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Design 1st About Us

About Design 1st

One of North America’s largest award-winning product development firms, transforming complex ideas into manufacture-ready physical products since 1997.

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Meet the team

Video: Meet the Design 1st team (2:00 min)

25+ years of North American hardware expertise. Award-winning product development.

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Meet the Design 1st team

All Team Members
Business Team
Design & Engineering
Electronics & Software
Manufacturing Support
Product Strategy
All Team Members

All Team Members

Kevin
Kevin CEO and Founder
A passionate product designer and entrepreneur, Kevin Bailey helps guide CEO’s, start-ups and established companies through the maze of hardware product development. Spending over 35 years in the detailed designing of hardware products, Kevin is a recognized expert in new product development.
Ian
Ian VP Sales
Ian Kayser is a seasoned product design sales executive with over 20 years of frontend experience. Ian helps our clients transcribe their physical ideas into actionable requirements, activities, and a set of deliverables that the development team can structure their work plan around.
James
James VP Design
James has 25 years experience in human centered design, and he is a veteran of taking the product vision to an award-worthy manufacturable solution. James elevates key product features and navigates difficult part-cost-quality decisions to deliver conspicuous value to your business and customers. 
Matthew
Matthew VP Engineering
Matt is a Mechanical Engineer with 15 years of product engineering experience specializing in complex mechanical design, robotic and automation across a broad spectrum of industries. Matt plays an integral role in optimizing design for efficient assembly and production.
Joan
Joan VP Design Strategy
Joan is a senior marketing executive with over 30 years of managing client relationships and developing product marketing strategies. Joan uses her frontline experience specializing in product strategy to guide clients through successfully achieving their go-to-market plans.
David
David VP Manufacturing
Dave is a veteran manufacturing and supply chain expert with over 35 years of experience in global tariffs, logistics, international shipping, and ISO 13485 certification. Dave guides companies on product reliability, quality control and coordination with North America and overseas manufacturers for mass production.
Donovan
Donovan VP Electronics Engineering
Donovan is a seasoned Engineering and Technology leader with over 30 years of experience in custom electronics product design helping transform wired and wireless connected devices from concept to production. Donovan successfully guides clients through the critical stages of their electronics product development.
Yih-Shyang
Yih-Shyang VP Embedded Software
Yih-Shyang is a network and embedded software senior leader with over 20 years of experience, focusing on real time control and software and embedded firmware development.  Yih-Shyang has deep industry knowledge on a wide variety of device architectures and cloud technology platforms.
Dave
Dave VP Regulatory Support
Dave is a seasoned project manager with over 35 years of experience in operations and filing regulatory submissions for new medical products. Dave has an in depth understanding of regulatory requirements for Class I, II and III devices and global certification for emission testing, liability protection testing and environmental declarations.
Phil
Phil Senior Mechanical Engineer
Phil is a Mechanical Engineer with over 15 years of experience in product development and specializing in airflow, mechatronics engineering from sketch to production. Phil excels at identifying creative product solutions with a focus on the client’s end user.
Allan
Allan VP Analytics
Allan has over 15 years of digital marketing experience with deep knowledge in data insights and web-based sales and analytics. His concise analysis of online research helps guide our clients with their competitive analysis, go to market strategies and business decisions.
Don
Don PCB Layout
With over 35 Years experience working in electronics design, Don works his magic in PCB Layout, skillfully designing and optimizing printed circuit board layouts and guiding PCB design for a range of projects.
Vimal
Vimal Embedded System Engineer
As an Embedded Engineer, Vimal bridges the gap between the physical and digital world through his deep understanding of software and electronics.
Chris
Chris Senior Industrial Design
