Talent Spotlight on Emelie Troedson, Senior Industrial Designer

Talent Spotlight is a regular feature profiling the employees of Product Creation Studio. See the Talent Spotlight archive for more interviews.

What led you to a career in product development?

One of Emilie’s projects at Milwaukee Tool involved enhancing the durability, comfort, and inclusivity of knee pads used on construction sites

I've always been fueled by a strong creative drive. Growing up, I had a deep appreciation for realistic art and spent time honing my skills in sketching, painting, and detailed coloring across various mediums. As my interest in exploring different artistic avenues grew, I found immense value in understanding the intricacies of each process.

Surprisingly, my career path wasn't clear to me until my aunt introduced me to industrial design. Intrigued, I delved into research, and, a year into my college journey, I decided to transfer to the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design to pursue the industrial design program. What captivated me was the shift towards user-centered design rather than just creating visually appealing products. This shift broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for the holistic design process.

What excites you most about your job?

Our primary focus is on creating great user experiences. We meticulously test and validate every small detail that users engage with, contributing to the overall success of the product. What excites me the most about design is the ability to create user experiences where actions become so intuitive that users don't have to consciously think about what they're doing.

Describe a rewarding work experience.

My most fulfilling experience to date was working at a daycare during my time at MIAD. I dedicated 2-3 days a week to working with a 4-year-old boy while completing my senior year at MIAD. Because of our close relationship, my senior thesis centered around his journey.

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at a young age, he faced delays in walking. Witnessing his excitement when he achieved mobility contrasted with his frustration due to physical limitations became a powerful inspiration. Working closely with him, I delved into understanding how to enhance his walking abilities. I did a lot of research and concepts around my findings and validated them by bringing them to the daycare for him to work with.  It brought him so much joy to have new things to try walking with.  Each time was so rewarding to see the smile on his face and how much it impacted his life.  Ultimately this experience was very fulfilling in seeing why designs can make a huge impact on someone's life.

Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?

Switzerland was the best place to date that I have visited. My partner and I had the pleasure of exploring the country by train, immersing ourselves in cities and small towns for a few days at a time. The well-organized transportation made it easily accessible for both locals and travelers alike while being able to take in picturesque landscapes along the way. Our days were filled with a delightful mix of admiring beautiful architecture, delicious meals, hiking in the mountains, and connecting with people from various parts of the world. In my opinion, this blend creates the perfect essence of being in a new and exciting place.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?  

Exploring new places has been a significant aspect of my life from childhood. Raised in a bilingual household due to my Scandinavian parents, summer trips were a tradition, often spent visiting relatives in Sweden and Finland. Over time, my passion for travel has only grown and I find myself dedicating my free time to researching and planning upcoming adventures.

When I'm not traveling, I enjoy staying active. Whether it's dancing, hiking, paddleboarding, or camping, I particularly relish immersing myself in the PNW landscapes