Bryan Zmijewski

Bryan Zmijewski is the CEO and Founder of ZURB, a design and product innovation company established in 1998. With over 25 years of experience in the field, he has been instrumental in driving progressive design practices and fostering a user-centric approach to product development through continuous discovery methods.

Professional Background

• ZURB (1998 - Present): As the leader of ZURB, Bryan oversees a team dedicated to helping companies create superior products, websites, and services. The company emphasizes understanding user behaviors using Helio, a tool for real-time research and continuous feedback. ZURB has collaborated with over 75 startups, enhancing their design capabilities and product offerings.136

• Stanford University (1997 - 2006): Prior to founding ZURB, Bryan served as a design lecturer at Stanford University, where he developed both basic and advanced design curricula.15

• IDEO (1996 - 1999): Bryan began his career at IDEO as a toy inventor intern, eventually leading marketing efforts at Skyline Toys. He contributed to the development of numerous licensed concepts and holds a patent from this period.15

Philosophy and Approach

Bryan is known for advocating system thinking as essential for successful continuous discovery in design. He believes that understanding complex systems can significantly improve the product development process. His leadership style focuses on building trust with clients and encouraging feedback to refine project directions.23

Bryan's commitment to fostering innovation is evident in his role as a mentor and educator, where he aims to support others in developing their skills and envisioning new ideas.24

In summary, Bryan Zmijewski is a seasoned leader in design innovation, combining his extensive experience in academia and industry to drive ZURB's mission of enhancing product design through user-centered methodologies.