Chris is a senior industrial designer with over 18 years of product design experience exceling in soft goods and materials. Chris has a hands-on, holistic approach to creating innovative product solutions which embody function, aesthetics, and user considerations.
Julio César
Julio César Electronics Designer
A passionate electronics engineer, Julio is committed to prototyping, testing, and prepping our electronics projects for quality manufacturing.
Kevin
Kevin Senior Mechanical Engineer
Kevin is a Senior Mechanical Engineer with years of wide-ranging design experience in consumer, medical, industrial and research industries. Kevin excels at creating robust mechanical solutions for every project using his experience with product design and validation.
Sergio
Sergio Senior Mechanical Design
Sergio is a Senior Mechanical Engineer with over 15 years of experience in product design and manufacturing in both large and small-scale operations. Sergio is a passionate problem solver creating intricate mechanical systems for cutting-edge products.
Lucas
Lucas Senior Mechanical Design
Lucas is a Mechanical Product Designer with a decade of experience in mechanical process engineering, mechanisms and product design. He excels at hands-on prototype manufacturing and has a passion for building projects of all kinds, with excellent analytical design and troubleshooting skills
Steve
Steve Senior Hardware Engineer
Experienced electronics engineer, Steve, possesses a wealth of knowledge with 30 years of expertise in developing and prototyping electronic devices, driving innovation and optimal performance.
Steven
Steven Senior Electronics Engineer
Steven, an accomplished electronics engineer with three decades of experience, specializes in developing advanced electronic devices for the hi-tech industry, pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Gurpreet
Gurpreet Software Engineer
Gurpreet, an embedded software engineer, specializes in developing software solutions to seamlessly connect physical devices, bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds.
Jenna
Jenna Operations Manager
With her responsibilities in office administration, Jenna contributes to the smooth functioning of the business, ensuring accurate financial records and client satisfaction.
Corinne
Corinne Project Operations Manager
Corinne, a skilled electronic engineer, excels in overseeing client projects, meticulously managing resource allocation, and coordinating work orders for our client projects.
Derek
Derek Senior Industrial Designer
Derek is an award-winning industrial designer with over 25 years of product development experience. Derek excels at product strategy and business requirements, bringing ideas through the conceptual phase to prototyping and detailed design working closely with manufacturers.
Pat
Pat Senior Industrial Designer
Pat is an exceptional award winning senior industrial designer with over 18 years experience spanning technical, creative, and aesthetic aspects of product design. Pat thrives in complex, detailed projects and has a passion for all aspects of the development cycle, from concept to the details of production and assembly.
Josh
Josh Industrial Designer
Josh is an industrial designer with more than 5 years of experience bringing to life a wide range of consumer products. With a keen attention to detail, he is known for his ability to conceptualize and meticulously craft stunning, functional products that seamlessly blend aesthetics and practicality.
Faiz
Faiz Embedded Software Engineer
Faiz, an embedded software engineer, adeptly untangles the intricacies of device electronics to overcome technical challenges and ensure seamless manufacturing processes.
Sage
Sage Chief Happiness Officer
Meet Sage, the charismatic office dog who brightens everyone's day with a wagging tail and a warm greeting, while also playing an integral role in the seamless operations of shipping and receiving packages.
Kevin
Kevin Senior Mechanical Engineer
Kevin provides creative and robust mechanical solutions for every project using his experience with product design and validation in medical, industrial, research, and consumer industries.
Pao
Pao NPI Product Engineer
As a trained civil engineer, Pao excels in managing the intricacies of client project operations, utilizing their knowledge and skills to streamline processes and achieve project objectives.
Vince
Vince Senior Electronic Engineer
Vince, our electronic hardware guru, possesses an unmatched ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, while seamlessly bridging the gap between the physical world and electronics to create innovative new products.

