Louise Larson

Driving design-led digital transformation initiatives, focusing on innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth through technology in the manufacturing sector. My role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver tailored solutions that align with client needs and industry trends. By leveraging design thinking principles, I guide clients through the adoption of cutting-edge digital technologies to improve product development, optimize processes, and enhance customer experiences. Key Highlights: • Spearhead digital transformation projects for manufacturing clients, integrating design thinking methodologies with advanced technologies to drive business transformation. • Lead cross-disciplinary teams in the development and implementation of user-centric solutions, ensuring that all stages of digital initiatives—from strategy to execution—are aligned with client objectives. • Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, facilitating workshops, ideation sessions, and strategic discussions to define transformation goals and deliver impactful solutions. • Provide strategic insights and recommendations to clients, helping them navigate the complexities of digital change while enhancing operational performance and customer satisfaction. • Mentor and guide junior team members, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team and across client engagements.

Managed cross-functional teams to deliver comprehensive client solutions across user research, product development, and pilot programs. My role involved overseeing research and design initiatives, facilitating collaboration, and ensuring that our work met both client needs and stakeholder expectations. By driving international user research efforts, I helped uncover critical insights to inform product strategy and service design. Key Highlights: • Led research and design workstreams for global user research projects, utilizing service design, facilitation, and workshop development to uncover client and stakeholder needs. • Fostered strong relationships with client leadership, effectively communicating design efforts and demonstrating the impact of our work to both internal and external teams.

Contributed to cross-functional teams to support design strategy and user-centered research for diverse client projects. My role focused on delivering strategic insights through research, design thinking, and product development, helping clients define user needs and optimize their design processes. By collaborating with senior leaders and stakeholders, I supported the execution of research-driven design strategies to create impactful and user-friendly solutions. Key Highlights: • Assisted in developing design strategies and conducting user research to inform client projects and product design decisions. • Supported the facilitation of workshops and design sprints, helping clients identify challenges and opportunities through collaborative ideation. • Contributed to the communication of research findings and design recommendations, ensuring alignment with client objectives and project goals.

Founded and led a social impact organization focused on empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs through education, business incubation, and collaborative workspaces. My role involved strategic leadership, community engagement, and resource development to drive the mission of fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in underserved communities. Key Highlights: • Led growth initiatives and forged strategic partnerships to increase grant funding, raise community awareness, and advance the organization’s social impact. • Developed and monetized membership programs and workshops, ensuring sustainable revenue streams for the organization. • Established a Business Incubator to support aspiring entrepreneurs, providing essential resources and co-working spaces for growth and innovation.

Board Member at Assemble, a community space for arts + technology

Taught multidisciplinary courses blending design, art, and technology to equip students with applied problem-solving and prototyping skills. Through a combination of hands-on fabrication techniques, CAD modeling, and critical analysis of philosophy, current events, and ethnographic research, I guided students in creating contextually relevant and innovative solutions. Key Highlights: • Designed and implemented new curriculum for skills-based, integrated fabrication classes, fostering technical expertise and creative thinking. • Oversaw the renovation and enhancement of the department’s makerspace laboratory, ensuring a cutting-edge environment for exploration and learning.

Supported Dr. Molly Steenson with design research to understand social and corporate ethics as related to emergent artificial intelligence usage.

Directed marketing efforts across 10 US locations, navigating a pivotal company transition toward managed services while maintaining daily operations. My role required strategic leadership, creative innovation, and a commitment to fostering connections within a nationwide member community. By aligning marketing strategies with company goals, I ensured consistent branding, effective communication, and enhanced visibility. Key Highlights: • Spearheaded membership communications and launched new products to drive engagement and growth. • Designed and executed member campaigns, events, and PR strategies to elevate brand awareness and community involvement. • Led rebranding initiatives to refine the corporate identity, developing an integrated design system for print and digital communications.

Led the development and management of educational initiatives designed for individuals pursuing skills in manufacturing and prototyping. My role combined strategic planning, curriculum innovation, and operational leadership to create dynamic learning environments. By collaborating with a talented team of 40+ specialized instructors, I ensured that programs were accessible, engaging, and equipped to foster creativity, technical skill, and safety.

Oversaw the day-to-day operations across the greater Pittsburgh area for 20+ educators and 40+ programs annually serving thousands of school-aged children and families. My role required a combination of administrative expertise, strategic planning, and a deep passion for fostering creativity in young people. By working closely with the community, I ensured our programs were not only engaging and effective but also accessible to all students, helping to nurture the next generation of innovators and creators.

Developed innovative solutions to meet the technology needs of nonprofit organizations, connecting them with skilled volunteers to enhance their impact. Managed volunteer programs, ensuring the alignment of talent with nonprofit projects, and facilitated workshops and webinars to promote organizational growth and reach of the organization’s mission.

Led the design, production, and sales of hand-made apparel, focusing on sustainability and community engagement. Worked closely with environmentally responsible, local vendors to source materials, ensuring that each product reflected a commitment to quality and eco-conscious practices. In addition to overseeing operations, I organized and promoted a variety of event-based marketing efforts, including musical and theater performances, gallery openings, and sponsoring public meetings to foster local engagement and culture.