Rate My Professor Aaron Scott

Aaron Scott is an Associate Professor of Design in the School of Art and Design at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he also holds the position of Design Area Head for the Industrial Design program. He obtained his MFA in Industrial Design from Purdue University in May 2008 and his BFA in Three-Dimensional Arts from Weber State University in December 2004. Bringing over 25 years of professional experience to academia, Scott has worked extensively in design, marketing, and sales roles across diverse industries such as sporting goods, toys, pet care, health and hygiene, general consumer products, home goods, plumbing products, graphic design, retail and environmental graphics, packaging, and cleaning products. He has collaborated with numerous clients and companies, developing innovative solutions, and engages in multi-disciplinary projects with national and regional clients and SIU departments.

Scott's research specializations and academic interests encompass the use of AI as a design tool to enhance ideation processes, the development of XR (MR/AR/VR) and 3D digital drawing capabilities, rapid prototyping and novel manufacturing methods, design entrepreneurship, and the implementation of meaningful playification methodologies. He has published multiple papers and contributed a book chapter, received national and regional grants, and presented on related topics including AI in design, design entrepreneurship, and playification at conferences across the US and abroad. A staunch advocate for design's value, Scott drives impactful change via user experience optimization, aesthetic innovation, and concept development. He identifies opportunities for innovation, creates products, graphics, and packaging, and develops strategies for product and system integration and promotion. Since his appointment at SIU in 2009, he continues to influence the field through mentorship and practical applications.