Eric Bergman

Design Director

2013 – Present

EMB operates as a small creative agency with partners in several industries. We build creative teams of independent contractors to match the exact requirements of clients and strategic partners on a per project basis. My role is to manage and execute creative output with a focus on Industrial Design, Innovation and IP development.

Creative Director

2019 – 2023

Working with high profile clients, I led teams to bridge Industrial Design, Branding, Engineering and UX. With a strong focus on emerging consumer technologies and future forecasting, strategic thinking has been key in creating Experiences as the foundation for cutting edge Design. Adapting creative work flows through the pandemic and an acquisition that amplified available resources, evolved my ability to manage ever more complex and larger scale projects.

Chief Creative Officer

2015 – 2020

Originally a client of EMB, Morf projects grew in scope and opportunity to where a partnership was formed. I took responsibility for all creative deliverables from industrial design and mechanical engineering to graphics and building a presence online. The original product was a fitness device, but a Kickstarter campaign highlighted limitations in the market potential, so we pivoted the brand to focus on youth sports. By the second year of production, the MorfBoard system had generated over $20M in revenue while being nominated for Toy of the Year 2019.

Design Director (Contract)

2014 – 2016

EMB was contracted at the ground level of this startup to create the initial product and brand strategy. I defined the brand positioning relative to opportunities in the emerging wireless audio market, designed the product, packaging and created the marketing materials to gain investor interest. My involvement grew from design consultant to strategic partner through a significant equity stake. I supervised all design and worked with contracted engineering firms until an internal team could be setup to manage ongoing development.

Creative Director

2011 – 2013

Was responsible for overseeing operations and managing the design teams. I directly managed 20+ employees with up to 7 projects running concurrently. My role included taking point on client relations, new business development and writing project proposals. I was the lead on most design projects and took personal responsibility for the most difficult deliverables like sculpting complex 3D models and outlining product and brand strategies. For junior team members, I provided frameworks for projects, bolstered with specific techniques for the software and prototyping used in our design explorations. Leading by example was key while working with the senior level designers, and the focus shifted toward maximizing deliverable value and improving presentation methods.

Senior Designer

2006 – 2011

Was hired in to complement the expanding team with experience in manufacturing and sports equipment. Responsibilities grew from concept generation, design ideation and CAD modeling to leading projects from start to finish. While continuing work in sporting goods, I was also able to amplify my knowledge in numerous other industries including consumer electronics, audio, metal manufacturing and furniture.

Co-Founder

2002 – 2010

Collaborated with five other award winning young designers to further explore design concepts as an extension of our design education. Operating in an egalitarian system, each member brought in and led projects on a rotating basis. Projects covered themes from housewares and footwear to furniture and environments. LIFT received critical acclaim and several projects were featured in magazines and exhibitions.

Designer

2002 – 2005

Originally tasked to support the Moto-X racewear team, I was soon working across a variety of categories, including as Design Lead for the Bike and Snow Product lines. Gained invaluable experience taking products from roadmap planning to concept design, development and final production manufacturing all over Asia.

BFA - Industrial Design

1998 – 2002

Kanoa Wireless Earphones

THE BEST FIT FOR TRUE WIRELESS

In 2014, EMB was contracted to create the design and vision for a wireless earphone, well ahead of the competition. Strategic positioning focused on the active/sport markets which we identified as the ideal area to make best use of the technology. The designs focused on a unique ergonomic fit system driving a dynamic and striking aesthetic. The number 5 became a defining theme in the design and development of the earphone as we developed the form. Ears are complex, and one of the most variable body parts from person to person. We identified five fitment anchor points common to all ears and discovered a pentagram logarithmic spiral relates beautifully to an ideal ear. It was then unsurprising, that using pentagonal symmetry in the body of the earphone created an amazingly secure and comfortable fit.

Flow Nx2 Bindings

ACTION SPORT INNOVATION

Flow is known for their unique reclining highback binding, first introduced in 1996. The NX2 series bindings mark the culmination of a company regaining its seat at the table of top action sport brands. The Flow NX2 series bindings were the brainchild of Flow Design Director, Lucien Vink and designed by the talented team while at LSD. As senior designer on the project, EMB focused on the innovative new construction of the highback.

“Our sole mission is to push the limits of design in order to maximize performance, comfort, convenience and most important of all - FUN - for snowboarders worldwide." - Flow Snowboarding

Fox Launch Armor

LAUNCH ARMOR: AN INDUSTRY ICON

Fox Racing is a leading action sport brand with a heritage in Moto-X. Taking creative lead on Bike (Race/MTB/BMX) and Snow products, EMB was responsible for the entire design process for products in these categories, and instrumental in production development. The Launch Armor project was a radically new approach to body armor where hard and soft components are seamlessly integrated with the body. Mechanical connections were engineered from the ground up and fastening systems were designed to conform with human musculature and joint movement. Techniques and innovations explored with this program also found their way into a number of other products. Almost 15 years later, the Launch Armor system is still considered among the best shin&knee guards on the market and continues to be a top seller for Fox.

Morfboard

ONE BOARD COUNTLESS OPTIONS

The deck is a platform through which different modes can be set. The product debuted successfully with Jakks Pacific toy company producing the first 4 Xtensions; Skate, Scoot, Bounce and Balance. Numerous new Xtensions and mods are being created to expand the ecosystem. EMB partnered with Eitan Kramer, a former pro X-games skater, and together built the product line and brand from the ground up.

The MorfBoard system was named a finalist for the 2019 Toy of the Year award!