Hi, I'm Owen White!
I'm an industrial designer focused on shaping meaningful interactions between people and the objects they live with. I create products that make everyday experiences feel more intuitive, thoughtful, and just a little bit better.
I'm an industrial designer focused on shaping meaningful interactions between people and the objects they live with. I create products that make everyday experiences feel more intuitive, thoughtful, and just a little bit better.
Design Approach
Function is the baseline. What I chase is the detail that makes someone reach for a product again — the moment where form, material, manufacturability, and interaction all have to agree. With experience across appliances, consumer electronics, and Visual Brand Language development, my work spans early concept generation through detailed execution, always in service of bringing ideas into reality. I’m especially drawn to the refinement stage, where decisions around form, detail, and manufacturability meet to define the final product. I use SolidWorks and KeyShot extensively for CAD and rendering, supported by hands-on prototyping to test and develop ideas in the physical world. On Strata, that instinct produced a textured aluminum base that rotates 270° to dim — turning a light switch into a small ritual before a shared meal. On the GE filtration faucet, it meant consolidating 3-in-1 through 5-in-1 systems so a kitchen sink needs no extra holes drilled. Different problems, same approach: find that moment, and make it the point of the product.
Professional Experience
At GE Appliances, I worked on a small team developing a next-generation Visual Brand Language for one of GE's core brands. I owned CAD development for refrigeration and the induction range, was a key contributor throughout concept development, led visualization of the new VBL, designed and refined the signature handle system, and applied the new design language across the refrigeration platform. Alongside that work, I led concept development, form exploration, CAD, and visualization for a family of 3-in-1 through 5-in-1 filtration faucets, creating an architecture that integrates filtered, boiling, sparkling, and chilled water into a standard 1.38-inch sink-hole footprint. I also co-designed an accessory device for the Profile Indoor Smoker, contributing to concept development, industrial design, CMF, and UI. Across all three projects, I collaborated with engineering and manufacturing teams to balance user needs, cost targets, and production constraints.
Background
Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, design has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember. Early on, it was being surrounded by designed objects in my home where I learned an appreciation for well designed products, it showed up through making detailed origami tessellations, ceramics, woodworking, drawing, and painting. These experiences shaped my attention to detail and appreciation for craftsmanship, which continue to influence my work and how I approach design. I’m especially drawn to the things we live with and choose to surround ourselves with every day. I’m interested in how subtle decisions in form and interaction can meaningfully shape experience. Outside of design, I spend a lot of time cooking, both for myself and for others, which is one of my greatest passions. I’m also interested in learning about food, history, and science, and I enjoy being outdoors whenever I can, whether that’s kayaking or taking a walk in nature. You’ll also find me playing Go, an ancient strategy game that I find both challenging and grounding.
Design Practice
I have experience across appliances, consumer electronics, and Visual Brand Language (VBL) development. My work spans early concept generation through detailed execution, with a strong focus on bringing ideas into reality. I’m especially drawn to the refinement stage, where decisions around form, detail, and manufacturability meet to define the final product. I use SolidWorks and KeyShot extensively for CAD and rendering, supported by hands-on prototyping to test and develop ideas in the physical world.
Approach
When I think of a successful product, I think of one that creates both function and connection. A product should function well and look beautiful; that is the baseline. Good design solves problems clearly and intuitively. But the products that stay with us go a step further. They create a feeling. What is the impression left after the interaction? What draws a person back, not just because the product works, but because they enjoy using it? Which detail makes someone want to share the experience with a friend? I’m interested in these moments, the ones that exist beyond pure utility: the feel of a surface in your hand, the clarity of an interaction, the emotional response created through form, material, proportion, and experience. The products that resonate most are the ones that quietly improve daily life while creating a sense of connection with the user. My approach to design is rooted in balancing purpose with emotion. Creating products that are thoughtful, intuitive, and meaningful to interact with. I strive to design experiences that not only perform well, but leave a lasting impression through the way they make people feel.
Professional Experience
During my time at GE Appliances, I contributed to the development and application of a new Visual Brand Language, the design of faucet systems and small appliances, working across concept development, CAD modeling, and rendering. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, I gained experience navigating manufacturing constraints and real-world product development.
Background
Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, design has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember. Early on, it was being surrounded by designed objects in my home where I learned an appreciation for well designed products, it showed up through making detailed origami tessellations, ceramics, woodworking, drawing, and painting. These experiences shaped my attention to detail and appreciation for craftsmanship, which continue to influence my work and how I approach design. I’m especially drawn to the things we live with and choose to surround ourselves with every day. I’m interested in how subtle decisions in form and interaction can meaningfully shape experience. Outside of design, I spend a lot of time cooking, both for myself and for others, which is one of my greatest passions. I’m also interested in learning about food, history, and science, and I enjoy being outdoors whenever I can, whether that’s kayaking or taking a walk in nature. You’ll also find me playing Go, an ancient strategy game that I find both challenging and grounding.
Design Practice
I have experience across appliances, consumer electronics, and Visual Brand Language (VBL) development. My work spans early concept generation through detailed execution, with a strong focus on bringing ideas into reality. I’m especially drawn to the refinement stage, where decisions around form, detail, and manufacturability meet to define the final product. I use SolidWorks and KeyShot extensively for CAD and rendering, supported by hands-on prototyping to test and develop ideas in the physical world.
Approach
When I think of a successful product, I think of one that creates both function and connection. A product should function well and look beautiful; that is the baseline. Good design solves problems clearly and intuitively. But the products that stay with us go a step further. They create a feeling. What is the impression left after the interaction? What draws a person back, not just because the product works, but because they enjoy using it? Which detail makes someone want to share the experience with a friend? I’m interested in these moments, the ones that exist beyond pure utility: the feel of a surface in your hand, the clarity of an interaction, the emotional response created through form, material, proportion, and experience. The products that resonate most are the ones that quietly improve daily life while creating a sense of connection with the user. My approach to design is rooted in balancing purpose with emotion. Creating products that are thoughtful, intuitive, and meaningful to interact with. I strive to design experiences that not only perform well, but leave a lasting impression through the way they make people feel.
Professional Experience
During my time at GE Appliances, I contributed to the development and application of a new Visual Brand Language, the design of faucet systems and small appliances, working across concept development, CAD modeling, and rendering. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, I gained experience navigating manufacturing constraints and real-world product development.
Background
Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, design has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember. Early on, it was being surrounded by designed objects in my home where I learned an appreciation for well designed products, it showed up through making detailed origami tessellations, ceramics, woodworking, drawing, and painting. These experiences shaped my attention to detail and appreciation for craftsmanship, which continue to influence my work and how I approach design. I’m especially drawn to the things we live with and choose to surround ourselves with every day. I’m interested in how subtle decisions in form and interaction can meaningfully shape experience. Outside of design, I spend a lot of time cooking, both for myself and for others, which is one of my greatest passions. I’m also interested in learning about food, history, and science, and I enjoy being outdoors whenever I can, whether that’s kayaking or taking a walk in nature. You’ll also find me playing Go, an ancient strategy game that I find both challenging and grounding.