John Lai

John Lai is the Founder and Principal Designer at johnlaidesign LLC, a design and innovation company based in the San Francisco Bay Area.1 He is an IDEO alumni with extensive experience in design thinking and human-centered design.1

Professional Background

John Lai has a rich background in industrial design and innovation strategy:

• Current Role: Founder + Principal Designer at johnlaidesign LLC (since January 2019)1
• Previous Experience:
  • Partner + Director of Design at MO Studio (2017-2019)1
  • Industrial Design & Innovation Strategy at IDEO (2002-2016)1
  • Sr. Industrial Designer at IDEO (1991-2001)1
  • Industrial Designer at Matrix Product Design (1988-1991)1

Expertise and Approach

John Lai specializes in:

• Design Thinking
• Human-centered design
• Creative problem solving
• Innovation strategy
• Product development

He leverages his expertise to help companies discover opportunities, define design strategies, envision creative solutions, and bring products to life.1

Education and Teaching

• Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design from San Jose State University (1983-1987)1
• Guest Lecturer at UCI Applied Innovation (January 2017)1
• Adjunct Professor at California College of Arts (July-December 2009)1

Notable Achievements

• Earned many design awards and over 30 design patents during his time at IDEO1
• Worked with prestigious clients including AT&T, United Technologies, Samsung, The VA, Eli Lilly, Medtronic, and Intel1

John Lai's design philosophy centers on creating innovations that have a positive impact on people and the world.1