Dr. Vanessa Julia Carpenter believes in helping companies to design smart products which go beyond convenience, and beyond the screen, to focus on a sense of purpose, connection and self development. Vanessa has a background in art and technology, academia, and interaction design. She holds a BSc. in Interactive Art and Technology (Canada), a MSc. of Interaction Design (Sweden), and a PhD with the topic: “Designing for Meaningfulness in Future Smart Products” (Denmark).
Vanessa is the founder of Kintsugi Design, a creative technology and design studio specializing in strategy and future proofing. Kintsugi Design is a collective of designers from around the world, whose backgrounds span industry, academia, art, and maker/hacker spaces. They conduct design research, early technology prototyping and design thinking to help companies navigate the future and emerge as thought leaders in their fields.
Vanessa speaks at events and conferences, moderates panels, and hosts happenings because of her ability to combine many worlds: industry, maker, hardware, and art. She also runs the Nordic network Women in Hardware group (www.womeninhardware.dk) and is working to empower women by creating a space for opportunity, learning, resource sharing, support, and knowledge.