shared mission to provide a seamless approach to research-driven design innovation and new product development: from macro strategy to design implementation and production feasibility.Our collective has extensive experience working in USA, Europe, Asia and Latin America, creating experiential solutions for multinational corporations and small start-up companies.

I am a highly effective Color, Material, Finish Expert with 27 years of experience in design and product development. With a background in Industrial Design, I understand how a good CMF Strategy can have positive impact on design, sales and the overall success of a company.What sets me apart from other CMF consultants is that I know how to curate and articulate insights from consumer, technology and design trends into an effective CMF Strategy that guides product development and ensure commercial success for companies.I am proficient in trend forecasting and interpretation, with extensive technical knowledge of materials, technologies and manufacturing processes. My experience in the field of CMF has successfully guided a diverse range of product design and development work for my clients. My natural curiosity and passion for CMF as a young Industrial Designer, have eventually led me to become an independent consultant specializing in solution-driven CMF. Over the years, I have developed close relationships with diverse clients like Microsoft, HTC, T-Mobile, Western Digital, Belkin, Harman/Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Avery Dennison, LEGO, Interlink Electronics, Kanex, OGIO, Volvo, Speck Products, Pelican, BMW/DesignworksUSA, Blue Microphone, EarLens, Mesh Collective, Y Studios, AWOL, Pebble Technology, Targus, Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Honeywell, ember, ergobaby, Tula Baby, Allo Design, Paw Wave, AER, Stafl Systems and Magic Leap.Specialties: • Trend Research, Analysis & Translation• CMF Design & Strategy• Competitive Analysis• Product Positioning• Color Studies (Colors, Materials & Finishes)• Custom Color, Material & Finish Design & Development• Vendor Sourcing & Vendor Liaison• Technology Audits• Color measurement and standardization• Adobe Creative Suite• Google Workspace• Microsoft Office• Keyshot

Developed corporate color strategy for hard goods by standardizing the color palette, creating standards, implementing color measurement tools, training staff to measure, document and communicate color matching clearly. Develop color strategies, based on current trends, user lifestyles and environments for individual product lines. Assist soft goods color development. Provide trend research and inspirational content for both hard goods and soft goods teams.

Consulted with the Munich office, providing conceptual material and finish solutions for mobile devices. Developed conceptual sketches that explained each idea visually, with in depth descriptions of the materials, processes and capable suppliers. The conceptual sketches were helpful to the ID team which took the ideas further, developing for production.

Develop CMF direction for T-Mobile's OEM partners based on current trend research. Create annual trend forecasts that were used by internal design/marketing teams and external OEM design teams. Create CMF presentations for internal reviews and sign off. Develop CMF strategy for T-Mobile's internal Creation Center. Develop road map product planning used internally to align all business groups.

I supported the Taiwan ID team with trend forecasts as well as CMF research and development. I worked directly with customers like Tmobile, Cingular, Verizon, Docomo and Vodafone to develop customized devices. I successfully introduced new, innovative vendors and worked directly with the supply chain. I hired and managed 2 CMF designers based in Taiwan.

Provided project support doing trend research, custom color matching and development, digital presentations, color studies, client and vendor liaison. Most notable project was the Xbox 360 for Microsoft.

I developed product designs for Volvo (concept car colors and finishes), Microsoft (mouse and keyboard colors and finishes), Boone (portable easle), LEGO (arts and crafts tools for girls 8-13), Phogenix (digital inkjet minilab) and Rainbird (sprinkler controller), all with a focus on CMF.

I designed various products, managed and directed programs for Harman/Kardon, JBL, Infinity, Diamondback Fitness and Avery Office Products. I developed CMF coherency standards for Harman/Kardon. I implemented a CMF specification system which became the standard for Ashcraft, Harman/Kardon, JBL and Infinity.

I developed custom lighting designs for architects and interior designers, managed production on custom jobs, engineered parts, fabricated prototypes, color matched paint, ordered stock / custom parts and coordinated vendors. This role laid the foundation for my CMF career.

Created concepts for musical, outdoor, nursery starter, ride-on, learning toys and activity gyms. Presented own concepts to marketing, engineering and design teams. Some concepts used at focus groups with parents. Also responsible for cost analysis.