GREG JOHNSON

4338 Garfield Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55409 | (513) 833-1662 | gjohnny73@icloud.com
LinkedIn: Greg Johnson | LinkedIn
Portfolio: thegregjohnson.com password: gooddesign

 

 

ABOUT ME

 

The drive to create is core to my nature. The opportunity to create for others is a privilege I do not take for granted. My entire career has been dedicated to understanding the needs of users and translating those needs into solutions that not only meet their needs but exceed their expectations. Translating the voice of the customer into an appropriate and tangible solution is my driving goal. My method to achieve this is achieved through observation, exploration, and collaboration.  I have always strived to inform my design approach through building diverse partnerships, aligning needs with potential solutions and recognizing the hard work of all contributors. I have a broad and strong suite of skills from the technical to the artistic/aesthetic.   I pride myself on my ability to create inspiring and actionable designs.  I believe I bring a unique, proven, and adaptable outlook to design and am driven to bring success to the programs and people I serve. Beyond leadership and philosophy, I am well versed in multiple CAD and manufacturing methods as well as having a strong foundation in human centered research methodology and Human Factors integration.  I have a well-rounded and extensive experience from front-end through product launch.  This experience, in the highly regulated and competitive field of medical device design, has provided me a unique perspective on high intensity programs where differentiation and adoption are of paramount importance.

 

 

EXPERIENCE

Director of design, Veranex/Worrell

Dates:   February 2019 to Current

In my current position as Director of Design for Veranex (previously Worrell), I lead the Design functions across our Minneapolis and Shanghai offices.   In my role, I lead a talented team of designers who are wholly focused on the implementation of Human Centered Design principles to enhance the experience of clients and their customers. I have worked to create a highly technical and imaginatively inspired dept.  Under my leadership I have grown and expanded our portfolio of clients and products in a significant way.  By fostering consistency, vision and opportunities my department exceeded company goals by 80% in less than 2 years.   My dept has enjoyed a dramatic increase in repeat clients and ever larger engagements with fortune 500 companies and innovative startups. In addition to growing profits and portfolio I have worked to redefine how Industrial design functions and integrates with the broader organization on a fundamental level.  The need to take down silos and build more efficient pathways between Veranex’s other functional units was key to me to drive comprehensive, successful, and repeatable experiences for our clients.  by integrating multiple business functions (HF, Engineering, Research and UX/UI) into the design process has paid dividends and helped transform us from a “design department” into a comprehensive solutions company. Ultimately, I have been given the opportunity to build something I am very proud of at Veranex that has enabled my design department to foster a high level of technical competency while simultaneously championing the needs of our customers, clients, and stakeholders.

 

Staff* Designer, Johnson & Johnson

ID/HF Robotics tool team lead, IDHF Innovation Lead *(at J&J Staff position is above senior)

Dates: 2005 To January 2019

My most recent role at Johnson & Johnson was managing the design and integration of tools for use on the Verb Surgical robotics system (a Google and Johnson & Johnson collaboration).  I oversaw all aspects of the design and usability of over 21 unique surgical tools for use on the Verb surgical robot as well as being a partner and subject matter expert contributing to the overall system design.  Over my many years as a senior member of Ethicon’s award-winning design team, I have contributed heavily to the product pipeline and intellectual property across multiple Johnson & Johnson operating companies.  Throughout my tenure at J&J, I led multiple programs, been granted over 70 patents, and received multiple internal and industry design awards, including IDEA and iF awards. I brought a balance of technical, usability, and aesthetic capabilities to the projects and problems I have led.  

 

Senior Designer, Kaleidoscope 

Dates:  2001 to 2005

My role as Senior Designer within Kaleidoscope was to establish a design presence in the newly formed east coast office and to provide design support for a growing portfolio of regional clients.   In this role, I both managed the design outputs and business development needs of Kaleidoscope in the greater New York area.

Designer, Ethicon Johnson & Johnson

Dates:  1999 to 2001

After graduating from Ohio State University, I joined the Ethicon Design team. Ethicon was an excellent proving ground where my exposure to diverse multi-disciplinary teams and innovative technologies expanded my passion for Human Centered Design.  My primary role as Designer was supporting various laparoscopic and traditional surgical based design projects, where I integrated in-field research, human factors, and design to develop first-in-class solutions for healthcare.

 

EDUCATION

 

Bachelor of Science, Industrial Design, The Ohio State University

1992-1999

Studied Psychology and Industrial Design

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design

Co-Ops/Internships:

My co-op experience encompassed 4 quarters between 1997-1999 including:

·      Procter and Gamble: 1997 Corporate Packaging and Prototype Development (two rotations)

·      Procter and Gamble: 1998 Design Department

·      Ethicon Endo-Surgery: 1999 Industrial Design and Human Factors.

 

University of Industrial Arts (UIAH), Helsinki, Finland

1998

I initiated the first study abroad opportunity for Industrial Design at The Ohio State University.  I established the connection between OSU and UIAH, the premier design university in Finland.  The opportunity gave me exposure to a multitude of sponsored corporate projects and provided me a perspective on design beyond the U.S. view.  It was an incredibly positive experience that did a lot to mature my understanding of Industrial Design and its importance.

 

 

SKILLSET

 

I am well versed in most design and industry software packages, including:

o   Alias (level 3 master certified)

o   Solidworks

o   Photoshop

o   Illustrator

o   Sketchbook Pro

o   Procreate

o   Keyshot

o   Microsoft Suite

o   Gant Pro

  • I have a strong track record of inclusive collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams such as Engineering, Marketing, Quality, etc. 

  • I can quickly synthesize information and rapidly leverage those takeaways into strong design solutions.

  • Technical know-how is a strength of mine. I hold over 70 utility patents, several design patents, and multiple published ideas.

  • I have a long track record for leadership and have led many design teams as well as managing outside design firms, research houses, prototype shops, and engineering firms.

 


SERVICE

 

I try to give back to my organization and community and have held leadership roles on multiple charitable and community programs including:

  • Campus Liaison for Operation Smile: Operation Smile is an organization that provides free surgery to children in developing nations suffering from facial deformities.  The money raised by Operation Smile has changed thousands of lives allowing these children to grow up without the shame, pain and ostracization that often accompanies their correctable handicaps.  In my role as Operation smiles liaison, I led the fundraising campaigns within the Cincinnati campus.

  • United Way Department Lead: I have led The United Way community service programs for my department for several years.  In my role, I oversaw identifying organizations and individuals in need of volunteer services. I managed and organized all aspects of these activities.

  • Professional volunteer for iSpace: I volunteer my time for iSpace.  iSpace is an organization that promotes opportunities in science, math, and aerospace in underserved communities.  I worked with these children on how to take their ideas and prototype them.  My time with iSpace was incredibly inspiring.  It was always a good reminder for me that creativity needs to be fostered and that doing so results in exceptional ideas from young minds.

  • Guest lecturer at Miami University School of Engineering:  I have been a guest lecturer for 2 years, teaching a one-day course on Human Centered Design to graduating seniors focusing on Biomedical Engineering. I was approached by Dr. Foster Stulen, Professor of Engineering, to develop a one-day course to highlight the principles and importance of Human Centered Design for technically focused engineering students. 

 


ACHIEVEMENTS

  • I hold 111+ patents with the U.S. Patent Office

  • I have over 40 published ideas with the U.S. Patent Office

  • Ethicon J&J top tier of the Patent Wall of Fame

  • 2009 iF Design Award winner

  • 2018 IDEA Silver award winner

  • J&J Innovation Conference presenter for new business opportunities

  • 2016 Ethicon People’s Choice Award winner for Innovation

  • 2019 speaker on the Future of Medical device design at the MD&D conference at Harvard Medical School

  • Stanford BioDesign Executive Education graduate