Brian Spate

The HP Wearables and Smart Platforms group was formed in 2014 to explore the emerging personal technology space enabled by cloud computing, wireless communications, and microfabrication. The business model focused on the concept of partnering with top-tier consumer brands to deliver next-generation analog watches and connected devices that provide value to the consumer’s daily life.

Collaborated on the design and development of connected analog-digital watches for various partner brands including Movado, Coach, Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, and Ferrari. Produced best practice design guides and 3D tools to assist designers and streamline the module integration process. Conceptualized, modeled, and prototyped smartwatch modules targeting specific retail price points with the goal of producing a broad portfolio of watch technology solutions that leverage the power of the HP cloud platform. Researched and vetted leading-edge technology, materials, and processes to facilitate innovative solutions and create strategic advantage.

The Relevé Groupe was a team of designers & technologists working with Swiss and North American watch brands on their connected watch and wearable projects.

Established by former Fossil executives, Meta Watch was a pioneering company in the smartwatch category.

Collaborated with strategic partner team members on wearables projects for well-known commercial brands both domestic and Swiss. Worked with executive management to develop a strategic vision for the Meta brand. Identified and implemented product opportunities that leveraged Meta’s intellectual property (digital display information corresponding directly with traditional analog watch hand indicators). Provided direction to the UI team regarding the integration of digital information within the watch layout.

Fossil Group, Inc. is an American designer and manufacturer of clothing and accessories, primarily watches and jewelry, as well as sunglasses, wallets, handbags, belts, shoes and clothing.

Managed Fossil Sport watch team consisting of members in both Dallas and Hong Kong. In addition to Fossil branded products, developed products for brands such as Philippe Starck, Diesel, Sony Ericsson, Burberry, and Motorola. Served as Design Lead for the Fossil Tech Group collaborating with engineering and marketing to develop ground-breaking wearable devices. Instrumental in transitioning Fossil from a 2D-based development process to a 3D-based development process leveraging SolidWorks and Keyshot. Analyzed market and trend data to identify new product opportunities. Defined and proposed products that aligned with corporate brand direction for each buying season. Worked closely with manufacturing partners in China to ensure design integrity.

Creative solutions company specializing in web development, visual communications, and product design/development. Founded the company with four associates in 2000.

Produced interactive and web-based media solutions for an array of corporate clients nationwide. Designed and developed products for the housewares and fitness industries. Created and managed partnerships with various engineering and prototyping firms to offer clients turnkey development solutions. Attained practical management skills including proposal writing, project budgeting and project scheduling.

Award-winning product development consulting firm specializing in industrial design, mechanical engineering and prototyping.

Designed and developed a wide array of products for clients nationwide. Product segments included consumer electronics, medical, telecommunications, and transportation. Directed design projects from concept to production. Managed development schedules, team resources, and budgets. Performed product ideation, pilot production coordination, Alias form development, and design research.