Community Contributions

We create direct social impact for a variety of organizations and charities by contributing our time, our financial support, our experience in business, and when needed, our technical product design and engineering skills.

A Brief History of Design 1st

Kevin Bailey, CEO of Design 1st

1996: Founded by Kevin Bailey

Founder and CEO, Kevin Bailey, came out of Nortel with a vision to make tangible, real-world products people love.

An engineer and designer by profession, Kevin’s passion stemmed from growing up tinkering alongside his dad, building and re-building things with his hands until he was satisfied with the results.

Design 1st continues to thrive today under Kevin’s leadership.

2002: Team and Projects Doubled

What started as a few individuals, in 1996, doubled in 2002 as the referrals came in.

The company carefully built an integrated, cohesive, and diverse in-house team of design strategy, engineering, and manufacturing support specialists, focused on industry-leading physical product innovation and client satisfaction.

2012: Named Top-10 Fastest Growing Companies

In 2012, Design 1st was named one of the Top-10 fastest growing companies in Ottawa.

New innovations required electrical expertise and, when trends shifted towards connected products, Design 1st acquired a custom hardware and software embedded electronics team to meet the client demand, doubling staff again by 2016.

2020: Earned 75+ Design Awards

By 2020, Design 1st was named one of the Top Global Creative and Design Agencies with a 30% year-over-year revenue increase and 45% growth in connected electronics projects.

We have built over 1,000 products for our clients, received over 75 design awards, and have assisted clients in obtaining over 150 patents to protect their innovations.

The Design 1st Philosophy

Our fundamental philosophy is simple. Your retain your idea, your product, your patents, and your awards. We get our motivation from your success. Our cross-functional team customizes their approach and technologies to meet your objectives, whether refreshing an existing product, developing a concept, or turning an idea into a product.

 

We know that physical product design and development is complex, and we focus on the hundreds of decisions required to move from your vision to a quality product that is useful, and businesses can manufacture predictably. Our team solves the tough challenges and manages a careful balance of risk and opportunity, from concept design strategy to manufacturing support. You deal with one partner to achieve a fully integrated product development experience.

One of the benefits of working with a wide variety of creative clients across all walks of life and industries, is a tremendous knowledge and expertise, built year after year, while finding unique parts and solutions to challenging new product

Year in Review

Explore our work over the years through our annual infographic, showing projects, industries, and highlights.

Our Proven 4-Step Process

Together, with your business team, we help you navigate user value, part costs, quality and product-market fit. Our Stage-Gate® process and product management team deliver a predictable, positive experience and outcome

Concept Development

Turn your concept into a refined design, assess risk factors, and create architecture plans ready for engineering.

Detailed Engineering

Iterate on design features and create full documentation for a pre-production prototype.

Prototype and Test

Validate product requirements, confirm usability, secure suppliers and create a fully functioning prototype.

Manufacturing Setup

Select the most reliable manufacturer, implement quality-control processes, and oversee production — turning your idea to reality.

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Our Unique Approach

Our designers, engineers and product specialists provide you a fast, professional path from concept ideas to your first product sales.

We Recognize Your Ownership

It is your idea, your product, your patents, and your awards. We provide critical guidance to drive your project forward and get our motivation from your success.

Communication is Critical

Our process centres on close collaboration with you and your team. We invest in the best tools to collaborate remotely with you on design concepts and engineering details.

Tools to Save Time and Money

We invest in the most sophisticated tools for design, product visualization, engineering analysis, in-house prototyping, and manufacturing support.

Talented People Work Together

Our multi-functional design and engineering team works closely together with you to find solutions that work. Our manufacturing team guides our design choices.

Reduce Design Risk

Our Lean Product Design Process is based on rapid iterations to produce concrete ideas and tangible prototypes that can be viewed, assessed, tested, and refined.

Pride in Your Success

By sharing our skills, talent, and network of partners, we are committed to the success of your world-class manufacturable product as you move to market.

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Join the Design 1st Team

We hire talented and passionate professionals providing a supportive work environment that our employees enhance, and our clients love. Our integrated team manages every step of our client’s product development process, from concept through to electronics design, manufacturing setup, and production support.


If you’re an experienced product designer, engineer, embedded systems expert or simply passionate about physical product design please get in touch. We will post open positions when available but if none show you can still submit your job application request using the form below.


We keep all job requests on file and review applications frequently.

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See Our Project Portfolio

Across every industry, our team excels at developing technically complex projects.

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View our portfolio

Fully Certified and Award-Winning

Our company and staff are certified with the Professional Engineers of Ontario and with ACIDO certified Industrial Designers of Ontario. We are also affiliated with Carleton University.

The Experience and Expertise to Solve Your Toughest Design Challenges

Design 1st integrates our knowledge and expertise with yours to bring your product idea to life.