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Michael Lum
Senior Manager, Product Design at Newsela
Professional Background
Michael Lum is a seasoned product designer whose career has been marked by a unique blend of creativity and strategic design thinking. With extensive experience in the field, he currently serves as the Senior Manager of Product Design at Newsela, where he plays a pivotal role in enhancing educational content and engagement through innovative design strategies. His journey through the world of product design has seen him flourish in various roles, particularly at WW, formerly known as Weight Watchers, where he held multiple positions culminating as a Senior Product Design Manager. During his tenure at WW, Michael contributed significantly to the growth and foundations of the company, dealing with product design management and growth strategies.
Before dedicating himself to product design, Michael developed his artistic abilities and design proficiency through a rich educational background in the arts. His professional journey began with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the esteemed School of the Art Institute of Chicago, known for nurturing creative talent and fostering critical thinking in the arts. This foundational experience equipped him with a strong aesthetic sense and visual communication skills that he would later leverage in the design of impactful user experiences.
Michael luminosity continued to shine as he pursued further education, obtaining a Certificate of Completion from General Assembly, a notable institution celebrated for preparing individuals for the digital economy with hands-on learning in various tech fields including product design. He then advanced his education with a Master of Arts (MA) from the Royal College of Art, a globally recognized establishment that solidified his expertise in design and broadened his understanding of contemporary design practices.
Education and Achievements
Michael’s academic journey is stitched with reputable institutions that have played a significant role in shaping his career.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) at School of the Art Institute of Chicago: This program laid the foundational skills in design aesthetics, critical thinking, and creativity, which have been pivotal in Michael's design career.
- Certificate of Completion at General Assembly: This certificate enhanced his technical skills, providing him with practical knowledge and tools vital for adapting to the evolving landscape of product design.
- Master of Arts (MA) at the Royal College of Art: This advanced degree allowed him to delve deeper into design innovation and user experience, enabling him to lead and inspire teams in developing user-centered design solutions.
Michael’s commitment to lifelong learning ensures that he remains at the forefront of design trends and technologies.
Notable Achievements
Michael Lum's career is highlighted by a multitude of notable achievements that illustrate his impact in the design landscape:
- Leadership at Newsela: As Senior Manager of Product Design, Michael has implemented design strategies that enhance educational products aimed at enriching classroom learning and engagement.
- Growth Initiatives at WW: At WW, Michael pioneered numerous design initiatives to revamp digital products, contributing significantly to the growth of user engagement and customer satisfaction in a competitive market.
- Expertise in 2D Design: Prior to his product design roles, Michael honed his skills as a Senior 2D Designer at Ralph Appelbaum Associates, where he contributed to major projects that required an exceptional understanding of visual storytelling and exhibition design.
- Influence in Academia and Museums: Michael’s role as an Exhibition and Graphic Designer at the Royal College of Art and his past experience as Associate Manager of Membership at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum reflect his versatile background and his capability to adapt design principles across various domains from educational platforms to cultural institutions.
- Freelance Creativity: As the founder of Lum Studios, his freelance design work showcases his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to delivering bespoke design services that meet unique client needs.
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