Max Burton

I'm a designer, a builder of teams, and a believer in the power of creativity to make meaningful change.

For more than 35 years, I’ve worked at the intersection of physical and digital design, helping shape iconic products, connected systems, and large-scale experiences across industries.

Before joining IDEO, I founded and led design organizations including Matter and Industrial Craft. Recently, I’ve been deep in the world of MedTech and medical robotics—work that demands equal parts empathy, precision, and close collaboration with clinicians, engineers, and researchers.

Earlier in my career, I served as Creative Director at Nike; I have also held leadership roles at frog, Fjord, and Smart Design. 

My work has been recognized with design awards, patents, and exhibitions at MoMA, the London Design Museum, and Cooper Hewitt. I studied at Manchester Metropolitan University and the Royal College of Art, and I continue to contribute to the design community as a speaker, writer, mentor, and board member of the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA).