As a digital experience design consultant, advisor, futurist, and design educator, Danny Stillion, Founder of designbivouac, has shaped advanced consumer products, new interaction paradigms, and various aspects of our mobility ecosystem at strategic and execution levels.

EDUCATION

Master of Product Design with a Focus on New Media
North Carolina State University College of Design

Raleigh, North Carolina
Distinguished Alumnus Honoree

Bachelor of Arts, Fine Art
Furman University

Greenville, South Carolina
President, Art Student League

REPRESENTATIVE VOLUNTEERING

Speaking Engagements
Deliver keynote addresses nationally and internationally regarding the power of design thinking and the future of automobility. Venues include IxDA, SXSW, Center for Automotive Research at Stanford, Swissnex, Harvard Shift x Design Conference, SAE International (Society of Automotive Engineers) World Congress, FISITA World Automotive Summit, Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminar, Google Ventures and TEDx.


Higher Education (Lectures)
Guest student design reviewer and guest lecturer regarding design thinking, interaction design, and the future of automobility. Settings include California College of the Arts, Harvard University, James Madison University, North Carolina State University’s College of Design, and Stanford University.


Higher Education (Instruction | Thesis Advisement)
Teaching design thinking and interaction design course modules at North Carolina State University’s College of Design and California College of the Arts. Graduate thesis advisement, Umeå Institute of Design.


Judging
Judge, Eyes on Design for North American International Auto Show.
Judge, AMPA Canada Project Arrow electric vehicle design competition


Board and Advisory Group Memberships
Automobility LA Advisory Board Member
Tau Motors Advisory Board Member
Indy Autonomous Vehicle Challenge Advisor
North Carolina State University College of Design Leader’s Council


PARTIAL CLIENT LIST

Bank of America
BMW
Bosch
Caterpillar
Chase
Cisco
Ferrari
Google
Hyundai
Honda
Intel
Los Angeles County
Lyft
Microsoft
Medtronic
Mercedes-Benz
NASA
Nauto
SAP
Samsung
Skyryse
Steelcase
Toyota
Yamaha

EXPERIENCE

Founder and Principal
designbivouac, LLC

Redwood City, California
January 2021 — Present

Building, leading, and inspiring world-class teams to create impactful offerings as an independent digital experience designer, advisor, and mobility futurist and setting strategic directions while working hands-on to design user experiences and shape brands in mobility, consumer product, medical, and financial service contexts.

Vice President Product & Design | User Experience Advisor
Skyryse

El Segundo, California
2021 — 2022

Oversaw flight user interface and cockpit design. Integrated branding within new touch points, including fleet livery and internal communications. Recruited other talent to join the product and design team. Advised and designed early Flight OS user interface features.

Executive Design Director & Partner
IDEO

Palo Alto and San Francisco, California
2014 — 2020

Fostered and nurtured relationships with a diverse portfolio of Fortune 500 companies and startups, spanning technology, consumer product, medical, financial, and prominent automotive manufacturers. Drove client innovation capabilities by facilitating the adoption of design thinking, actively shaping strategic visions in collaboration with clients, and ensuring the delivery of meticulous, high-quality work. Established and guided IDEO's critical engagements and relationships with key players in the mobility sector. Notable clients included BMW, Bosch, Caterpillar, Ferrari, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota. Elevated IDEO's standing as a thought leader in the mobility segment by envisioning and leading the acclaimed Future of Automobility series, exploring innovative concepts for the future of transportation and movement. Attracted top-tier talent and cultivated strong client relationships for multi-year, multi-million-dollar engagements.

Senior Design Director
IDEO

Palo Alto, California
2006 — 2014

Advocated for digital design excellence across diverse business contexts, inspiring the global design community at IDEO and ensuring the delivery of exceptional work. Took charge of various innovation projects spanning mobility, medical, financial, consumer product, and telecommunications sectors while effectively addressing the internal requirements of a design consultancy. Immersed in a startup as their Design Director for a year, overseeing the successful implementation of the QUE e-reader user experience and actively recruiting talent to expand the digital product team.

Senior Interaction Designer
IDEO

London, UK, and Palo Alto, California
1996 — 2006

Worked with interdisciplinary teams in IDEO’s London and Palo Alto locations on content areas, including transportation, telecommunications, medical and consumer products, computer-supported group work environments, enterprise software, and service innovation. Helped set the standard for exemplary Interaction Design at IDEO.

Assistant Professor of Interactive Media, Computer Related Design, and Videography
East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina
1992 — 1995

Introduced and instructed interactive media, computer-related design, and videography courses within the School of Art. Exposed students to critical thinking and the role digital media plays in society.

Interaction Design Consultant
Image Associates

Raleigh, North Carolina
1992 — 1993

Designed and implemented interactive promotional work for Image Associates and interactive instructional titles for clients in the healthcare industry.

Senior User Interface Designer
Isotechnologies

Hillsborough, North Carolina
1990 — 1991

Designed user interfaces for devices measuring human physical performance capacity and capabilities.