Curriculum Vitae
Full Name
Kiersten Muenchinger
First Name
Kiersten
Last Name
Muenchinger
Affiliation
Faculty
Title
Professor, Product Design
Phone
541-346-6891
Office
243 Lawrence Hall
City
Eugene, Portland
Departments
Product Design
Affiliated Departments
SAIL
Profile Section
Statement
MS, Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, 1998
Honors, BA, Engineering Sciences, Dartmouth College, 1993
Kiersten Muenchinger is a Professor in the Department of Product Design at the University of Oregon. Kiersten researches and teaches the intersection of materials, manufacturing and design with an emphasis on sustainability tactics and metrics. Her current research utilizes Kansei engineering principles to measure how consumers perceive the sustainability of consumer product materials. Her experimental design work has received international commendation by Red Dot; IDEA; the Green Product Award; ShowPDX; and Salão Design. She has been a US Fulbright scholar specializing in sustainable product design with Polis University in Tirana, Albania, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Before joining UO, Kiersten was a practicing design engineer with IDEO, Fitch, Sottsass Associatti, Walt Disney Imagineering and Ford Motor Company.
CV Summary
Kiersten Muenchinger | Curriculum Vitae
Department of Product Design
5282 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403
541.346.6891
kiersten@uoregon.edu
Education
1998 MS in Mechanical Engineering in the Joint Program in Design, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
1994 Reynolds Scholar: The Bauhaus: Art, Design and Engineering, Technische Hochschule Rheinland-Westfalen & Fachhochschule Design, Aachen, Germany
1993 Honors, AB in Engineering Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
Academic Positions
2023-present Professor, Product Design, University of Oregon
2008-2023 Associate Professor, Product Design, University of Oregon
2008-2019 Tim and Mary Boyle Chair in Material and Product Studies, University of Oregon
2016-2019 Head, Department of Product Design, University of Oregon
2008-2015 Director, Product Design Program, University of Oregon
2005-2008 Assistant Chair, Industrial Design Department, California College of the Arts
2005-2008 Associate Professor, Industrial Design Department, California College of the Arts
2000-2005 Lecturer, Industrial Design Department, California College of the Arts
1998 Teaching Assistant, ME116C, Final Project, Stanford University
1996-1998 Teaching Assistant, Product Realization Labs, Stanford University
1990 Presidential Scholar: Science & Physics Pedagogy, Advisor Prof. Delo Mook, Physics, Dartmouth College
Professional Positions
2001-2009 Parapluie, Founder and President of paper product & stationery manufacturer
2006-2008 ASM The Materials Information Society, instructor
1999-2001 Fitch, Inc., Design Engineer and Project Manager for biotech, logistics and automotive startups
1998-1999 The Long Now Foundation, Design Engineer for the 10,000 Year Clock
1997 Walt Disney Imagineering, R&D, Research Design Engineer for first untethered, robot animatronics
1996 Sottsass Associatti, Designer of bathroom amenities and travel bags
1994-1995 IDEO Product Development, Design Engineer for medical devices and toys
1993 Ford Motor Company, Engineer for modified vehicles for emergency services and recreation
Elected Positions
2023-2025 Willamalane Park and Recreation District, Board Member
Research
Funded Projects/Grants
2023 Reduce, Replace, Recalculate, PI; Board Award, UO College of Design; $4,500
2022 174k Collection, PI; NEA Grants for Arts; $30,000
2020 Framing “Natural” Materials through Product Color and Finish, PI; UO Faculty Research Award; $7,000
2019 Fulbright Specialist Program Award to Tirana, Albania; Polis University, Faculty of Architecture and Design
2019 unPARALLELED, PI; Juan Young Trust; $5,000
2019 unPARALLELED Oregon Product Design, PI; NEA Art Works; $25,000
2018 Community Clothing Project, PI; NEA Creativity Connects; $36,000
2018 unPARALLELED Oregon Product Design, PI; NEA Art Works; $12,500
2017 Sustainable Downpour, PI; VentureWell; $8,500
