Emily Siira, Industrial Designer in Milwaukee, WI

About

I am a hybrid industrial designer / mechanical engineer, driven to define the “what, why, and how” central to innovative problem-solving. I am experienced in a variety of product categories, including medical devices, marine equipment, and consumer technology.

I have particular interest in human factors, ergonomics, and usability. I value the observation and understanding of user needs and interactions within their characteristic environments, in order to streamline patterns of use.

I am a detail-oriented collaborator known for an investigative, iterative, and user-centered design process. My personal strengths include research-based concept development, functional prototyping and testing, and design refinement through advanced CAD modeling and surfacing.

Portfolio available upon request (projects cannot be displayed publicly due to non-disclosure).

Education

BFA Industrial Design

Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design

2012 - 2016

• GPA: 3.9 / 4.0 • Honors: 2017 IDSA Student Merit Award Winner, 2016 IDSA Design Foundation Scholarship, Summa Cum Laude, President’s list, Stephen Lacey Memorial design scholarship, Claire Hackmann leadership award
BS Mechanical Engineering

Sacred Heart University

2009 - 2011

• GPA: 4.0 / 4.0 • Honors: National Merit Scholarship, Dr. Gary Rose scholar leadership award, President’s list

Experience

Lead Industrial Designer (contract)

Cimco Marine

Ängelholm, Sweden

Aug 2018 - Present (6 years 3 months)

• Lead designer on Cimco’s OXE line of diesel marine outboard engines. Directed a team of 4 industrial designers through the development of a new visual brand language, and its implementation on multiple engines.
• Collaborative mentoring of the design team through research and concept development phases. Independent modeling of pre-production CAD geometry to house complex mechanical component packages.
• Primary mediator between marketing and engineering teams, successfully balancing competing requirements in final design directions.
Industrial Designer

GE Healthcare

Waukesha, WI

Jul 2017 - Aug 2020 (3 years 1 month)

• Collaboration with an international team of designers across the full portfolio of healthcare systems, ranging from intricate neonatal monitors to powerful MRI and CT scanners.
• Involvement throughout the product development process, from problem identification to production. Frequent interaction with marketing, engineering, and clinical specialist teams to balance consumer, technical, and safety requirements.
• Contributions in the ultrasound modality have garnered 3 international design awards, achieved filing of 2 utility patents, and produced 5 additional pending utility patents.
Industrial Designer / Mechanical Engineer

Independent Design Consultant

Milwaukee, WI

May 2014 - Aug 2018 (4 years 3 months)

• Cinch (2017 - 2018): A laundry system comprehensively designed for individuals with limited mobility. Grant-funded, patent-pending.
• EWI Worldwide (2016 - 2017): Design of point-of-purchase displays, fixtures, and exhibition spaces for a variety of retail brands.
• Joro Innovations (2016): Ergonomic analysis, mechanical design, and form / color / material designation for a line of physical therapy equipment.
• Nobo (2015 - 2016): Human factors research, concept development, and CAD design for the B60 wearable hydration monitor. Product was a featured start-up at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (Las Vegas, NV).
• Visa Lighting (2014-2015): Concept development and CAD design / engineering of commercial light fixtures. Experimental OLED-panel light fixture exhibited at the 2014 SDA International Lighting Showcase (New York, NY).
Industrial Design Co-Op

Master Lock

Oak Creek, WI

May 2015 - Jun 2016 (1 year 1 month)

Concept development, ergonomics, interface, mechanics, form development, and color / material / finish designation for a variety of locking systems and safes.

Awards

• 2020 iF Design Award

- GE Healthcare ID team - Venue ultrasound systems

• 2019 International Good Design Award, Gold

- GE Healthcare ID team - Venue ultrasound systems

• 2019 IDSA IDEA Award, Silver

- GE Healthcare ID team - Venue ultrasound systems

• 2018 USC Morton Kesten Universal Design Award & Development Grant

- Cinch laundry system

• 2017 IDSA Merit Award Winner (MIAD) & Midwest Finalist

- Speaker at 2017 Industrial Designers Society of America Midwest Conference

• 2016 IDSA Design Foundation Scholarship

- International portfolio-based award - Industrial Designers Society of America

• Delta Faucet disaster-relief initiative, 1st Place

- Flood rescue drone & deployable raft concept - December, 2016

• 2016 ARM Design Competition, 2nd Place

- Pet wash station concept - Association of Rotational Molders - August. 2016

• 2016 Winsell Product Design Competition, 3rd Place

- Pet wash station concept - Winsell Plastics, Inc. - July, 2016

• 2016 International Consumer Electronics Show (Las Vegas, NV)

- Nobo wearable hydration monitor a featured product

• 2014 SDA International Lighting Showcase (New York, NY)

- Visa Lighting OLED light fixture prototype exhibited

Affiliations

IDSA

Industries

Skills

Elsewhere on the Web

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On Coroflot

@emilysiira, member since 2016

Following 9
Followers 2

Emily Siira

Assistant Professor - Educator, Industrial Design, Myron E. Ullman, Jr. School of Design

Assistant Professor, Graphic Design