As the leader of SKD’s Design Research Department, Ron sees himself as a problem finder, believing that to develop a compelling solution, a design firm must first find a compelling problem. Working for global companies including Samsung, SC Johnson and Starkey Laboratories, Inc., LG Electronics and Duracell, Ron’s research has taken him into the field to study the challenges and triumphs people face in their roles as patients, professionals and parents, to name a few. During the research process, Ron facilitates experiences for researchers, designers and clients that develop empathy for the end user. Ron has been instrumental in encouraging SKD’s designers to look beyond the product they are designing to how the object affects a user’s daily life and a client’s business strategy.

Prior to joining SKD in 2003, Ron was a principal at Hauser Inc., where he worked with companies such as Panasonic, Pioneer, Motorola and Roche to improve sales through strategic product design. He received his degree from Kent State University with a dual major in Industrial Design and Graphic Design and has taught design leadership and design research at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA.