At Uncommon Goods I have the pleasure of working within the Product Development team to bring dozens of unique and exclusive products to market each year. Working across all categories is both exciting and challenging, and provides a platform for creativity that is constantly growing and changing.
As the team’s Design Manager I am responsible for idea generation, design development, DFM and packaging design. I also act as project manager in collaborations with our various artists and makers, and manage and mentor our talented team of designers.
(photos courtesy of Uncommon Goods)
Newly launched in 2021, these Pocket Baby Soothers are one of the most fun projects I’ve worked on with Yogasleep. The team wanted a kid friendly, portable sound option to add to their assortment. We chose a standard speaker shape to build on, and shortly after these four cute critters were born. Each animal plays six soothing sounds and is housed in a food-grade silicone cover that is removable and dishwasher-safe.
Roles: Sketching & Concept Design, Trend Analysis
For the most rigorous design project I’ve ever experienced, our team had just seven months to design, refine, and have produced the on court furniture and accessories for the 2018 US Open Tennis Championships.
The scope of the work included umpire stands, player benches, line umpire chairs, cameraman benches, coolers, and rubber mats to complete the look on the court.
Roles: Project Management, Concept Design, Design Research
As a designer at MGA&D I began working with Yogasleep in 2016 and since then worked toward designing four products for their line of sound conditioners, starting with the redesign of their flagship product, Dohm.
I was also responsible as the project manager working with Yogasleep’s engineering team and their manufacturers to bring these products to market.
Roles: Project Management, Concept Design, CAD, Trend Forecasting, App Design
(photos courtesy of Yogasleep)
Following the successful launch of several sound conditioners under the Yogasleep brand, we forged on to conquer a product category: scent. And so was born the Purest. As first scent diffuser designed specifically for sleep, we incorporated unique features like the hinged lid and bottle storage within the unit to give consumers an improved experience.
Roles: Project Management, Concept Design, CAD, Trend Forecasting, App Design
(photos courtesy of Yogasleep)
Designed as part of an ongoing relationship between MGA&D and the ceiling fan company, Fanimation, here are two design concepts that were presented for showroom distribution and for DIY distribution through Lowes.
Shown first, a concept designed as the next generation of the Aniva Bay fan, inspired by the humble pinwheel. The second is a concept developed to fit within the transitional modern category.
Roles: Concept Design, CAD
b.doggie was developed as a healthy water and food carrying system for on-the-go owners of active dogs. b.doggie approached the MGA&D team to create a fun and flexible packaging design that would be both unique and functional.
Our team conducted research and spoke with multiple dog owners about their pets’ hydration needs on-the-go before developing the design for a recyclable but reusable bottle with a snap on bowl.
Roles: Design Research, Packaging Design, CAD, Graphic Design Development
MGA&D has designed dozens of watches and other products for Projects Watches over the year, and one of the most recent designs is the MADO watch, named for the Japanese word for window.
The original concept presented was met with concern for how it would be manufactured at an acceptable cost. It was at that point that I was able to contribute to the design in adjusting some of the details and construction methods to meet the needs of the client and ultimately allow it to be brought to market.
Roles: Design Development
Developed as part of an in-house furniture design effort, the Spindsor chair is a modern take on the typical Spindle-Windsor furniture construction.
The essence is kept simple and combined with a dash of Charles Rennie Mackintosh as inspiration for the design, with an unconventional method of connecting the back legs.
Roles: Concept Design, CAD
Developing patterns was an ongoing part of my work at MGA&D. This two dimensional aspect of design served us in our relationship with clients like Enchante, Skyline Glass, and others.
The patterns were used in multiple applications including desk accessories, soft bins, throw pillows, and more.
Roles: Graphic Design, Product Management, Color Trend Forecasting