© Copyright 2015 | Speck Design, Inc.1

Zombie AgenciesDesign Firms are Walking DeadDavid Freas, SXSWi 2016

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SESSION DESCRIPTION

Design has achieved top billing in the media and at the executive table. Design capabilities have catapulted Apple to become the most valuable company in the world. With all this good news about design, how is it that we're seeing design agencies stumble? Adaptive Path sells out to a bank. Smart Design shuttered its SF studio. Talent flees stalwarts IDEO and frog design. Clearly the landscape is changing fast. What gives?

This session explores the effects of trending corporate-side design organizations, increased supply of design talent, and the evolution of the design process. Agencies must adjust to thrive in this environment and this session will deliver actionable recommendations.

San Francisco2000 – 2014

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SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY

With an expertise in design and business, David has held positions at heavyweight design agencies frog and Smart Design. While at frog David led business development for the Americas, surviving the ride from being a designer-owned organization, acquired by Flextronics, and finally being owned by the world’s largest private equity firm, KKR. David was a member of the ultimate class of Smart Design San Francisco which was shuttered in the Fall of 2014.

Intent on building a next-generation, design and innovation firm David joined Palo Alto-based Speck Design where he is a part of the executive team and heads business development and marketing.

David is passionate about understanding people’s needs through design research, identifying opportunities based on those insights, and empowering designers and technologist to create meaningful solutions. He believes that creating a brand begins and ends with the emotional connection made between people and products (or services).

David earned his MBA from the University of Texas at Austin with a focus on customer insights and product strategy. He enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, reading on his Kindle, and trail running.

David  FreasVice  President,  Speck  Design@davidfreas

© Copyright 2015 | Speck Design, Inc.4

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