User centered innovation. Portfolio strategy. Experience transformation.

As Global Head of Design at ABB [Electrification | Smart Building] , Stephan is leading the in-house design department including Industrial Design, UX/UI Design & Portfolio Experience Strategy. Together with his global teams and across multiple business lines he ensures design quality for customers of today and articulates desiring experiences of tomorrow & beyond. In the context of B2B2C sales processes he drives customer centricity and organizational transformation from “product to experiences”.

Before, Stephan worked as Head of Design for Viessmann Climate Solutions, as well as as Design Director, Project Lead, Designer & Innovation Strategist across various design consultancies including IDEO LLC, Sensity sarl and his own agency. Over the years he worked and collaborated with clients like Deutsche Telekom, Braun, Gillette, Microsoft, Lincoln and Samsung among others, bridging research, design as well as overarching customer experiences, brand & portfolio strategy.

Projects

Hardware. Digital. Strategy.

Design Awards

Vita

Stephan Merkle

  • Global Head of Design | Electrification , Smart Building
    Industrial Design, UX/UI Design & Portfolio Experience Strategy
    Wiring Accessories & Smart Home Manufacturer | Lüdenscheid, GER
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    As Global Head of Design at ABB [Electrification | Smart Building] , Stephan is leading the in-house design department including Industrial Design, UX/UI Design & Portfolio Experience Strategy. Together with his global teams and across multiple business lines he ensures design quality for customers of today and articulates desiring experiences of tomorrow & beyond. In the context of B2B2C sales processes he drives customer centricity and organizational transformation from “product to experiences”.

    10.2023 - present

  • Head of Design | Brand Design, Industrial Design & UX/UI Design
    Climate and Energy Solutions Manufacturer | Berlin Office, GER

    11.2021 - present

  • iF Design Award Jury Member | Berlin, GER

    01.2022

  • Director | Product & UX Design
    Design Consultancy | Cologne Office, GER

    01.2018 - 10.2021

  • Partner | Industrial Designer | Innovation Strategist
    Industrial Design Studio | Frankfurt, GER

    08.2014 - 09.2017

  • Freelance Industrial Designer & Innovation Strategist
    Consumer Electronics Manufacturer | Kronberg i. T., GER

    07.2013 - 07.2014

  • Project Lead | Industrial Designer | Innovation Strategist
    Global Design and Innovation Company | Chicago IL, USA

    06.2010 - 05.2013

  • Industrial Designer Internship
    Global Design and Innovation Company | Chicago IL, USA

    04.2009 - 09.2009

  • Industrial Designer Internship
    Product Development Consultancy | Seattle WA, USA

    04.2007 - 09.2007