As the role and definition of industrial design expands, women in the profession are increasingly forging their own paths and adding value to the industry in significant ways.

To acknowledge and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of the College’s alumnae in this field, ArtCenter is proud to host its first ever Women in Industrial Design forum. This one-day event—part of ArtCenter’s new Women in Art and Design series—will explore topics ranging from design leadership to the future of making.

Join us as we share our collective knowledge and inspire the next generation of industrial designers.

Register by July 10.

Event Highlights:

10:20 – Panel Discussion
The Emergence of Design Research and Strategy
Industrial design has evolved from a practice centered around making objects to a process that provides deep insights into human experience. And it’s reshaping today’s organizational strategies, services and systems.

Panelists: Jenn Kuca (BS 2012), Senior Strategic Designer, BCG Digital Ventures; Angie Park (BS 2011), Hybrid UX Researcher, Sony; Eunji Park (BS 2009), Associate Director, Design Research & Strategy, Karten Design
Moderator: Jessie Kawata (BFA 2011), Industrial Design Lead and Creative Innovation Strategist, NASA/JPL

11:15 a.m. – Panel Discussion
The Evolution and Impact of Color and Material Design
In order to develop products with emotional relevance, companies have embraced color and material design as a critical part of the innovation process. What potential impact might this practice have on industrial design?

Panelists: Viirj Kan (BS 2014), Graduate Research Assistant, MIT Media Lab; Kristina Marrero (BS 2014), CMF Designer, Snap Inc.; Kimberly Marte (BS 1997), CMF Principal Designer, Design Spectrum; Limmy (Jung Lim) Park (BS 2012), Senior CMF Designer, Volkswagen of America
Moderator: Liliana Becerra, ArtCenter faculty, design and trend strategist, CMF design expert, and author

2:00 p.m. – Panel Discussion
Future of Making / Future of Brand
What is the future of developing compelling products and brands? Designers from the footwear, automotive and furniture industries share their thoughts and experiences.

Panelists: Chiara Ferrari, ArtCenter Faculty and Director, Chiara Ferrari Studio; Laura Jonason (BS 2014), Exterior Automotive Designer, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Jeep Studio; Emily Sawamura (BS 2004), ArtCenter faculty and Creative, Ernst
Moderator: Karen Hofmann (BS 1997), Chair, Product Design, ArtCenter College of Design

2:50 p.m. – Conversation
Designing Meaningful Experiences
The creation of meaningful user experiences drives many of today’s most innovative companies. And it’s the design process that makes it all happen.

A conversation between Katie Dill (BS 2007), Director of Experience Design, Airbnb and Maggie Hendrie, Chair, Interaction Design, ArtCenter College of Design.

4:15 p.m. – Panel Discussion
Design Leadership
What does it take to be a leader in the social innovation, corporate and technology sectors? And what are some of the challenges, responsibilities, rewards and opportunities that come with being in a creative leadership position?

Panelists: Marni Gerber (BS 1985), Senior Design Director, Nike; Jini Keasling (BFA 2000), ArtCenter faculty and Senior Manager, Hot Wheels Packaging Design, Mattel; Sara Ortloff Khoury (MFA 1992), User Experience Design Director, Google; Mariana Prieto (BS 2012), Design innovation consultant
Moderator: Babette Strousse, ArtCenter faculty and Senior Strategist and Principal, Smith Strousse Consulting