2017 Sustainable Invention Immersion Week, w/ J. Haack, K. Harmon, M. Blaine; UO Williams Instructional Grant; $10,000
2017 Product of Eugene, Partner with City of Eugene and Lane Arts Council; NEA Our Town; $50,000
2017 Compact Living, Co-PI; Oregon Corrections Enterprises; $10,456
2016 Unparalleled Oregon Product Design, PI; NEA Art Works; $20,000
2015-2016 Fulbright US Scholar Award to Hong Kong; Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Industrial/Systems Engineering
2015 Launch in the Rain, PI; VentureWell; $34,000
2015 Designing for an Aging Population, Co-PI; National Institute for Transportation and Communities; $39,914
2014 Antimicrobial Treatment Using Nanosilver, Co-PI; Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute; $25,000
2014 LED Warehouse Lighting Fixtures, Co-PI; Portland Development Commission and LED Trail; $25,000
2012-2014 Content in Context (C2) Partnership to Advance STEM Interconnected Learning and Career Interests, Biomimicry Lead; Source of Support: Oregon Math and Science Partnership Program (ESEA Title IIB MSP); Location: Various in Lane County; Total Award Amount: $450,000; PIs: Chris Castillero (Eugene School District 4-J) and Dean Livelybrooks (University of Oregon)
2013 Manufacturing Revolutionary Sustainable Cups, PI; AAA Dean’s Award; University of Oregon; $4,500
2013 Wilsonart Café Chairs, PI; Wilsonart; $11,000
2011 Creative Activity Award, UO AAA Dean’s Office Research Grant; $4,000
2011 Green Product Design Network; University of Oregon; $55,000
2010 Streetlighting with Renewable Energy, PI; Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) Greenpower Grant; $25,000
2010 Energy Efficient Streetlighting Options for Salem, OR, Sustainable Cities Year Project, University of Oregon; $1,000
2010 Green Product Design Network; University of Oregon; $53,000
2009 Green Product Design Network; University of Oregon; $50,000
2009 Biomimicry: Biological Science Artfully Designed, PI; UO Science and Human Condition Grant; $15,000
Juried Design Awards
2020 IDEA Sports, Leisure & Recreation Finalist, Position One shooting glove, with C. Anderson and O. Echols
2019 GRAY Awards Student Design Finalist, Prison Blues project, with T. Bonamici and PD students
2019 NYCXDESIGN Student Design, Prison Blues project, with T. Bonamici and PD students
2019 Gray Magazine Hot, New, Next Portland, Position One shooting glove, with O. Echols
2017 Red Dot Award: Design Concept, Strada Walker, with T. Faste, C. Keyes and J. Koby
2017 Spark Concept Award Finalist, Strada Walker, with T. Faste, C. Keyes and J. Koby
2017 IDEA Automotive & Transportation Finalist, Strada Walker, with T. Faste, C. Keyes and J. Koby
2017 IDEA Medical & Health Finalist, Strada Walker, with T. Faste, C. Keyes and J. Koby
2016 Spark Concept Award Bronze, Murmur Tumblers, with S. Leyden and K. Foo
2016 IDEA Kitchen Finalist, Murmur Tumblers, with S. Leyden and K. Foo
2015 Spark Concept Award Finalist, Carbon6 Water Glasses, with M. Rogers and S. Leyden
2015 Green Product Award Shortlist, Carbon6 Water Glasses, with M. Rogers and S. Leyden
2014 Lexus Design Award Shortlist, Download Chair, with T. Faste
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
2023 Muenchinger, K and Bartell, M. “Desktop Injection Molding with PLA in the Academy: Increasing Manufacturing-based Experiential Learning,” The International Journal of Design Education, 2023, Volume 17, Issue 2, pp.197-221. https://doi.org/10.18848/2325-128X/CGP/v17i02/197-211
2023 Muenchinger, K. “The relative influence of sustainable product design strategies for polymer products,” Cleaner Materials, 9, 100194–. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clema.2023.100194
2018 Faste, T and Muenchinger, K. “Design Research Toward Viable Bus Use for an Aging Population” Design Principles and Practices: An International Journal-Annual Review, 2018, Volume 12, Issue 1, pp.15-26. https://doi.org/10.18848/1833-1874/CGP/v12i01/15-26
2013 Muenchinger, K. “Using Kansei-based metrics in conjunction with LCA Impact Factors to Enhance Sustainable Materials selection of Wood, Polymers and Metals,” The International Journal of Designed Objects, 2013, Volume 6, Issue 3, pp.61-71. https://doi.org/10.18848/2325-1379/CGP/v06i03/38667
