Justin Coble, IDSA
Senior Manager of Global Design Innovation, PepsiCo
Justin Coble, IDSA, is strategic thinker with a passion for user driven innovation. He is inquisitive, thoughtful and strategic in how he works, always seeking ways to learn more about the motivations of consumers and apply those insights towards meaningful products.
Coble currently holds the role of senior manager of Global Design Innovation within the award winning PepsiCo design team. He leads high-level stakeholder teams in systematically breaking down complex problems to create Innovation that drives business growth. He consistently leads all functions to rethink the problem and stretch outside their boundaries.
Coble’s work in understanding consumer behaviors, traditions and actions have led to many successful products and business strategies across multiple markets. Throughout his career, he has worked in the cosmetic, industrial products, food design, consulting, CPG industries—designing everything from chocolate molds to sandblasters.
Coble holds multiple patents, is a member of the Core77 moderator team, guest lecturer and a regular speaker at industry conferences.
Statement of Candidacy
When asked to run for Northeast District VP, I was truly honored. We have some of the greatest designers and firms and of course, we know how to throw a party! I have been involved in IDSA for almost 20 years and have played many roles. I have spoken at multiple conferences, moderated many panels and this year, I am collaborating with IDSA Board of Director’s Northeast DVP Jeremy Van Hill to bring the first, two-day NEDDC to Manhattan in 10 years.
Through my almost 15 years of professional design experience, I have had the opportunity to be part of leading and building award-winning design organizations that bring highly successful products and strategies to some of the world’s largest brands. As leader of industrial design at Mars Chocolate and my recent role of senior manager, Global Design Innovation at PepsiCo, I have pushed the boundaries of what design can deliver in a complex organization.
This has led to the implementation of user-driven designs and strategies that fuel new business growth. I foster a design culture that is all about cross-functional collaboration and am consistently leading teams of all functions to reframe complex business problems, gather consumer knowledge and create products and strategies that best accomplish the goals of the business.
I believe without all functions collaborating with design—one can never get to the best possible solution. Because of this I have had the opportunity to be at the table in solving some of the most complex problems for some to the world’s largest brands in which design traditionally may not have had a role. If elected Northeast DVP, I plan to take the same approach.
During my time with IDSA I have seen the Society go through some very distinct ups and downs but always advocating the greater good for the industrial design community. I have met some unbelievable people I now have the honor of calling some of my closest friends. I have been a loyal member, and have always been vocal on challenges and opportunities needed to grow the organization.
I feel IDSA has come a long way in the past few years, but as with any service there is always room for improvement. I truly believe in the Society and am passionate about taking it to the next level to be an organization that everyone wants to be a part of!!
Like any successful design strategy or program, as an IDSA Board member I will start by truly understanding the needs of the members, but most of all our non-members. What keeps them from joining year after year, if they were members and dropped out, why?
In addition to gaining new members, I feel the organization has a great opportunity in providing greater value to the student community. If elected, I would like to use this leadership role to focus on providing value to students and young professionals, as they are not only the future of the organization but of ID as a whole. As we all know, the organization is only as good as its member base. Year after year, I notice fewer students attend key events such as national conferences. With social networking increasing and students finding other ways to network and interact, the value of IDSA becomes more vague.
As a seasoned member I understand that the true value in the organization is the “boots on the ground” and networking. Although students are not attending these events, I do not think it is completely out of disengagement, but rather potentially not having the means. I will work to provide the best possible value to every industrial designer across all demographics. As a moderator to the Core77.com discussion boards, I am committed to connecting with this audience and understanding where the gaps are and working to close them. I will bring these points of view to the Board meetings and make sure that they are heard.
As mentioned I care deeply about the success and prosperity of IDSA and look forward to the potential of taking the Northeast to the next level.
