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.

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
Listen to the Podcast
Demystifying Design Feedback to Help You Become an Impactful Designer
Podcast
2022
Listen to the Podcast
Hiring Designers
Article
2021
Read the article
The Power of Story Writing
Article
2021
Read the article
Life Through Metacognition
Book
2020
Buy the book
Penumbra
Book
2020
Buy the book
Mastering the Corporate Design Job
Book
2020
Buy the book
Diagram
Podcast Show
2017-Present
Listen

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
View the Slide
Download the PDF
Design 101
May 2017
Systems Thinking
October 2017
View the Slide
Download the PDF
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!

Book time with me
Download my Speaker Kit

Patents

Foundational Design
USPO #62949932
october 2023, Provisional

A design system allowing companies to take a design first and customer first approach.

Augmented Reality Machine Learning Visual Library Creator
USPO #62949944
July 2019, Provisional

Visual library creator using images, to map polygons and identify products by their shape, shadows, and lettering.

Mixed Reality Network Troubleshooting
USP0 #62949951
July 2019, Provisional

Mixed medium based overlay that allows users to trouble shoot issues with networks.

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.

Read the Press Release
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.

Read the Press Release
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.

Read the Article here

Past Experience