Roy Swanson

Co-founder / Lead Soft Goods Designer & Director @ FORMSTUDY

About

Principal-level Industrial Design consultant with over 15 years of hands-on-product experience as Lead Designer, Developer, Design Director and Co-founder of design consultancy FORMSTUDY. Working at the intersection of Creative Direction, Product Strategy and Execution, I specialize in Soft Goods Design & Development including backpacks, luggage and soft-side RF welded construction. Known for real-world problem solving, discovering hidden needs, prioritizing user experience and embracing the brand ethos of clients to develop products that are an honest extension of brand DNA. I'm fortunate to have worked closely with creative teams across several brands worldwide within many different categories and industries. Collaborating on design and development execution for prominent partners such as Alienware, ArcTeryx, Burton, DBrand, Filson, Halite, JanSport, Kelty, Lightship, Magpul, Mammut, Peak Design, Plano, Quad Lock, Re:form, Remote Equipment, Sierra Designs, Swiss Gear, Tom Beckbe, Thule, Unbound Merino, Umpqua, Victorinox, Wenger and Western Rise. Whether you are a start-up with a new idea, or an established team growing an existing product line, please don't hesitate to reach out, I would love to help you carry it forward.

Education

Metropolitan State University of Denver

BS, Industrial Design / December, 2006

UNSW

NA, Industrial Design International Study / December, 2004

West Texas A&M University

BBA, Marketing / December, 2001

Experience

FORMSTUDY

Co-founder / Lead Designer / Design Director / July, 2017 — Present

We understand that product design is more than just lighting the fire of innovation. It’s a process of discovering hidden needs that celebrate the unique mission and ethos of the companies we serve. A process dedicated to developing ideas that are an extension of brand DNA and deliver products loyal customers expect. Whether you are a start-up with a new idea, or established team growing an existing product line, FORMSTUDY will help you carry it forward.

hexhead

Senior Designer / September, 2011 — June, 2017

An independent product design and development house focused on building innovation and brand craving in lifestyle, sport, outdoor, action sport, technical, cycling, recreation, travel, equipment, everyday objects.

REI

Shop Technician / March, 2005 — July, 2014

Wrenching bikes and tuning skis full time and on the side for 10 years!

GLXY

Design Consultant / June, 2009 — December, 2012

What gets us fired up is the process of DISCOVERY. Plugging into the big picture is a vital first step to uncover specific problems and the connections they have with each other. It's an understanding that's at the core of delivering accurate and functional solutions that resonate and feel good.

Kaleidoscope Advertising

Design Consultant / February, 2008 — August, 2010

Graphic Design and Brand Management

Mountainsmith

Product Design Internship / May, 2006 — January, 2007

Design and Development

Join Roy on NotedSource!

Join Now

At NotedSource, we believe that professors, post-docs, scientists and other researchers have deep, untapped knowledge and expertise that can be leveraged to drive innovation within companies. NotedSource is committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry by providing a platform for collaboration with industry and networking with other researchers.

For industry, NotedSource identifies the right academic experts in 24 hours to help organizations build and grow. With a platform of thousands of knowledgeable PhDs, scientists, and industry experts, NotedSource makes connecting and collaborating easy.

For academic researchers such as professors, post-docs, and Ph.D.s, NotedSource provides tools to discover and connect to your colleagues with messaging and news feeds, in addition to the opportunity to be paid for your collaboration with vetted partners.