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Mat Hunter

Co-CEO at Plus X Innovation - building innovation hubs across the UK

Professional Background
Mat Hunter is a renowned expert in human-centered innovation, serving as the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Plus X Innovation. With over three decades of experience, Mat has dedicated his career to practically enabling businesses to embrace innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. He plays an instrumental role in shaping organizations that not only thrive economically but also enhance job quality and boost productivity. His leadership at Plus X Innovation is characterized by a commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration among startups, scaleups, and established corporations.

Before his current role, Mat held significant positions at IDEO, a global design innovation agency, where he acted as a Partner. His extensive experience at IDEO spans across multiple key positions, including EU Practice Head of Consumer Experience Design and Head of Interaction Design in both London and San Francisco. His ability to integrate design and business strategy makes him an invaluable asset to any innovative endeavor.

Mat's expertise extends beyond the private sector; he has also contributed to academia and governmental initiatives aimed at addressing pressing societal challenges. His work with the UK Design Council as Chief Design Officer and Director of Design Challenges has been vital in leveraging design thinking to confront complex issues, positioning design as a powerful tool in policy-making and community engagement.

Education and Achievements
Mat's educational background is solidly rooted in design. He earned a Master of Arts in Computer Related Design from the prestigious Royal College of Art, where he honed his skills at the intersection of technology and creativity. Prior to that, he obtained a Bachelor's degree with Honors in Industrial Design from Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design, a foundation that equipped him with a profound understanding of practical design principles and user-centric methodologies. Furthermore, Mat received his early education at Winchester College, which laid the groundwork for his future academic and professional pursuits.

Mat has served as a Visiting Tutor at the Royal College of Art, imparting his knowledge on Service Design and Design Products to emerging designers. His academic involvement extends to being an External Examiner for the Product Design program at the Glasgow School of Art and an Adjunct Professor at Imperial College Business School, where he explores the synergy between design and business strategy. His contributions to education exemplify his dedication to nurturing the next generation of design thinkers and innovators.

Notable Roles and Impact

  • Co-Founder and Co-CEO at Plus X Innovation: Leading the vision to empower businesses and communities through design-led innovation.
  • Chief Design Officer at the UK Design Council: Pioneering design strategies that influence national policies and practices.
  • Partner at IDEO: shaping cutting-edge design solutions for a multitude of industries across global markets.
  • Various roles at IDEO: Through his trajectory at IDEO, Mat advanced from Interaction Designer to Head of Interaction Design, showing remarkable expertise in understanding user experiences and creating impactful design solutions.
  • Consultant and Strategy Director at Central Research Laboratory: Supporting the launch and growth of innovative startups through strategic design thinking.

Mat’s work has significantly influenced multiple industries and has left a lasting mark on the field of design and innovation. Not only does he drive change through business practices, but he also advocates for a design-centric approach to societal challenges. His achievement in marrying design with strategic leadership is a testament to his skilled craftsmanship and unparalleled commitment to creating a better future. Mat Hunter stands as a luminary in the world of innovation, continually exploring new horizons to enhance how we approach business, design, and community engagement.

Related Questions

How did Mat Hunter's education at the Royal College of Art influence his career in design innovation?
What strategies has Mat Hunter implemented at Plus X Innovation to foster entrepreneurial growth in businesses?
In what ways did Mat Hunter's tenure at IDEO shape his perspective on human-centered innovation?
How does Mat Hunter leverage his experience from the UK Design Council to address current societal challenges through design?
What role has Mat Hunter played in mentoring the next generation of designers at institutions like Imperial College Business School?
Mat Hunter
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Location

London, England, United Kingdom