2011 Muenchinger, K. “The Green Product Design Network: Focusing on the Role of Materials in Product Design,” Design Principles and Practices: An International Journal, 2011, Volume 5, Issue 5, pp.215-222. https://doi.org/10.18848/1833-1874/CGP/v05i05/38173
Peer-Reviewed Published Papers in Proceedings/Conference Presentations
2022 “Injection Molding in Studio: Enhancing Students’ Capabilities with Hands-On Injection Molding Production” Proceedings of IDSA Education Symposium; September 14, Seattle, WA
2022 “Material Derivation Affects the Perception of Sustainability in Polymer Products” Proceedings of 9th International Conference on Kansei Engineering and Emotion Research; Sept 6-9, Barcelona, Spain
2016 Faste, T and Muenchinger, K. “Design Research Toward Viable Bus Use for an Aging Population” TRB Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers; January 8-12, Washington, DC
2016 “Perceptions of Polymer Sustainability and the Relative Influence of Sustainable Design Strategies” Proceedings of 6th Kansei Engineering and Emotion Research International Conference; August 31-Sept 2, Leeds, England
2014 “Characterizing Perceptions of Material Sustainability through Drinking Vessels” Proceedings of 5th Kansei Engineering and Emotion Research International Conference, pp.227-236; June 8-10, Linköping, Sweden
2013 “Combining Kansei Engineering and LCA to Convince Clients that Sustainable Polymer Choices Exist” Proceedings of IDSA National Education Conference; August 21, Chicago, IL
2012 “Using Kansei-based metrics in conjunction with LCA data for sustainable materials selection” Proceedings of International Conference on Kansei Engineering and Emotion Research (KEER), pp.97-203; May 22-25, Penghu, Taiwan
2012 “Using a Motion Analysis Lab to Test Biomimetic Designs,” Biomimicry 3.8 Institute, editor. Proceedings of the Second Annual Biomimicry in Higher Education Webinar; January 21
2011 “Experimental Materials: Integrating Green Chemistry in Product Design” Proceedings of IDSA National Education Conference; September 14, New Orleans, LA
1997 “BIOculars: A Virtual Ecosystem for Wilderness Parks” Morkes, J., Lindsay, J., Muenchinger, K., Chuieh, C., Russell, J., Vastola, T., Proceedings of CHI97 Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems; Atlanta, GA
Peer-Reviewed Published Abstracts/Conference Presentations
2022 “Desktop Injection Molding in the Academy” Presented at the 16th International Conference on Design Principles and Practices; January 19, online
2020 “UOPD x Prison Blues” Presented at the 14th International Conference on Design Principles and Practices; November 11, online
2016 Poster, “Design Research Toward Viable Bus Use for an Aging Population” TRB 96th Annual Meeting; January 8-12, Washington, DC
2015 “The Affect of Emotional Response to Sustainability in Consumer Acceptance of Polymer Products” Proceedings of International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics (AHFE); July 28-30, Las Vegas, NV
2010 “Experiences in Learning Design: Mitigating Discomfort w. Drama” Presented at the 4th International Conference on Design Principles and Practices; February 13-15, Chicago, IL
Juried Exhibitions
2016 The After Loft, San Francisco, CA, May 6-7, Download Chair, with T. Faste
2014 Show PDX, Portland, OR, October 1-13, Download Chair, with T. Faste
2013 Salão Design Casa Brasil, Bento Gonçalves, Brazil, August 13-16, Sticker Chair, with T. Faste
2010 EcoTopia: Product Design for a Sustainable Society at Nectar, Long Beach, CA, March 15-April 15
Terra Preta Appliance for Dirt Fabrication, with R. Hubbard
Book Chapters
2010 Principles of Design with Restorative Dental Materials, In Restorative Dental Materials, 13th edition, chapter 3, Edited by Dr. Ronald Sakaguchi, DDS, MS, PhD, MBA, Professor of Dentistry, Professor of Management, OHSU; 2010
Invited Presentations/Lectures
2023 Lecture, “Are ‘Natural’ Polymers Plant-Derived Polymers?” Sustainable Plastics Exhibition & Conference; Los Angeles, CA, May 8
2019 Presentation, “Kiersten Muenchinger”, PechaKucha, Tirana Design week; Tirana, Albania, September 27
