Mike CHARPIN

Mike Charpin is an Industrial Designer, Software Developer, and Educator who specializes in the intersection of physical products and digital ecosystems. Currently serving as a Lecturer at Iowa State University’s College of Design, Michael brings a decade of professional experience ranging from high-stakes military hardware to venture-backed fitness technology and enterprise-grade electronics.

His career is marked by a transition from Lead Industrial Designer to Full-Stack Software Developer, providing him with a rare 360-degree view of the product lifecycle. Michael’s professional portfolio includes work for Zebra Technologies, where he conducted human factors research and iconography design for award-winning products , and Proteus Motion, where he led an innovation pipeline resulting in multiple patents.

A graduate of the Wentworth Institute of Technology with a BS in Industrial Design and a certified JavaScript programmer, Michael bridges the gap between mechanical manufacturability and modern digital user experience. As a juror, he leverages his academic rigor and technical proficiency to evaluate design through the lenses of innovation, functionality, and "Empathetic Engineering."