Exploring the Product Design Process, with designer Matthew Rhoades – Climb inside the brain of a designer to find out how they think. This class will focus on the product design process from one of the region’s most respected design minds.

Explore the product design process from a qualitative approach. Try your hand at design thinking in class with Matthew’s unique D|Map exercise. A former Nike Global Creative Director and veteran of several global design studios, Matthew’s two-decade career (designer and MBA) has garnered him over 40 patents, 6 world records, and multiple global design awards. Get Matt’s unique take on design research, consumer insight, ideation, and concept refinement to help your next project become as successful as you imagine. Learn how to balance qualitative (design) and quantitative (business) perspectives. Both are the keys to success.

• Learn how designers creatively approach problem-solving from a design process perspective.

• All designers think in terms of developmental phases; from phase 0 research to phase 5 execution- and all the phases in between.

• Learn how to break down the product creation process into manageable objectives and deliverables.

• “Without new questions, there would be no new answers”. Design questions everything.

• The class will leverage real-world examples and case studies.

Matthew Rhoades is one of the most accomplished and respected design minds in the Pacific Northwest. As a veteran of several global design studios and former Nike Global Creative Director, Matthew’s award-winning career encompasses more than two decades, 40+ patents, 6 world records, and multiple global design awards. Achievement highlights include an IDEA Gold Metal, a Newsweek “Product of the Year,” and designing the Trek Y-Bike, named “Third most influential mountain bike of all time.” In addition to his work as an industrial designer, he holds an MBA in Entrepreneurial Management and New Product Development and has spent over 18 years as an adjunct professor, faculty member, and speaker. He is currently a De Tao Master and Professor of Strategy Design Innovation at the De Tao Group Masters Academy in Shanghai. His experience transcends traditional industrial design products, encompassing digital (UI/UX), brand strategy, cutting-edge innovation, new business strategy, and overall design excellence.