Irena Eckard

I coordinate international team efforts to develop new products from concept sketch to on-the-shelf reality. My brand responsibilities include Flood Force Water Guns, Kelsyus sitting and camping gear, COOP Snow items, Swimways Noodles, and pool sports. Some new items originate internally, while others are developed by collaborating with outside inventors.

In addition to managing, I provide 3d modeling, image rendering, and product design as needed under our senior industrial designer. Working with our extrusion expert, I am responsible for developing CAD drawings of new tools for our on-site noodle machine. I also maintain and usually run our uPrint SE Plus 3d printer to create samples for testing and sales presentations.

Prior to being hired full time, I enjoyed two winter quarter professional internships at Swimways. In both cases I assisted product managers by providing ideation, product renderings, 3d CAD files, sketches and models.

Assisted with research, color and material exploration, and preparing design packets for client review.

Over two three-month-long internships, I worked with the Electronic Games department to research and develop new technology, bug-test toy software, provide concept art and input on developing games and design game elements such as cards, tokens, and toys.