2019, “Belief and Sustainability”, Tirana Design Week; Tirana, Albania, September 25
2018 Lecture, “How Four Perception-Driving Strategies for Sustainable Products may be applied for Biopolymers”, DuPont Industrial Biosciences Division; web conference, January 31
2017 Panelist, “Sustainable Design Considerations”, Design in Plastics, SPE; Detroit, MI, November 6-8
2017 Lecture, “The Four Perception-Driving Strategies for Sustainable Products”, ReFocus Sustainability and Recycling Summit, Plastics Industry Association; Orlando, FL, June 28
2016 Posters, “Design for an Aging Population: Summary, Walker & Securing Wheeled Transport”, Transportation and Communities Summit; Portland, OR, September 8-9
2016 Lecture, “Sustainable Design Strategies that Consumers Recognize in Polymers”, Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference, ACS; Portland, OR, June 16
2015 Panelist, “Designing the Future: How Materials Can Change the World”, NPE Showcase; Orlando, FL, March 26
2012 Lecture with Dr. Kelly Sutherland, “Understanding Science & Understanding Design through Lessons & Labs in Biomimicry”; National Biomimicry Education Summit, Portland, OR, June 23
2011 Lecture with Journalism Professor Kim Sheehan, “Perceptions of Green Product Design and Green Marketing”; Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Eugene, OR, March 30
2010 Participant, PopTech Ecomaterials Innovation Lab; Boston, MA, July 20-23
2010 Panelist, Product Design in the GPDN, Green Chemistry in the PNW for Funders; Seattle, WA, March 9
2009 Lecture, Stanford Product Realization Lab Symposium, Hands-on labs and materials research; Stanford, CA, April 17
2005 Lecture & panelist, IDSA SF Design Entrepreneurship Panel, The design-centric business: Parapluie; Palo Alto, CA
2003 Lecture, “Spinning the Product Design Cycle into a Product Production Cycle”, Palo Alto Research Center (PARC)
Other Professional Activities
2018 Co-Organizer w. Dr. Kelly Sutherland, Bioinspired Design Symposium, UO, January 19
2017 Co-Organizer w. Dr. J. Haack, K. Harmon, M. Blaine; Sustainable Invention Immersion Week, UO, Sept 10-15
2016 Co-Organizer w. Dr. Kelly Sutherland, Bioinspired Design Symposium, UO, November 18
2016 Instructor, Design Principles, Design workshop; American International School, Kowloon, Hong Kong, March 18
2014 Participant, Design Research Society Conference; Umeå, Sweden, June 16-19
2013 Instructor, Biomimicry and Design in K-12 STEM Education; Lane ESD, Eugene, OR, March 11 & August 6
2013 Session moderator, “Rules for breaking and keeping in Graduate Design Programs”, IDSA International Conference: Breaking the Rules; Chicago, IL, August 20-24
2010 Participant, Sustainability in Higher Education Conversation, The Natural Step; Portland & Eugene, OR, July 16
2005 Participant, MIT Summer Institute in the Materials Science of Material Culture, NSF-funded; Cambridge, MA
2004 Participant, Sustainable Design Summit, The Natural Step & CCA; San Francisco, CA
2004 Participant, Workshop in materials selection and CES Edupack hosted by Mike Ashby; San Diego, CA
Teaching
Awards
2020 UO Remote Teaching Award
2018 VentureWell Sustainable Practice Impact Award
2015 DesignIntelligence Top 30 Most Admired Educators
2014 Oregon Women’s Soccer Team Most Valuable Professor
2011 IDSA Young Educator of the Year Award
2010 Guest Coach, Oregon Ducks Football Team
Workshops
2022 SolidWorks Sheet Metal course, January 19-21
2020 SolidWorks Essentials course, March 31-April 9
2014 A&AA Innovation: The Flipped Classroom; for PD350, Objects & Impacts; $2,500 grant
2013 A&AA Gen-Ed Workshop; for PD390, Epic Challenges and PD101, Intro to PD; $2,500 grant
Courses
PD350 Objects & Impacts; lecture course in materials properties, manufacturing processes and design for manufacture
2022W topic: home care device: 43 students
2021W topic: desk Zoom accessories: 46 students
2020W topic: wearable electronics: 50 students
2019W topic: RFID-shielding cases: 72 students
2015W topic: pet products: 48 students
2014W topic: toys that lift, 47 students
2013W topic: scales, 47 students
