Daniel Shiplacoff X
Q&A
Just Google Him
A
lumni Daniel Shiplacoff ’94, Design Director at Google, lets us in on what it’s like to work at one of the world’s best known companies, and shares how Crespi helped him get there.
Give us a quick summary of what
improve the way mobile technology
from Crespi.
are intuitive, accessible, and delightful.
you’ve been up to since you graduated I began my undergraduate studies at UCLA as a Biochemistry major (‘94)
with an eye toward Med school, but
quickly shifted to the Department of
Design (‘95-’99). Everything in our lives
serves people, and ensure our products As a leader, I grow and manage teams
of designers and engineers, to focus on important work, and together create
healthy culture and fulfilling practice.
is designed, so I saw great potential for
What is the best part of your job?
the internet was in its’ infancy—an
people with brilliant minds, who are
changing the world as a designer, and exciting time to be thinking about the
design of technology. After graduating with a BA in Design, I spent a couple
I love working with such amazing
dedicated to improving how technology serves everyone on the planet.
years building and leading a team of
What is the most valuable lesson that
(profitable) dot-com website. After its
I discovered the joys of learning,
designers and developers for a
acquisition, in 2001 I started my own business—a boutique design shop:
you learned at Crespi?
that’s like asking a mother who is your
curiosity, and academic exploration.
by Patricia Brown. She taught me how
graphic design, branding, and data-
How did your experience at Crespi
I began my current ride, thinking about
today?
driven website development. In 2006 the design of computers and their
systems, first at Helio, then in 2007 to Palm (where I helped design WebOS) and in 2010 to Google.
mold you into the person you are
Academics aside, the Kairos retreats I
to write, helped me find my speaking voice, and offered mentorship and
spiritual guidance (ala Kairos) which helped me grow and know myself.
attended were catalysts for my personal
What piece of advice do you have for
for many.
Learn to code, even if you have no
and spiritual development, as they were
Describe your job at Google in a
Who was your favorite Crespi teacher
As a designer at Google, I work to
Now you’re going to get me in trouble –
few sentences.
favorite child?! ;) I was always inspired
and why?
current Crespi students?
interest in a software engineering career. It will open your mind to new ideas and
ways of thinking through problems, and you might even enjoy it! .
CELTS MAGAZINE
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2014 / 2015 X
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