About

I'm a product design leader who has crafted best-in-class software experiences for millions of users in Silicon Valley since 2012.

I’m passionate about creating innovative, valuable experiences through a unique blend of hardware and software design. With experience spanning consumer and enterprise products, I've worked across industries like TV, healthcare, telecommunications, networking, government, and big data.

Recently, my focus has been on AI and machine learning solutions, where I've built and led high-performing teams to success. I’m committed to mentoring the next generation of design professionals.

Outside of work, I enjoy walking my Goldendoodle, Mason, or hiking on scenic trails with my wife, daughter, and two sons.

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Case Studies

Published Works

Talking Shop with Darren Hood Part 2 of 2

Podcast

2024

Listen to the Podcast

Talking Shop with Darren Hood Part 1 of 2

Podcast

2024

Listen to the Podcast

Career Switching to a Designer, with Donna Melger

Podcast

2023

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Demystifying Design Feedback to Help You Become an Impactful Designer

Podcast

2022

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Hiring Designers

Article

2021

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The Power of Story Writing

Article

2021

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Life Through Metacognition

Book

2020

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Penumbra

Book

2020

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Mastering the Corporate Design Job

Book

2020

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Diagram

Podcast Show

2017-Present

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Speaking Events

How To Get Management Buy In?

October 2020

Maintaining Team Morale

September 2020

Remote Testing During COVID

August 2020

Creating a Vision

August 2020

Transitioning to a Service Model

December 2018

Design Thinking

August 2018

Semiotics

August 2018

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Design 101

May 2017

Hooks

November 2017

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Systems Thinking

October 2017

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Design Basics

June 2016

Public Speaking

I give workshops and talks about design leadership, design thinking, and innovation for companies, conferences, and universities. Reach out if you'd like me to speak at your next event!

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Patents

Awards

CES Innovation Award Honoree

January 2021

I was the Primary Designer for the smarthome Nighthawk Pro Gaming experience, leading to winning the CES 2021 Innovation Award.

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CES Innovation Award Honoree

January 2020

I was the Primary Designer for the Nighthawk Cable Modem Router, leading to winning the CES 2020 Innovation Award.

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CES Innovation Award Honoree

January 2019

Awarded the 2019 CES Innovation award for my work on the Meural Canvas and the Orbi Cable Router.

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Time Magazine Best Invention

November 2018

I designed the touch interface for the Orbi Voice speaker. This was the first-ever, of its' kind, router and smart speaker combo. I also designed all the audio and sound effects, including booting and shutdown.

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Past Experience