AARON PIAZZA | DESIGN LEADERSHIP       

I am an experienced design leader with a background in user experience, industrial design, brand development, design strategy, and human-centered design. My passion is designing at the intersection of humans and technology to create holistic solutions that are meaningful. I have a strong background in end-to-end product development leading design teams from front end strategy & research through concept development & production. I have received +22 international design awards, +35 utility patents, and have brought +40 products to market.

Work Experience

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN MANAGER - AMAZON ROBOTICS CONTRACT 2024-PRESENT

My current role is Industrial Design Manager for Amazon Robotics. While here I have lead design efforts for SymSystem and Vulcan Stow. Additionally I’ve lead RXD initiatives for an Industrial Design Guide, and built out processes using VR simulation and low fidelity prototyping as evaluation tools during early concept development. I have been leading these programs with the support of 4 different design and research firms and +20 ID, UX, UI, UXR contractors.

SENIOR DESIGNER - AMAZON 2021-2023

As Sr. Industrial Designer for Amazon’s Just Walk Out Technology I was the hardware design owner for the next generation Amazon Dash Cart, Entry/Exit gate and authentication hardware for Just Walk Out, and design strategy efforts to look for areas with significant growth opportunities beyond our current technology, products and physical spaces.

DESIGN MANAGER - TACTILE 2016-2021

As part of the Tactile leadership team I managed several parts of the design process including project scoping, definition, planning, resource allocation and creative direction. While owning multiple design programs at Tactile I focused on building long standing relationships with clients and growing the team members skill sets to improve the quality and speed of design that was delivered at Tactile.

SENIOR DESIGNER - TACTILE 2015-2016

I was responsible for leading several large programs in the healthcare, consumer electronics and industrial industries. Responsibilities included collecting and synthesizing user research, concept exploration and working cross departments to refine and build product. Envisioned compelling product stories to captivate clients.

SOLIDWORKS PROFESSOR - Skagit Valley College 2012-2013

As a visiting professor for SVC I developed and built a three course series introducing students to SolidWorks CAD/CAM software. I taught a class of 30 students in the evenings two nights a week while working at Philips as an Industrial designer.

PRODUCT DESIGN CONSULTANT - PHILIPS DESIGN 2012-2015

Collaborated with several remote and on site business groups to design and develop various healthcare devices. I lead numerous projects that went to market and are recognized with +12 international design awards. I practiced human-centered design, utilizing research, prototyping and testing to gain insights that enhanced the design and usability of the product.

INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER - PHILIPS MEDICAL SYSTEMS 2007-2012

Designed and developed products for the public and EMS AED markets. Worked with marketing and engineering to develop UX, customer, and product requirement specifications. Responsible for user research, prototyping, and usability testing for FDA submissions.

Education

BFA in Industrial Design 2002-2008

University of Washington Seattle, WA

Expertise

Research + Development

Creative Direction

Team Building

Leading with Vision

Human Centered Design

MGMT Skills

Communication & Presentation

Relationship building

Strong design process

Ability to incorporate research and business strategy into creative solutions

Technical Skills

Adobe CC


MS Office

Solidworks CAD

Keyshot