David McGaw

Design Strategy & UX Research Lead

MAY 2024 - JUN 2026 · 2.2 years

I help discover people-centric opportunities for emerging technologies. As part of the Google DeepMind AIUX Studio, I work with research scientists, designers, engineers, and product managers to develop a rich understanding of user needs, define new product pathways, and distill innovation best practices across the organization. In this role I find and map paths to future products, balancing the amazing potential of new AI capabilities with the ways real people want to work. Currently rapidly prototyping and vibe-coding new agentic, immersive, and deeply contextual experiences—and developing rich, user-centered narratives that bring the future to life.

UX Research & Design Strategy Lead

SEP 2018 - MAY 2024 · 5.8 years

Developed early product vision and new ways to understand the opportunities for emerging technologies to help people. As part of the Google Research, I worked with research scientists, designers, engineers, and product managers to develop a rich understanding of user needs, define new product pathways, and distill innovation best practices across the organization. In this role I found and mapped paths to future products in domains such as AI for climate change, home-based robots, quantum computing, bespoke interfaces, and human+AI collaboration. Prior work at Google: Innovation and UXR on Search and Assistant.

UX Research Lead

JUL 2017 - SEP 2018 · 1.3 years

Designed and oversaw execution of a comprehensive UX research agenda to support Google Assistant product definition and iterative development. Advised senior executive stakeholders on key UX decisions and carried the “Voice of the User” to UX Design, Voice User Interface Design, Engineering, and Marketing teams. As part of the UX leadership team within the Search product area, developed UX capabilities and supported Google’s mission to serve users.

Senior Director, Innovation Insights; Associate Partner, McKinsey Design

MAY 2017 - JUN 2017 · 2 months

Worked with my colleagues to create beautiful, ingenious, and delightful products and services. Framed and solved problems, and collaborated with talented engineers, designers, and thinkers to bring new ideas to life. As part of McKinsey & Company, we drew on global expertise--and contributed new design-led approaches to helping our clients.

Director, Innovation Insights

AUG 2015 - MAY 2017 · 1.8 years

Principal

APR 2014 - JUL 2015 · 1.3 years

Led multiple strategy implementation projects and built executive-level client relationships, while setting standards for problem-solving and overall direction for a management consultancy. As part of the leadership of the firm, fostered a vibrant and effective team culture and defined efficient internal processes.

Strategy Director

DEC 2012 - APR 2014 · 1.4 years

Delivered high-impact strategy implementation and culture change, through insightful problem-framing and behavioral design. Led interdisciplinary teams to create executive alignment, clear direction, and powerful experiences for employees. Clients included C-suite executives within market-leading consumer products, apparel, IT hardware and services, and alternative energy companies.

Adjunct Faculty

OCT 2008 - DEC 2013 · 5.3 years

Created and taught the "Fostering Creativity"​ and "Managing Effectively" classes within the Master of Design program. Adapted lessons into a series of video lectures for graduate student coaches of the undergraduate IPRO program at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Visiting Professor

MAY 2012 - NOV 2013 · 1.6 years

Developed and taught the "Leading Innovation" module within the Master of Business Innovation degree program.

Senior Manager

MAY 2011 - NOV 2012 · 1.6 years

Led innovation strategy projects that defined new offerings and helped clients advance them to market. Advised clients on structuring their approach to innovation.

Strategy Lead

JUN 2009 - MAY 2011 · 2 years

Led inter-disciplinary design strategy projects that defined new offerings and helped clients advance them to market.

Associate

MAY 2007 - MAY 2009 · 2.1 years

Advised business, government, and non-profit leaders on innovation, human capital strategy, and operational effectiveness issues.

Graduate Student

SEP 2005 - MAY 2007 · 1.8 years

Studied design planning, strategy, and structured innovation methods.

Customer Experience Design Intern

MAY 2006 - AUG 2006 · 4 months

Worked with a cross-functional team to design, prototype, and recommend to senior management the next generation of a central business offering of the world's largest restaurant chain.

Chief Brand Strategist

OCT 1999 - AUG 2005 · 5.9 years

Brand definition and expression through strategic situational analysis and targeted graphic design.

Senior Creative

OCT 1995 - MAY 1999 · 3.7 years