Derek Vaz

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT DEREK VAZ

A seasoned designer and technologist, defining connected products and services for over fifteen years. I believe design and technology can empower organizations to create integrated social and business value. In 2018, I founded an independent research and experience design practice with a network of designers, engineers, and analysts toward that vision. To date, With (previously DVXD) has partnered with ambitious leaders at Google\'s News Initiative, Indigo, and Rappler - a news organization led by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Maria Ressa - to co-create technology with shared value for brands, users and society. I was the head of Experience Design at Huge Toronto, which I founded in 2014. There, I helped build a multi-disciplinary design team with capabilities in product, service, and communication design. I was grateful to lead this talented team in solving complex product, brand and business challenges for partners like Four Seasons, Nike, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Rogers and TELUS. By 2017, Huge Toronto was shortlisted for Digital Agency of the Year by Strategy magazine. Prior to Huge, I co-founded and managed a digital design studio, designed and launched a collaborative platform for creative inspiration, and earned a degree in Computer Science at the University of Waterloo. My work has been recognized by several organizations, including Applied Arts, Communication Arts, the Effie Awards, Financial Times, Pixel Awards and the Webby Awards. My thoughts have been shared in Fast Company, Strategy magazine, Magenta and other industry publications. I enjoy tackling the promise and challenges of technology, taking photos of my family, playing basketball, and cooking food with my sons.