Seth Orsborn

Seth Orsborn is a Clinical Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Lyle School of Engineering, Southern Methodist University (SMU). He serves as Director of the Deason Innovation Gym and Director of the Product Design and Innovation Department. His expertise lies in design theories and methodologies for navigating the innovation process, focusing on the intersection of industrial design, engineering design, and marketing strategy. He teaches in the M.A. in Design and Innovation (MADI) program and launched the Product Design and Innovation concentration.

Education:

• Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
• MBA, University of Texas at Dallas
• M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University
• B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University at Buffalo

Research Interests: Dr. Orsborn’s work emphasizes design preferences, innovation ecosystems, and user-centric methodologies. He explores statistical approaches to quantify aesthetic and functional preferences in product design, often leveraging shape grammar and agent-based systems. His research bridges engineering, design, and business strategy to foster interdisciplinary innovation.

Publications Overview: His articles span product design, statistical modeling of preferences, and educational strategies like active learning. Notable themes include Bayesian analysis of color preferences, visual conjoint analysis, and automation of concept generation using multiagent systems.

Awards: No scientific awards explicitly listed in the provided texts.

Advising & Labs: Advises innovators and entrepreneurs across SMU and the DFW region. Leads the Deason Innovation Gym and Product Design & Innovation Department, fostering collaborative innovation spaces and curricula.