The New Craft: Smart Design's Approach to Human-Centered Design in an AI Era. An evening with John Anderson and Smart Design NYC.
***This is a free, in-person event hosted by Vivek Rao and the Design & Technology Innovation Masters Program @ Duke University.
Event Summary:
Smart Design is one of the most storied design and innovation consultancies in the United States, having led pioneering work at the intersection of human experience and technology-enabled products, services, systems and experiences for more than 45 years. From the iconic OXO Good Grips line to digital experiences for Ford to platform innovation for Gatorade: Smart Design has done it all. As a Technology Partner based in Smart Design's NYC headquarters, John Anderson works at the intersection of high-level strategy and technical execution to lead the firm's legacy of success into an exciting new chapter.
This session explores how Human-Centered Design is evolving now that the "human" is increasingly intertwined with machine intelligence, and will dig into what this has meant both for Smart Design's offering externally and for the way the firm works internally. We will look at the actual tools and processes transforming the studio, from synthesizing strategic insights to detailed mechanical engineering, and what this has meant for the value Smart delivers its clients. Join us for a casual deep dive into how a leading agency is thriving in a new era for human-centered design.
Our Speaker:
John Anderson is a design and technology leader whose work sits at the intersection of intelligent systems, human-centered design, and advanced hardware/software integration. As a Partner at Smart Design in New York City, he leads multidisciplinary teams across AI and machine learning, embedded systems, connected devices, and Physical AI product development—helping organizations turn ambitious ideas into manufacturable, market-ready products.
Over more than two decades, John has built a reputation for translating complex technical capabilities into thoughtful, human-centered solutions. His work spans real‑time computer vision, sensor-driven platforms, edge AI pipelines, and systems engineering, supporting the full journey from prototype to scaled production. He has partnered with global brands such as PepsiCo/Gatorade, Springhouse, Google, Samsung, and PayPal on award‑winning products and platforms recognized at CES, SXSW, and the Webby Awards.
Date/time: Thursday, April 2nd 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Schiciano Auditorium / Pratt School of Engineering
Parking Instructions: Bryan Center Parking Garage (map). Parking will cost $2/hr; garage is a 12 minute walk from the venue.
Schedule
6:15: doors open; sign in to event
6:30: Welcome and Introductions
6:40: "The New Craft" with John Anderson, Partner, Smart Design
7:45 - 8:30: Reception with Light Refreshments
Waitlist If the event fills up, you can join the waitlist. Two days before the event if there are spots available, we'll notify those on the waitlist. Any available spots will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Sponsors
All of our events follow Triangle UXPA’s code of conduct.
Join us for the Beverage User Interface (BUI) social, a casual happy hour designed for relaxation and good company. The BUI is the perfect opportunity to kick back, share stories from the trenches, and bond with others who understand the unique challenges of a career in UX.
Note: This event is free to attend. One drink will be provided by our sponsor, Robert Half Marketing & Creative.
We’ll be meeting at Boxyard RTP!
Inspired by The Boxyard Tulsa, this 15,000 square-foot cargotecture is the first of its kind in North Carolina's bustling epicenter for startups and brainy talent. Boxyard RTP provides a unique year-round dining and shopping experience with opportunities to connect with each other.
Central to RTP and the Triangle Region, Boxyard RTP provides a platform for emerging entrepreneurs in the food, hospitality, retail and events industries. The venue includes an indoor-outdoor gathering space, dog park and performance stage with a robust event program featuring music, fitness classes, comedy nights and more.
Parking: Boxyard RTP is located within the Hub RTP downtown district where parking spaces are plenty. Parking at Boxyard RTP is free
RTP Connect: RTP Connect is a last-mile Uber and Lyft service which provides a $10 credit towards one-way rides within RTP. Rides must start or stop at Boxyard or the Regional Transportation Center.
Bus: A bus stop is located right in front of Boxyard RTP on HWY-54
Carpool: We highly encourage coordinating with other attendees! Head over to the our community Slack channel to chat with folks and arrange a carpool.
Senior Design Dialogues - Spring 2026
Date and Time: Tuesday April 28th @ 6:30 PM
Location: South LIne Brewing Company / 518 Old Apex Rd. Cary, NC
This is a free, in-person event. Registration is optional. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
Accessibility Workshop for Designers and Researchers, Intermediate - Advanced Level
Triangle UXPA is pleased to again welcome Miranda Capra as she presents a FREE workshop on accessibility for designers and researchers.
Registration: Open for TriUXPA members, non-members, and students. Use this link to Eventbrite to register.
Date and Time: April 29th 2026 / 9am - 2pm / Lunch will be served.
Place: Lucid Software Raleigh @ Smoky Hollow / 2nd Floor
Street Address: 421 N Harrington St. Suite 550 Raleigh, NC 27603
Parking Details: TBA
Event Summary: This class will help web and app designers create more accessible designs. It will walk through common design patterns and examples drawn from years of coaching teams on creating usable and accessible designs. The class covers visual design, user experience design, and content writing and assumes basic knowledge of accessibility and screen readers. The design principles apply to any platform, but the class does have more web examples than native app (no PDF or software). How code and ARIA influence design will be mentioned but no programming knowledge is necessary. Attendees will leave the class with a detailed design guide and links to further reading
Our Speaker: Miranda Capra, PhD, CPWA Miranda is a Certified Professional in Web Accessibility from the IAAP and has a PhD in Human Factors. She has been conducting audits and coaching both designers and developers since 2013 and has moderated a few usability tests with people with disabilities. As Director of Accessibility at Truist, a bank with 1900+ branches , she was a co-author of the corporation's digital accessibility policy and governance framework. She led a team that coached hundreds of designers, developers, testers, and leaders in accessibility practice and compliance. Prior to switching to accessibility full-time, Miranda spent 15 years moderating usability tests. Miranda has taught her Accessibility for Designers workshop at CSUN and Access U.
Registration
To register, Use this link to Eventbrite.
Waitlist
If the event fills up, you can join the waitlist. Two days before the event if there are spots available, we'll notify those on the waitlist. Any available spots will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Mix and mingle while playing board games together! Bring your favorite games or play one of ours.
Food and drinks available for purchase.
No registration necessary!
Send a slack to Meg Beauregard or Email Meg.beauregard@triuxpa.org with any questions.
Join us for our Beverage User Interface (BUI) social, a casual happy hour designed for relaxation and good company.
The BUI is the perfect opportunity to kick back, share stories from the trenches, and bond with others who understand the unique challenges of a career in UX.
We’ll be meeting at The Can Opener in Durham!
This fantastic open-air venue offers a dynamic and delicious experience. Located next to the iconic "Can Opener" bridge, the park features:
Parking: The Can Opener has a free, dedicated parking lot across the street (205 S Gregson St). Street parking is also available in the surrounding area, though spots may be limited.
Public Transit: The venue is accessible via GoDurham and GoTriangle routes. Check the GoDurham Route 10 schedule for the closest bus stops.
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