2012W topic: marine lights, 39 students + 3 students Portland experimental video conference
2011W topic: cordless power tools, 42 students + 3 students Portland experimental video conference
2010W topic: dispensers, 49 students + 2 students Portland experimental video conference
2009W* topic: microphones, 48 students
PD410 Advanced Manufacturing
2021F, 15 students
2020F*, 28 students
PD430 Computer-Assisted Design & Production
2022S, 2 sections, 20 students & 10 students
2021S, 13 students
2021W, 21 students
PD484 Senior Studio II
2022W with T. Bonamici, topic: 174k Collection, NEA funding, 18 students
2020W topic: Trophy 2020, 16 students
PD485 Design Entrepreneurship; design studio for product startup ventures
2020S: 16 students/11 ventures
2018S: External grant support by VentureWell, 13 students/10 ventures
2017S: External grant support by VentureWell, 16 students/9 ventures
PD485 Senior Studio III
2020S topic: Telephone Generation, 13 students
PD483 Senior Studio I
2020F topic: Strongbox, 16 students
2019F topic: Smart Harvest, 17 students
2012F topic: Charcoal for Housewares, sponsored by Kingsford, 14 students
ISE4005 Eco-design and Manufacture; lecture section in qualitative and quantitative sustainable design strategies, 78 students, 2016 Spring semester at Hong Kong Polytechnic University
ISE386 Integrated Design for Manufacture; lecture section in sustainable manufacturing design, 130 students, 2016 Spring semester at Hong Kong Polytechnic University
PD410 Epic Challenges; multi-disciplinary lecture and design studio global impact problem-solving
2014W* topic: The Next Generation Condom, with Art Instructor John Park, 47 students
PD410 Biomimicry; multi-disciplinary design studio in Biomimetic design
2011S* 25 students
PD485 Corporate Studio; design studio of products with external business partners
2010S topic: Enabling Medical Carts with Tablets, Sponsored by Modo, with J. Arndt, 21 students
2009S* topic: Weird Extreme, Sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, 4 students
PD199 College Connections, Science of Design Freshman Interest Group (FIG); seminar connecting Introduction to Product Design and General Chemistry I, with Chemistry Assistant Department Head J. Haack
2012F* topic: Science and Design of Athletic Shoes, 24 students
PD101 Introduction to Product Design; lecture and project course, introduction to design’s critical inquiry with constraints, skills, communication and project work
2012F topic: Cornhole Boards, 87 students
2011F topic: Flexible PV products, 92 students
ART101 Understanding Contemporary Media; lecture course, introduction to Art concentrations
2009W Product Design in Art, with K. Ucci and K. O’Connell, 250 students
PD340 Design for Use; lecture course in usability issues, constraints and techniques
2009F 53 students + 6 students Portland experimental video conference
2008F* with J. Arndt, 57 students
Clark Honors College Thesis Advisor; discipline-specific thesis advisor for University of Oregon CHC students
2022 Charlie Holden: Migraine
2018 Madeline Landis-Croft: Upholstered Furnishings (secondary advisor)
2017 Cara Murray: Sustainable Packaging (secondary advisor)
2015 Emma Dorland: Creative Nonviolent Action (secondary advisor)
2014 Elizabeth Zarro: Biomimicry in Homegoods
2014 Claire Sakaguchi: Needle Fear (secondary advisor)
2011 Sarah Morgan: Sustainability Through Design: The Economic, Environmental, and Social Contributions of Design in Collaboration with Businesses
2010 Jana Rogers: Design Process for Functional Aesthetics
PD406 Independent Study Advisor
2021S Charlie Holden: Migraine
2021W Nate Mooers: Pocket Knives
2017F Nicolas Capaldini, David Crinnion, Tanner Stickling: Sustainable Product Startups
2012W Justin Mellott: Flexible PV Products
2012W Curtis Logan Olson: Flexible PV Products
2011W Natasha Michalowsky: Sustainable Vessels
* newly developed courses
Invited Presentations/Lectures
2021 Lecture, “Belief and Sustainability”, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, February 18
2019 Workshop, “Strategies vs. Metrics: A Sustainable Spoon Project”, Tirana Design Week, Polis University, Tirana, Albania, September 25-28
