Name: David Stone
Company: REI – Recreational Equipment Inc.
Title: Lead User Experience (UX) Designer
Year Graduated: 2013, 2015
Degree(s): Architecture, BA; Packaging Science, MS
Describe your career path. What has led you to your current role?
I started my journey at Clemson as an undergrad in architecture. After graduation, I decided buildings took too long to design and pivoted to grad school at Clemson’s Sonoco Institute where I pursued packaging science. I learned how to use consumer data to drive better package design decisions and experimented with virtual, digital shopping environments.
After graduating, I took a position with Sonoco Products, designing packaging and POP displays in Winston-Salem, NC. I was also doing web design as a side-income and started a company with two friends creating apps for the bar industry. Realizing my love for technology, I moved into UX design at Sonoco and helped them establish a core product team before leaving for the Pacific Northwest. I’ve spent the last four years in Portland, OR working as a UX designer at Nike creating digital apps for employees. These apps focus on solutions like how Nike plans what footwear hits the market in two years to how they reduce their carbon footprint in the supply chain. I recently transitioned roles to work in the outdoor industry for REI on REI.com/used. I’ll be helping design an online community for used gear and apparel, creating a more sustainable and affordable way to get everyone outside.
How do you measure success?
Success looks a lot different for everyone. For me, success has been finding a balance between living in a place I can easily take adventures during my free time, and designing for a company that is helping create a better, more sustainable future.
What advice do you have for Clemson students?
Don’t be afraid to try new roles in the companies you join after school. Your degree prepares you with a set of skills and knowledge – it’s your choice on how you apply them.
Visit itsdavidstone.com to learn more about David’s work.
