In the tech world, there has traditionally been more emphasis on engineering than on design. Build a machine that works first, and decide on the colors later.
No more. Innovative companies know that if they don't get the design right — particularly as it relates to the user-interface — then they might as well not launch a new product at all. If users don't get it, it doesn't matter how innovative it is — you're wasting your time.
Some of companies leading this charge are Apple, Path, Pinterest, Square, and Airbnb. Design is at the core of their businesses.
Last month, Business Insider asked our readers to submit nominations for the most talented designers in the tech industry. After sifting through reader submissions and scouring the web for qualified designers, we've come up with a list of the 75 best designers in tech.
The list includes product designers, mobile app designers, web designers, user interface designers, human interaction designers, you name it.
When determining the ranking, we took into account a few different criteria: experience, quality of work, number of nominations, and size of company.
Thanks to BI writer Dominic Green for helping compile this list.
75. Alison Lewis
CEO/Creative Director, Agent of Presence
Alison Lewis is a designer and fashion technologist who brings high-tech innovation and design to clothing, household objects, and small electronics. She currently runs Agent of Presence, a fashion accessory design company. Their first products are an LED illuminated dress and luxury handbag.
Lewis has been named one of Fast Company's Most Influential Women In Tech, and is the author of Switch Craft, a DIY electronic crafts book. Her entrepreneurial endeavors have been covered by the NYTimes, Associated Press, WWD, and The Martha Stewart Show.
74. Drew Davidson
“Knot Detangler,” Sr. Experience Director at ÄKTA
Drew Davidson helps ensure a consistent vision through all phases of a product's development process.
Before joining AKTA, Davidson was the lead information architect on Motorola SmartActions. The software enables you to do a wide variety of things autonomously, like silencing your phone when you walk into a movie theater, and hiding work email alerts on the weekend.
From a nominator:"Armed with a degree in cognitive psychology Drew deserves of this distinction because of because of his deep understanding and curiosity for people and the way they interact in a digital world. Drew’s design work can be seen when users do exactly what the product intended them to do. He gives a new definition to the term designer because his work is experienced and not just viewed, making him a pioneer in the digital product design space. I’m sure you will not come across many designers who have an analytical mind and the ability to draw out consumer insights to input into his design work."
73. Alberto Moro
Interaction Designer, IDEO
Currently an Interaction Designer at the design and consulting firm IDEO, Alberto works at the intersection of design, computer science, art, and anthropology.
His design approach, which emphasizes human impact, is illustrated by his 2010 project Hello. The project was honored at the Adobe Design Achievement Awards.
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