2016 Lecture, “Perceptions of Materials: Why Don’t We Like Plastic Products?” CKYC Master’s Tea, Choi Kai Yau College, University of Macau, Macau, April 14
2016 Workshop, “Sustainability Strategies and Sustainability Measurements”, Tatung University, Taipei, Taiwan, March 11
2014 Panelist, Community Conversation: visions of disability studies; Disabilities Studies Forum 2014, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, October 30
2014 Panelist with Adam Davis (moderator), Kim Patterson and Aric Wood, “UNITE: Designing the Future of Education”, Discussing the paths forward in the higher education landscape that address tuition, jobs and new educational formats like MOOCs; Design Museum Portland, Portland, OR, July 17
2014 Lecture, “Biomimicry: Starting with Emulate”, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, January 23
2013 Workshop, “Biomimicry in Design of Movement: The Next Spiderman”, Tatung University, Taipei, Taiwan, Dec.8
2012 Speaker and panelist, “Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature”, Case studies showing the effect of Biomimicry on innovation in Product Design studios; Oregon BEST FEST, Portland, OR, Sept 12
2011 Instructor, Science Program to Inspire Creativity and Excellence (SPICE) Camp, Course on product design and the principles of physics and materials science involved; University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, June 21
2010 Panelist, “Teaching Sustainability 2B Sustainable”, Practices of UO Product Design integrating sustainable design into complete curriculum, IDSA National Conference: DIY Design; Portland, OR, August 8
2010 Lecture, “Setting the Stage: the Play of a New Design Program”, IDSA Western District Conference: Make a Scene; Denver, CO, April 24-25
2004 Panelist, Compostmodern, the state of sustainable design as taught at CCA; San Francisco, CA
2003 Lecture, “The Materials Design Progression of the Terminator”, CalPoly; San Luis Obispo, CA
Juried Student Work Awards
Koehn Design Entrepreneur Seed Grants (UOPD)
2020 Mila Penrith and Tyler Wilkinson: Studio Skosh
2018 David Crinnion and Tanner Stickling: Algotek
2018 Kebin Kang: Craft Companion
2017 Tracie Jackson and Aileen Tran: 365Native
2017 Megan Engel: Blume
2017 Danny Battle and Nick Cantrell: Foudu Built
AAFSP Design Entrepreneur Seed Grants (UOPD)
2020 Connor Hayward: EverRun
2020 Allen Yin: BallerUp
2018 Desmond Blair and Eden Otenburg: Drop Drips
2018 Taylor Lauk and Maximilian Mendola: Pack & Line
2017 Maxwell Friday and Zach Meyer: Mountain Fundamentals
2017 Sara Murillo: UVoglo
RAINMaker Student Entrepreneur Seed Grants (UO)
2018 David Crinnion and Tanner Stickling: Algotek
2017 Danny Battle and Nick Cantrell: Foudu Built
2017 Maxwell Friday and Zach Meyer: Mountain Fundamentals
Interzinc Design Challenge
2022 Varney Varney: Zinc Pulse Oximeter
2020 Sidona Bradley: Light Acumen
2019 Hannah Altshuler-Hansen: RFID Wallet
2014 Derek Sackmann: The Falling Ball
2013 Tana Sollars: Plum Triple Beam Scale
2012 Hana Hiratsuka: Ship Light
2011 Teressa Hamje: Hedge Trimmer
2011 Daniel Nicholson: Mobius Hedge Trimmer
2010 Tara Nielsen: The Billow Napkin Dispenser
2009 Jessica Richards: Rock Band Microphone Redesign
Service
Product Design Department Service, UO
2008-present Standing Committee Member: Curriculum, Facilities, Faculty Review, Student Scholarships, Applicant Review, Exhibitions and ad hoc committees
2020-2022 Chair, Personnel Committee
2008-2019 Founding Head, Department of Product Design, UO
2015 Chair, Faculty Search Committee, Product Design/Sports Product Design, Hire: Associate Professor S. Sokolowski
2015 Chair, Faculty Search Committee, Product Design, Hires: Assistant Professor E. Esponnette, Assistant Professor E. Selek, Assistant Professor H. Selek
2015 Search Committee member, Lundquist College of Business, Sports Product Institute Director, Hire: E. Schmidt-Devlin
2015 Chair, External Graduate Program Review, with Lorraine Justice, Barry Katz and Clark Lundell
2013 Chair, Faculty Search Committee, Product Design, Hire: Assistant Professor W. Jeong Arndt
2010 Chair, Faculty Search Committee, Product Design, Hire: Assistant Professor T. Faste, Assistant Professor J. Germany
