Jim Kershaw

I have always had a strong passion for drawing and building things from Lego's to vintage BMW's. Ironically I stumbled upon Industrial Design in college and after taking a blacksmithing and design drawing course, I instantly knew it was my calling.

IRWIN TOOLS manufactures and distributes professional grade hand tools and power tool accessories worldwide for trade professionals who demand superior performance and durability on the job.

Listening to good music, outside in the wilderness, or around inspiring individuals.

Having the ability to design an innovative product that solves a problem for the user and makes their job and life easier is one of the most gratifying feelings someone can experience.

Design inspiration is all around. Throughout our daily lives we are approached with problems and interact with individuals and consumer goods. I do my best to pull inspiration from outside of a product category I am designing for. Often some of the best design inspiration is derived from nature as well.

Minimalist and user focused. Every element of my design work has a function or a purpose. I do not believe in adding fluff or flair to a design without reason.

Charlotte, North Carolina, USA - Since our company is global, we often do see how culture and different societies perceive designs differently. Without traveling to particular regions to understand what is acceptable and what the users like, want, and need it is difficult to design a solid well thought product.

I feel good design always comes full circle. A lot of research and understanding is done towards the initial discovery phase of a project to insure that I am not only full submerged in the category but that I genuinely understand the users needs and frustrations. For new product categories, I will put myself in their shoes, spend the day with the user using the product to get a better feel for what they go through on a daily basis. This also helps guide the initial ideation phases and leads to innovative concepts and solve the frustration points of the user.

Don't be afraid to challenge the norm and remember some of the best designs and insights often come by mistake or when you least expect it.

Having the ability as a designer to create something completely new to the world is an amazing feeling. However designers are often "The man behind the mask" and can be undervalued and overlooked.

An open mind, communication, observation and interpretation of user needs, visual communication, and design thinking.

The designs per product are all individual contribution, however designers do collaborate during brainstorming sessions and concept reviews.