Keynote Speaker

Scott Anderson

Senior Global Director of Experience and Interaction Design at Ford Design.

Scott Anderson earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University in 1997, followed by a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Oakland University in 1999, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Transportation Design from the College for Creative Studies in 2003. Scott is a strong advocate of a “left- and right-brain” approach to problem solving.

Growing up in Dearborn, Michigan, Scott developed a passion for cars at the age of four. Working at the Henry Ford Museum during high school exposed him to the stories of innovators who shaped the modern world, while also allowing him to glimpse the future by peering over the Ford test-track wall. While attending Michigan Technological University, Scott was deeply involved in Formula SAE, where he built hands-on expertise in chassis engineering, vehicle dynamics, CAD/CAE, and body design and fabrication.

Scott’s professional career began at Chrysler in 1997 as an engineer in the Chrysler Institute of Engineering (CIE) program. Through this role, he rotated across multiple divisions while earning his master’s degree with a concentration in aerodynamics. His favorite CIE rotations included work with the Stratus Super Touring Car Team and the Product Design Office.

With longstanding interests in art, music, and drama, Scott formalized his design education in 2000 at the College for Creative Studies in downtown Detroit. The creativity, speed, and technical rigor gained through both his CIE rotations and design education formed the foundation of his expedient, “all things are possible” creative problem-solving philosophy. By blending deep technical expertise with creative design thinking, Scott has held roles at large OEMs, automotive startups, and as a freelance designer, collaborating with organizations including Chrysler, Lotus, Ricardo, TARDEC, American Speed Company, General Motors, Rivian, Mercedes-AMG, Ford, and Slate Auto.

Scott’s most recent work has focused on human-centered design and environmental sustainability, including research and implementation of sustainable design principles and their connection to design-for-manufacturing practices. He is passionate about global culture and travel, having spent time in Korea, Paris, Geneva, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, and many other destinations. Outside of work, Scott enjoys cooking for the cultural exploration it provides, creating music, and spending time with his wife, Angelica, and his children, Quinn and Ava.

Scott looks forward to continuing to merge his backgrounds in culture, design, and engineering in future projects, particularly in his current role as Senior Global Director of Experience and Interaction Design at Ford Design. In this role, Scott leads a group responsible for human-centered design, experience design, and the full range of analog design elements that enable exceptional in-vehicle interactions, including digital systems, lighting, seating, components, and brand expression.