Sponsored Studio Development
2022 NEA Grants for Arts, PD484 174k Collection studio
2021 Oregon Corrections Enterprises, PD483 Strongbox studio
2018 NEA Creativity Connects, PD483 Community Clothing studio
2017 VentureWell, SIIW and PD485 studios
2017 VentureWell, PD485 Design Entrepreneurship studios
2017 Oregon Corrections Enterprises, PD484 studio
2016 NITC, PD485 studio
2015 Dune Sciences, PD485 studio
2015 Groovystuff, PD485 studio
2014 OregonBEST + LED Trail, PD486 studio
2014 UofO Technology Lecture Hall Redesign, PD484 studio
2013 TrackTown USA, interdisciplinary PD483+ARCH4/584 studio
2012 Kingsford, PD483 studio
2012 Wilsonart, PD410 studio
2011 Herman Miller, PD410 studio
2011 Arcimoto, PD484 studio
2011 Green Lite Motors, PD484 studio
2011 Blount, Inc., PD350
2010 Modo, Inc., PD484 studio
2009 Columbia Sportswear, PD484 studio
Juried Exhibition Development
2019 WantedDesign, Prison Blues with EOCI and UO Product Design
2017 WantedDesign, Sports Product Design at the University of Oregon
2015 International Contemporary Furniture Fair, Sanctuary/Task Lamps, task-lamp design
2013 International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), Eugene Café Chairs for Wilsonart
2011 International Contemporary Furniture Fair, The Shape of Sustainability is…Flat?, flat-pack furniture design
Community Exhibitions, Conferences and Classes Development
2022 White Stag Commons, 174k Collection
2017-2020 unPARALLELED workshops, eg: Sneaker Jam, Sport/Fashion, JavHack, Extreme T-Shirt during DWP
2017-2019 UO Summer Academy to Inspire Learning (SAIL) Camps in Product Design
2018 IDSA Western District Design Conference at UO Portland, April 6-7
2017 Sustainable Invention Immersion Week, September 10-15
2017 Product Design Pop-Up Shops, City of Eugene, July 30-August 31
2017 White Box at UO Portland, Sports Product Design at the University of Oregon
2017 IDSA Western District Design Conference at UO Portland, April 23-24
2016 Lane Arts Council First Friday Art Talk with Trygve Faste, October 7
2015 Good Earth Home Show, Introduction to Product Design and 3D Printing, January 17-19
2014 Design Week Portland events: Doing & Teaching, Studio Gorm, Design w/Markers, Design Discourse during DWP
2012, 2013 Jaqua Center for Student Athletes: Adaptive Athletes; Wounded Warriors
2009, 2012 LaVerne Krause Gallery, 4th Year (p)Review
2010 Eugene Airport, Sustainable Lamps and Furnishings; What can you do in Product Design Studio?
2010 White Box, MAKE: Product Design, Metalsmithing, Furniture and Ceramics at the University of Oregon
Visiting Lecturer Development
2022 Warren Young
2019 Shaun Tomson, Thomas Petranoff
2018 Wilson Smith, Jamison Float, Siobhan Mead
2017 Thomas Petranoff
2015 Chris Bruning
2013 Neri Oxman, Grace Jeffers, Nathan Blair
Koehn Colloquium: Richard Beckwith, William Deresiewicz, Carol Stabile and Yong Zhao
2012 Peter Woerner, Julie Schue, Mika Tolvanen
2011 Emily Pilloton, Stephen Burks, Philip White
2010 Jay Baldwin, Mike Simonian
2009 Paul Polak, Chris Rhoades
2008-2011 Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA) Student Chapter Advisor
2009 New Ventures Product Design Advisor; PD teams with MBA students
College of Design Service
2023-2025 Faculty Personnel Committee member
2019-2021 Faculty Personnel Committee member
2018-2019 Heads group; heads of all DSGN departments
2018-2019 Search Committee member, Interior Architecture Department, hire Cory Olsen
School of Architecture and Allied Arts Service
2015-2016, 2008-2015 Administrative Council
2008-2016 AAA-Portland Advisory Committee
2014-2015 AAA Equity & Inclusion Committee
2010-2014 AAA-Portland Curriculum Committee
2012 AAA Space Allocation Committee
2008-2010 Academic Affairs Committee
University of Oregon Service
2019-2021 Committee on Scholarships
2019-2020 Search Committee, Dean of the College of Design
2015, 2017-19 RAINmaker Seed Grant Review Committee
2015 University Venture Development Fund (UVDF) Program Leadership team
2014 Sports Product Initiative Cluster of Excellence Faculty Hiring
2013 Sports Product Initiative Curriculum Committee; development of Cluster of Excellence proposal
