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Ty Hagler
Principal at Trig / Building Design-Inspired Teams / Industrial Design / User Needs Validation
Professional Background
Ty Hagler is a seasoned industrial designer and innovation practitioner best known for his remarkable management of numerous product development programs. His extensive experience encompasses the entire spectrum of the product development lifecycle—from opportunity identification to successful commercialization. Ty’s innovative spirit was prominently displayed during his tenure at Home Depot, where he served as an intrapreneur leveraging an OJOP sponsorship to advocate for the establishment of new product development capabilities within the retail giant. His efforts culminated in leading a portfolio of internal new product initiatives that not only improved the company’s market offerings but set a new standard for effective product innovation in the retail sector.
Throughout his career at Home Depot, Ty gained exposure to several leading product development firms, which substantially influenced his entrepreneurial journey. This exposure inspired him to refine his business model for Trig, a full-service industrial design firm that he co-founded. The early concepts for Trig were further refined during his graduate studies at North Carolina State University's MBA program. Ty's business model has gained accolades for its disruptive nature, with one client notably recognizing it as a highly effective methodology that competes directly with top-tier consulting firms.
Education and Achievements
Ty Hagler’s educational journey laid the groundwork for his innovative mindset and design thinking prowess. He holds an MBA with concentrations in Innovation Management and Marketing from the North Carolina State University - College of Management. This bevy of knowledge enables him to successfully guide Trig in delivering high-quality design and innovation solutions to a diverse range of clients.
Prior to his MBA, Ty earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design from the renowned Georgia Institute of Technology. This rigorous academic program equipped him with a foundational understanding of industrial design principles, enabling him to make significant contributions in various roles within design and product development.
Achievements
As the principal at Trig®—an industrial design firm nestled in Chapel Hill—Ty leads an enthusiastic team committed to providing innovative design solutions across consumer, healthcare, and durable goods markets. Trig employs a comprehensive innovation process, leveraging insights and ideation to deliver exceptional product designs and manage brand assets. The firm proudly serves a client portfolio that includes start-ups, mid-sized enterprises, and Fortune 500 companies, cementing its reputation as a leading innovator in the field.
Under Ty's leadership, Trig challenges conventional wisdom by utilizing cutting-edge digital collaboration tools and methodologies. This progressive approach not only optimizes the design process but also enhances client engagement and satisfaction. With a fully digital business model, Trig has cultivated a vast global network that includes rapid prototype shops, machine shops, and contract manufacturing vendors to deliver top-quality solutions tailored to the distinct needs of each client. Ty's vision has transformed the way Trig engages with clients, showcasing his unwavering commitment to advancing industrial design through innovative practices and technologies.
