Founder & Director, Unbox Product Design
Andrew Bowen’s career in product development spans over fifteen years, with nearly a decade prior in marketing and client relations. Andrew is accredited with multiple international design awards and is listed as the inventor and contributor of numerous US utility and design patents. Together, his experiences bring a broad understanding of design, engineering, manufacturing, and business. His work includes a diverse array of consumer, medical, scientific, and commercial devices, working with companies such as Honeywell, Polaroid, and Graco.
In recent years, his focus has shifted to new ventures and innovations helping companies develop their products and brands for the next success story. Andrew is well-versed in working through the pipeline from research to final manufactured goods and has a keen insight into market trends, consumer psychology, user behavior, value propositions, product positioning, and finding missed opportunities. At the same time, achieving precision targets, solving complex product requirements, utilizing cost-efficient manufacturing processes, increasing business returns, and reducing costs and environmental impacts.
His experience is backed by decades of field knowledge and a proven track record of creating successful products and brands. Over his career working with agencies and corporations and operating his practice, Andrew has collaborated with talent from countless disciplines. Andrew has since made it a mission to educate, train, and mentor emerging talent in the Industrial Design profession so they may build their skill sets, knowledge, and experience to become successful in the industry.
Through his own experiences, he has learned to navigate many of the industry’s challenges by understanding the demands, opportunities, and how best to facilitate others in finding their path. In his free time, Andrew enjoys exploring new cities, cultures, cuisines, the arts, and science. When nature calls, he loves to explore the hills and mountains by hiking, backpacking, kayaking, and cycling. Personal hobbies also include painting, illustration, and working on never-ending car projects, from classic to modern.
Statement of Candidacy
I am running for the Practitioner Ed Council position because I ultimately want to help others find their path in the Industrial Design industry. By building connections, a community, and fostering emerging talent, I believe anything is possible. I also believe that my collection of experiences and the way in which I’ve overcome challenges throughout my journey uniquely position me to assist others.
While I may now operate my own practice in San Francisco, the path to get here was not without difficulties and hurdles. My hope is that by facilitating IDSA, others may learn from those experiences and gain insights to achieve their own pursuits. Through creative problem-solving, perseverance, determination, and pure love for this work the possibilities are limitless.
I feel that this varied and far-reaching experience is at the heart of what makes a well-rounded designer. Through my journey, I have been fortunate to be credited with multiple international design awards and listed as the inventor and contributor of many U.S. patents. Additionally, I have played a major role in creating multiple companies, brands, and product lines. I have built a broad understanding of design, engineering, manufacturing, and business and developed invaluable relationships with clients, professionals, and production facilities worldwide. Creating beautiful, thoughtful, unique, engaging, and sometimes whimsical products has brought joy, purpose, and success to my life.
Looking back, my greatest influences came from interactions with seasoned professionals who inspired me to work hard for my success. In modeling them, I hope to pass down similar wisdom whether is technical skillsets, marketing oneself, or finding hidden career opportunities.
At the same time, I wish to work with IDSA to reinvigorate the dormant San Francisco chapter, by organizing and attending events, interacting with local companies, firms, and professionals, and most importantly connecting and bringing in students, so we can build a flourishing community.
I know all of this is possible because I have experience in organizing similar endeavors with numerous parties through complex engagements. I know these interactions have a profound impact on others because they had a profound impact on me. Lastly, in giving back to the community I also believe it will benefit my own personal and professional experiences in growing to become an ambassador and steward of this great profession.
