So I’m part of a team at IBM that takes new or experimental technology initiatives coming out of other IBM teams, applies them in a practical sense to different market use-cases, and builds out proofs-of-concept to show to clients or at conferences. Basically we make cool new-tech shit, and go to other companies and say “hey look at this cool new shit we built, here’s how it applies to your business, come buy it.” It’s not exactly R&D, but moreso a practical application of successful R&D initiatives. It mostly involves projects that highlight AI, Blockchain, and a bit of Quantum. I actually really enjoy my current position, which is apparently pretty rare for an IBMer. It’s fast paced, I’m always working on something new/interesting, and I’ve designed projects that basically kick off major industrial innovation for certain companies. That said, I’m also getting a little tired of only creating demos/PoCs solely for sales purposes, and want to start working on something still fast-paced & experimental, while focused on the consumer, or work that has to do with problem solving for people, rather than solely for enterprise. So I’ve thought about branching out and seeing what other companies have to offer. I’d really like to do similar work that focuses on practical application of innovative concepts, but I was wondering if there are groups out there that aren’t as sales-forward? Bonus points if its for social good too, similar to or working with tech companies .org divisions. To give an example, I saw a position that was open for a few days at Apple for a “techno-dexterous experience designer/engineer” that seemed pretty up my alley. The job isn’t up anymore but the description read: “We are a multidisciplinary, exploratory experience design team within the Apple Design Group, which encompasses our team, Industrial Design (hardware) and Human Interface Design (software), working across all of Apple’s products and services... Besides actively exploring the boundaries of prototyping new interactions, we endeavor to think in new ways about how people engage with technology and the world around them.” It’s full of typical apple fluff but thats generally the kind of work I’d love to do; experimenting and toying with new, exploratory concepts to create something interesting and useful. Any help at all is appreciated! I’m not in a hurry as I probably wont be making a change until late in the year or early 2021, which is why I’m mostly looking for teams to keep an eye on rather than specific jobs open right now. If I can make anything more clear or if anyone has any questions feel free to ask!
What you are looking for sounds like a “design incubation” role to me. They are rare, they are awesome, and they are the first to go when cuts strike the design team. Chan Zuckerberg Initiative?
Sounds like you want to be a prototyper. I graduated from MIT Media Lab and currently work as a DT so I understand the desire to work with a mix of Design and Technology as you describe. At Amazon you can look for roles at Lab126 or Device Design Group. At Apple I think the description of "Design Prototyper" is usually a similar one. I am not sure about Google, but I've seen the roles of "Creative Technologist" and "UX Engineer" describe something similar to what you have in mind - how cool the work is will definitely depend on the team. Mind you, in these companies you probably won't be ideating big new concepts if you apply for a technical role, but you will help prototype and test the ideas to make better experiences for the user.
Did you luck out on interviewing for techno-dexterous experience designer at Apple?
Very similar boat as yours, curr at Google, prev at a similar team at IBM. What'd you end up doing? I'm applying to the media lab this year
I ended up taking another job within IBM (well, my group was moved into another org, so no real choice) - I decided to stay on and it’s been good because I really got to build up more human-centered design and design thinking skills in the beginning, but it’s turned much more into a “business design” role - running workshops for business strategy and team alignment around sales rather than designing new technology. Over the last 6 months or so though, I’ve been doing some REALLY interesting work with IBM Research around AI and design/creativity. That’s been a bit of a side project though and I’m looking to see if I can either join the research team full time, or leave IBM. I recently interviewed with NASA and I haven’t gotten a rejection yet but I’m feeling I didn’t get it. I’m looking generally more toward nonprofits and government work now. All that to say, it’s no joke this corner of tech is tough. I don’t know if I’ll apply to the media lab this year but academia is definitely on my radar as well. Good luck with your application!
YOE?
About 4 years full time, 7 if we’re counting internship experience. I know it’s not too much at face value for what I’m really trying to pursue, but I have a fairly extensive list of high-impact projects that I’m working into my portfolio, the majority of which I was either the sole designer or design lead (I was designer #2 on my current team so I had to adapt pretty quickly to a leadership role.)
Thanks! I feel like I'm very similar to what you are, I would like to see what other people has to say about opportunities as well. I did apply at G moon shot but was instantly rejected, lol.