Ed Ko
With over 10+ years of professional experience in the Industrial Design Consultancy sector, I have had the privilege of working on numerous innovative projects and contributing to the success of various industries and organisations. Throughout my career, I have been recognised for my award-winning designs, which have earned various patents and design registrations (and garnered numerous accolades for their innovation, creativity, and functionality. Most recently, I was honoured with my 3rd Best-In-Class Good Design Award for my innovative glasses and systems design for the NFP OOXII (also known as 4eyes Vision).
I firmly believe in the power of industrial design to shape our world and improve lives. This intrinsic belief has been honed into a practical framework I refer to as the ‘semantics and mechanics of industrial design.’ I am deeply passionate about education and mentoring the next generation of designers. I have had the opportunity to share the knowledge and insights of my practical frameworks through many years of mentoring junior designers professionally, conducting workshops, and, most rewarding of all, through my tutoring and lecturing roles. I find immense fulfilment in empowering aspiring designers and helping them unlock their potential.
With a proven track record in industrial design, an award-winning portfolio, a dedication to community building, and a passion for education, I am committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and driving positive change academically through the next generation.
Industrial Design Exchange Sydney
IDX-SYD
My passion for industrial design goes beyond mere practice; it extends to a desire for community building and education. In 2022, I founded IDX SYD (Industrial Designers eXchange Sydney), a grassroots community group for industrial designers. Our mission is to advocate for a cohesive professional narrative through community connection, education, and collaboration. IDX invites those who practice to connect with peers and share their experiences with the next generation. Our most recent IDX curated landmark community event, hosted at the MAAS Powerhouse, drew over 660 participants.
Experience
Powerhouse Museum: Carl Neilsen Industrial Design Accelerator - Advisor
Judging panelist; Program Advisor; Recipient Mentor
Good Design Awards Australia Jury Member
NextGen category Judge and in person panelist for the 2024 GDA
Ed Ko Design - Self-employed / Freelance
Principal Industrial Designer, Product engineering, Design strategy and consultation
Sessional Academic UNSW - Casual
Convening: Advanced Studio IDES4100 (Honours) T1 2024, 2025
Sessional tutoring for: FADA1010 Design Collaboration Studio 1, FADA3030 Design Collaboration Studio 3, IDES2171 Digital Modelling,
IDES1212 Dsign Studio 1B, IDES1213 Design Studio 1C, IDES2221 Design Studio 2A, CDEV3000 Practice Of Work + Various guest lecturing for
IDES
Sessional Academic UTS - Casual
8584 (Honours) Design Studio B: Product Design 2024 + Repeat guest lecture for 1st year industrial design students. Subject: “Industrial Design
Prototyping & User Experience Methodologies Within a Professional Consultancy Context”
Alquemy Design - Contract Consultant
Consultancy design focused on electronic kitchen appliance and consumer lifestyle and food preparation goods. Snr Industrial Designer + Design S
trategy Consultant
Guest Lecturing UTS - Contract
Guest Lecture for 1st year industrial design students. Subject: “Industrial Design Prototyping & User Experience Methodologies Within a
Professional Consultancy Context”
Vert Design - Permanent
Lead Senior Industrial Designer + Project Principal, Working on diverse range of client and projects. Developing product design for mass and batch
level manufacturing. Business strategy and client management. With a focus on sustainable design. My work received numerous accolade and
design awards, translating to wide commercial success to the clients.
Ed Ko Design - Self-employed / Freelance
Principal Industrial Designer + Structural/Mechanical Draftsmen + Manufacturing consultant
Commercial Design Consolidated - Contract
Contractor Structural & Mechanical Design Draftsmen working for numerous SME and large multinationals
Design Resource Australia - Freelance
Industrial design consultancy designer working on Transport For NSW contracts. Consumer goods and design for manufacturing services
Ofquest Office Furniture Australia
Office workstation and furniture systems Industrial Designer / CAD CAM Programmer
Desking Systems Pty Ltd
Office workstation and furniture systems Industrial Designer / CAD CAM Programmer
2024
2024
2022 - Present
2022 - Present
Term 4 2024
2023- 2024
2023- 2024
2015-2022
2014-2015
2008 - 2014
2007 - 2008
2007 - 2008
2008 - 2012
