Clay Smith

Strategic Design for Exhibit • Event • Museum • Mobile • Retail • Film

As a designer, strategic planner and design educator, my personal goal has been to define the next generation of engagement strategy, and help clients develop brand stories and experiences that vitalize their brand.

Experience design is the alchemy of our time ... how do we connect with the emotions of clients and strategically manage customer relationships? I use a systematic process (across several disciplines) to uncovering meaningful patterns in research data, and define customer's motives, desires and values. Brand character and business goals are then integrated to form an overarching strategy, with layered experiences and focused storytelling tailored to each touch-point, connecting with clients on an emotional and aesthetic level.

As an independent designer, I have had the unique opportunity to work with a variety of disciplines including automotive, exhibit, museum, event, experiential & film, as well as projects redefining and implementing brand strategies. I have worked closely with the brand imaging teams at Ford, GM and Audi to translate corporate strategy into on-brand experiences, and was the lead designer on “Auto Show in Motion”, the largest single-source customer-experience ever contracted by General Motors. Other clients include Panasonic, Xerox, PPG, Visteon and Petrobras (Brazil).

During my fifteen-year history as an Adjunct instructor at the College for Creative Studies, I have instructed and created content for junior, senior and graduate-level classes in experience design, product design, design theory (philosophies of aesthetics), sustainability, and visual communications. While also honing my strategic and storytelling skills by art directing feature film and television commercials for Chrysler, the Michigan Lottery and independent film makers.

I am passionate about strategy! Call to discuss how we might work together.