Benjamin (Ben) Hopson

Teaching

• Professor, industrial design, 2014–present, Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA

• Visiting Associate Professor, industrial design, 2008–2013, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY

• Visiting Instructor, industrial design, 2007–2008, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ

​Professional

• Owner, 2011–present, Hopson Kinetic
  Design and manufacture physically interactive objects such as toys and jewelry. Conceptualize and invent all products. Prototype products and manage manufacturing both domestically and abroad.

• Independent Design Consultant, 2010–present, Self-employed
  Collaborate with brands, inventors, and entrepreneurs to bring new products to market. Design across numerous product categories including housewares, tools, and toys. Manage product development from concept through manufacturing.

• Freelance Industrial Designer, 2010, LAB at Rockwell Group, New York
  Collaborated with an interaction design team to develop environments and products. Conceptualized new user experiences and narratives. Designed physical objects and interventions and prepared them for manufacture and installation.

• Head Designer, 2006–2009, A. Aronson, New York
  Designed kitchen gadgets and tools, tabletop items, and toys. Created concept artwork, technical drawings, and CAD files. Managed communications with manufacturers and distributors.

• Designer, 2005–2006, Macy's Merchandising Group, New York
  Designed housewares and tabletop products. Created CAD models of concepts. Managed prototyping process.

• Designer, 2006, Way-To-Go Project, Brooklyn, NY
  Developed unique motorized transportation concept. Created innovative kinetic systems and elements. Sculpted and built prototype.

• Designer, 2004, Bionopoly, Mountain View, CA
  Developed concept for flash drive USB device. Collaborated with engineer to meet production requirements. Created CAD models and prototypes of concepts.

• Sculptor, 2002-2003, Michael Curry Design, Scappoose, OR
  Created large-scale sculptures for use in theater, film, and festivals. Collaborated with clients, designers, mechanics, and artists. Managed rigorous deadlines and departmental budgets.