Paul M Braun        
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Paul M Braun

 

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PROFILE Talented and passionate designer, strategist, and hybrid thinker well-versed in a collaborative, iterative, and human-centered methodology strives to create impactful and innovative solutions to real human needs PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Jump Associates San Mateo, California Hybrid Strategist, September 2010 – Present Currently drawing from a range of skills and experience in design, business, and social research to help companies grow through creation of new businesses and reinvention of existing ones Synthesized insights from deep consumer ethnography about home organization into recommendations and concepts for new growth opportunities for a leading household products company
IDEO Palo Alto, California Product Design Intern, June 2009 – September 2009 Researched drug delivery devices for a global pharmaceutical company to identify opportunities for major industry shifts in biologics and set design direction for future devices Conducted deep ethnographic research, synthesized key user needs, and developed concepts to innovate pet food packaging for an international food and beverage corporation Illinois Tool Works, Inc - Technology Center Glenview, Illinois Mechanical Engineer, June 2006 - July 2008 Engineering Co-op, March 2004 - June 2006
Developed catalog line of ultra-durable touch-sensitive switches; designed for efficient and consistent assembly, managed team-based design work, and coordinated vendor interactions Adapted $5 million line of German pallet-wrapping equipment for US market; optimized for US pallet sizes, protected against use with competitors’ wrap, and minimized implementation costs Outlined and executed validation program for next-generation deli slicer to verify improved performance, durability, safety, cleaning, and ergonomics ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE Stanford University Stanford, California MS Product Design, June 2010 Led team of Graduate School of Business students through design thinking process to develop online platform for donations and volunteering Planned curriculum, and coached and evaluated students as Teaching Assistant for Visual Thinking, Product Design Methods, and Design Strategy & Leadership classes
Conducted ethnographic research for Humana Health Insurance to identify trends in teenagers’ health; synthesized guiding design principles critical to effecting positive lifestyle changes in teens Partnered with Pacific Gas & Electric to engage consumers in energy-saving practices by redesigning billing process to personalize, simplify, and incentivize efficient living Designed lifestyle brand concept for Nestle-Purina to offer pet care products and services to meet unique needs of young professional dog-owning couples, based on insights from in-depth interviews Northwestern University Evanston, Illinois BS Mechanical Engineering, June 2006 Received 2006 DaVinci Award from National Multiple Sclerosis Society for engineering achievement in accessibility and universal design for development of stroke rehabilitation device
SKILLS Design: Ethnographic Research, Ideation, Prototyping and Manufacturing, Frameworks and Synthesis, Concept Development and Evaluation, Storytelling and Presentation, Branding Computer: Microsoft Windows and Office, Mac OS, SolidWorks, Photoshop, Illustrator Fabrication: Mill, Lathe, Sand Casting, LaserCAMM, General Model Making, Common Hand and Power Tools INTERESTS Traveling in Asia and Europe, Alpine skiing, Playing soccer and tennis, Wine tasting

 

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