2013 Big Ideas Review Committee
2011 Sustainability Council Steering Committee
2009 Big Ideas Council; representative of Green Product Design Network for Big Ideas initiatives
Professional Service
2023-2024 Juror, International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), international professional and student design awards
2016-2023 Juror, Green Product Award, international sustainable products and services awards
2023 Juror, Taiwan International Student Design Competition, Environmental Sustainability Award
2023 Juror, IDSA Academic Jury
2021-2023, 2019 Reviewer, Fulbright Egyptian Student Program in Design
2023 Beyond Ray podcast guest; discussion of industrial & product design education, March
2015-2022 Reviewer, VentureWell Faculty Grants
2021 Grant Panelist, National Endowment for the Arts, American Rescue Plan: Design
2017-2021 Advisor, Lane Arts Council’s Product of Eugene and Design Arts apprenticeships
2020 External Reviewer, SFSU Industrial Design Program w/Connie Hwang of SJSU, February 27-28
2018 Grant Panelist, National Endowment for the Arts, Art Works: Design
2018 RAIN Eugene mentor
2018 External Reviewer, CCA Industrial Design Program w/Peter Chamberlain of UC ID, March 7-8
2015, 2016, 2018 Juror, Nayar Prize, Illinois Institute of Technology award for breakthrough, innovative projects
2017 Career Technical Education (CTE) professional reviewer, Design and Computer Technology programs for Academy of Arts and Academics (A3), Springfield, OR
2017 Associate Editor, Journal of Tourism and Leisure Studies (Common Ground, 2017), Volume x, Issue x
2016 Consultant’s Advisory Group Member for the City of Eugene’s Downtown Creative Placemaking project
2014 Juror, Core77 Design Awards, Equipment Category, International professional and student design awards
2014 Associate Editor, International Journal of Design in Society (Common Ground, 2014), Volume 7, Issue 4
2014 Associate Editor, International Journal of Design Management and Professional Practice (Common Ground, 2014), Volume 7, Issue 2
2013 Associate Editor, International Journal of Designed Objects (Common Ground, 2013), Volume 6, Issue 3
2013 Associate Editor, International Journal of Visual Design (Common Ground, 2013), Volume 6, Issue 4
2013 Breakout session chair, IDSA Education Symposium
2011 Associate Editor, Journal: Design Principles & Practices (Common Ground, 2011), Volume 5, Issue 6
2008-2010 Western District Education Representative, Industrial Designers’ Society of America (IDSA) (elected)
2010 Student Merit Awards director at Western District Conference; Denver, CO, April 23-24
2009 Student Merit Awards director at Western District Conference; Santa Monica, CA, April 24-25
2009, 2010 Organization of National IDSA Education Conference
2009, 2010 Juror for academic papers delivered at National IDSA Education Conference
2009, 2010 Juror for student undergraduate and graduate scholarships
2010 Juror, International Housewares Association (IHA) Student Design Competition; Jan. 21
2009 Juror, International Housewares Association (IHA) Student Design Competition; Jan. 29
2000-2008 LooseKnit, Founder/moderator of professional women designers network in San Francisco and New York City
Memberships
2005-present Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA)
Publications
Desktop Injection Molding with PLA in the Academy: Increasing Manufacturing-based Experiential Learning: https://doi.org/10.18848/2325-128X/CGP/v17i02/197-211
The relative influence of sustainable product design strategies for polymer products: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clema.2023.100194
Design Research Toward Viable Bus Use for an Aging Population: https://doi.org/10.18848/1833-1874/CGP/v12i01/15-26
Using Kansei-based metrics in conjunction with LCA Impact Factors to Enhance Sustainable Materials selection of Wood, Polymers and Metals: https://doi.org/10.18848/2325-1379/CGP/v06i03/38667
The Green Product Design Network: Focusing on the Role of Materials in Product Design: https://doi.org/10.18848/1833-1874/CGP/v05i05/38173
http://www.idsa.org/news/member-news/kiersten-muenchinger-idsa
Updated