James Brown
- Contact
- Save to list
-
About
Since graduating with my BA in Industrial Design, I have dived deeply into user and market research, and provided compelling solutions and concepts to stakeholders. I’ve served multiple industries, from automotive to soft-goods, and aerospace to consumer electronics.
I’ve led teams which set standards for 3D modeling in global organizations while forging leading-edge solutions for design visualization and rendering. My ability to express concepts through clear visual communication, rapid mockups and finished prototypes has played a key factor in the success of the teams and projects to which I’ve had the honor of contributing.
Within each of these projects, while the product or subject-matter can be diverse, the unifying principle leading to success has been honest user research. Removal of ego from the exploration process creates a blank slate to examine a problem with fresh eyes and provide a solution which is genuine and thoughtful. This discipline combined with a dedication to the craft and study of form is the recipe for developing effective, intuitive and beautiful products.
My work-history is a composite of in-house design and client-facing consultancy, so I’ve honed my talents in both studio-work and client relations. An exceptional product and experience requires that needs are accurately assessed, that time and expectations are positively managed, that current-art and appropriate benchmarking have been completely explored, and finally that solutions are concisely delivered. -
Education
-
Bachelor of Science Transportation DesignArt Center College of Design2004 - 2008
-
-
Experience
-
Lead Industrial DesignerDunedin, FLJul 2018 - Present (8 years)Lead Industrial Designers at BlackHägen Design, a medium-sized design consultancy with committed Industrial Design department. My team works closely with in-house Mechanical Engineering, UI/UX designers and Human Factors Engineers to create world-class solutions for medical devices, healthcare, and consumer industries.
This role allows me to quickly iterate design concepts using in-depth research and insights discovered while working closely with Human Factors Engineers. With empathy and observation, I form a deep understanding of user needs which becomes my foundation for innovation.
Through close collaboration with Human Factors, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering as well as UI/UX and Software teams, we create mock-ups and prototypes which facilitate comprehensive user testing and design evaluations that are of exceptional fidelity.
While managing multiple concurrent projects within fast-paced design cycles, it is imperative that I efficiently track progress, maintain excellent project visibility, and communicate between teams in a concise yet thorough manner. -
Industrial DesignerLakeland, FLApr 2016 - Aug 2018 (2 years 4 months)Dedicated instructor for Engineering students in design-thinking, with the goal of improving concepts, aesthetics, prototypes and user-experience.
Through my process, students learn to meaningfully, creatively, and confidently communicate their ideas in a quick and compelling manner. By training Engineers in 2D concept generation, 3D modeling and prototyping, I help elevate the quality of projects.
• Create design curriculum for ME, EE, CS and Logistics degree programs
• Manage prototype lab for student models and curriculum-based projects
• Teach 3D printing, laser cutting, machining, and fabrication using metal, wood, foam, silicone and composite materials
• Established Visual Communication workshops at beginner-levels to develop sketch and rendering techniques
• Teach methodology for rapid visualization and prototyping
• Provide concepts and develop strategies for student and faculty prototypes
• Forge and nurture relationships with industry partners across a variety of industries
• Design and fabricate tools and instruments for research projects and innovative experiments
• Co-PI for endemic diatom culture research – an economic and environmental project unique to the state of Florida -
Master BuilderMerlin Entertainments/LEGOLake Wales, FLDec 2015 - Apr 2016 (4 months)My title was earned by expediently conceiving and creating astounding concepts, in teams and autonomously, despite rigid constraints of medium, time, and budget.
• Translated existing physical objects and structures into 3D prototypes for construction in LEGO
• Assembled finished models using LEGO blocks, plates and specialty parts
• Designed and fabricated mechanical structures for animatronics and built low-energy LED installations
• Completed flawless models for use in LEGOLAND global parks, resort hotels and discovery centers -
Visualization DesignerLumiscapheJun 2010 - Nov 2015 (5 years 5 months)• Lead for 3D content creation design pipeline.
• Managed global team for on-time content delivery.
• Presentation and instruction in design software and workflow.
• Installed, operated and maintained cutting edge display systems.
• Conducted training and support for software and solutions.
US Business Operations
• US Accounts and Projects Manager.
• Opened Lumiscaphe offices in Detroit and San Francisco.
• Liaison to multi-national sales and engineering teams.
• Technical writer for English technical documentation.
• Conceive and create original content for real-time and web marketing assets.
Accounts Won and Partnerships Created
• Apple, Inc.
• Louis Vuitton
• Faurecia USA
• Renault
• Peugeot
• NVidia Corporation
• Advanced Micro Devices -
Design and 3D ModelingRTT /3DEXCITEApr 2008 - Sep 2010 (2 years 5 months)• Digital sculptor for General Motors and Nissan Virtual Garage.
• Implement and standardize best practices for creating exceptional content.
• Design modeling process for creating highly detailed automotive interiors, exteriors and mechanical components.
• NURBS modeling for Class A surfaces using Autodesk Alias.
• High and low poly modeling expert (Maya) for organic objects and character design.
• Create design proposals using Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects software.
• Create renderings using DeltaGen and animations using Maya.
• Build and support advanced marketing display installations. -
Design InternshipASC Global - http://www.ascglobal.com/Jan 2007 - Apr 2007 (3 months)Designer for Suzuki SX4 interior components and multiple interior mockups for Honda Motors.
-
Fabrication, Model Maker InternshipTrans FXNov 2006 - Jan 2007 (2 months)Helped fabricate the full scale prototype movie vehicle featured in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.
-
-
Affiliations
Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES).
-
Industries
-
Skills
-
Elsewhere on the Web
-
On Coroflot@jamespbrown, member since 2009
-
-
Following 26
-
Followers 4
-
