Michael Run
Principal Designer / Instructor · Michael Run Design
Chicago, IL
In My Own Words
I'm a passionate designer with over ten years of experience. I've taught University level design classes, as well as privately for professional teams and individuals. Most of my experience came from working at consulting firms. Some of the categories I've worked on include consumer products, CPG, user interface, medical & dental, industrial products, camping & outdoor goods, hand held devices, appliances, footwear, child/infant products, and furniture. I have been fortunate enough to have experience working on products, packaging, graphics, UI, UX, animations and video in my career. In my personal time I like to ride and fix motorcycles. I also like to surf, skate, ride bicycles and of course practice yoga. Thank you for your time!
Work Experience
Principal Designer
Michael Run Design2007 – Present
Michael Run Design has worked on projects for clients such as Wrigley's, Best Buy, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, McDonald's, HGTV and more. We have experience working with well known brands on large and small scale projects, as well as with smaller companies that want to take a great idea and turn it into an intelligent formidable product.
Director of Industrial Design
Simplifyber2023 – 2024
Confidential Start up
Focus on Footwear, fashion and automotive interiors
Principal Designer / Instructor
Design Engine2016 – 2021
Design Engine is a boutique CAD and design educational institution that provides training and consulting services. As a designer and instructor I have handled many duties such as design and engineering consulting, course creation, instructing and sales. I’m a class instructor with over ten years of field experience. The breadth and depth of my experience allows me bridge the gap between design and engineering with a positive outlook towards building a better relationship between team members; while also empowering individuals to achieve their highest outcomes.
Adjunct Faculty
University of Illinois at Chicago2010 – 2013
I have taught design classes in the Industrial Design program. Lectured varying class sizes 10-20+ students. Maintained one on one time for all students, aimed at focused specific individual feedback and critique building each student's design skill sets. Created and designed classes. Improved design comprehension of all students by incorporating design objectives and strategies within classes, going beyond the criteria of required responsibilities. Introduced students to professional style critiques by inviting professional design colleagues to participate in class reviews and open sessions. (previously not executed by faculty members)
Industrial Designer
Beyond Design2009 – 2011
Beyond Design is a product design consultancy located in Chicago, Illinois. It’s team consists of designers, engineers, sales, and management. Beyond Design works with a wide range of clients and specializes in design for manufacturing. I participated on many projects for various clients, managing different projects from idea to concept and through production. Worked closely with teammates and clients in all phases of product design. Managed design of one of BD's largest client's for 2 years. Successfully negotiated with clients to engage in additional phases of design as the lead designer, outside of initial proposals and design briefs. Analyzed clients' product landscapes and designed solutions that utilized their manufacturing capabilities and opportunity areas. Participated in writing proposals for clients. Was direct contact for multiple clients while managing their design projects. Trained juniors and interns. (product design, new product development, branding, UI, Graphics, Video, more)
Industrial Designer
Streng2008 – 2009
Streng Design was a small award winning design consultancy in Garfield Park Chicago. Participated in many design arenas including Industrial, Graphic, User Interface, and Digital Design. Led projects and contacted clients. Was involved throughout the execution of many projects. Concentrated on ID skills like ideation, CAD modeling and rendering. Made user guides for appliances. Used Wacom Cintiq efficiently. Most work was heavily focused towards the home appliance market. Other projects included power tools, weather station, UI animations, UI video recording for synthesis, user guides, flow charts, and client presentations.
Contract Industrial Designer
Insight Product Development2008 – 2008
Contract designer who participated in many projects for different clients. Led brainstorming and story-boarding. Assisted team of designers n all phases of product development. Projects varied from induction technologies, cleaning solutions, to safety eye-wear. Skills utilized: brainstorming, ideation, rendering, Adobe, Painter, CAD, storyboards, user scenarios, and presentation documents.
Industrial Design Intern
M3 Design2006 – 2007
M3 is a design consultancy located just north of Austin Texas. M3 is a growing consultancy, with specialized teams and personnel. There are 10 designers and about 60 engineers on staff. Participated in the design process of many different products ranging from consumer electronics to medical devices. Assisted designers and engineers on separate and collaborative projects. Skills utilized include brain storming, ideation, sketching, rendering, Adobe, product touch up, story boards, and presentation documents.
Illusion Designer
David Copperfield2006 – 2006
David Copperfield is a world-famous magician and entertainer. He has won Emmys, holds many world records, and is an international sensation. David Copperfield acquired private islands located in the Bahamas. He built a design team to redesign the islands structures and environments, as well as design new and upcoming illusions. There was a very small design team, in an extremely creative, fun atmosphere, where imagination was in high demand. Worked in an office of an off-site warehouse as well as backstage of the MGM Grand, participating with David Copperfield on a daily basis. Very fast paced, sometimes stressful and hectic environment, as a result of pressure from live entertainment shows. Was exposed to the backstage side of the entertainment business. Built many solid relationships throughout the entire design staff and crew. Participated in design of illusions and various projects for his islands. Utilized many design skills.
Industrial Design Intern
New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc.2005 – 2006
New Balance is a specialized shoe manufacturer with offices throughout the world. There are 668 associates in the World Center: R&D offices located just north of Boston, Massachusetts. The design offices are divided by shoe type. Worked in the International and Classics design teams. Participated in the design process of different shoes. The main project for the quarter was carried out to all stages of shoe development. Side projects included assisting designers, selecting colors for upcoming seasons, painting and preparing shoe models and sole units, fit testing experimentation, working with vendors, and continuing relationships with clients from many other countries. Was responsible for sketching, color ways, alterations, tape-ups, renderings, quick renderings, and painting for several different projects.
Industrial Design Intern
Hasbro2005 – 2005
Hasbro is a toy manufacturer that is located in New England in the state of Rhode Island. Worked in First Fun design team, a fast paced environment where new projects were presented often. Worked on a variety of different projects ranging from Star Wars figures to Playskool toy sets. Responsible for ideation, model making, presentation boards, color samples, assist in all design processes. Managed multiple projects and showed the ability to work on products for mass production as a first time coop student.
Industrial Design Intern
Thomson Consumer Electronics2005 – 2005
Headquartered in France, Thomson is a global consumer electronics company which has many famous brands. The American headquarters is located in Indianapolis, Indiana. RCA is one of Thomsons most famous brands, and was the concentration of the small 4 person industrial design team. Working in two different buildings, the primary focus of the quarter was classified blue-sky ideation and several other design projects where design skills were required. Used a variety of skills during the coop including ideation, model making, 2d graphics, 3d graphics, and color selection. Had designs patented from this coop quarter.
