Altay Sendil blends the disciplines of industrial design and qualitative human factors research on numerous design expressions, with the intent of creating an optimal holistic user experience. His research work ranges from products to services and spans a diverse array of cultures.
Prior to IDEO, Altay worked at ProductM as an industrial design consultant where he designed bike components and prototyped potential patents for the cycling industry, in addition to other consumer products and packaging. Upon moving to the west coast, he partnered at Grayarea Design as a corporate identity, graphic and multimedia designer. Since 2004, Altay has been practicing at IDEO as a human factors researcher. Some of his past clients include Thomson, SRAM, REI, Proctor & Gamble, Nokia, ConAgra, Pepsi International, Anheuser-Busch, Ford, Honeywell, Panasonic, Samsung, VeriSign, Whirlpool and Kellogg.
Altay holds a BS in Industrial Design from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and a MSD in Qualitative Human Factors Research in Design from Arizona State University. His background focuses on cultural studies, empathic qualitative research methods, wellness and identity development. He guest lectures at Stanford University and Arizona State University on various topics including conducting research in foreign cultures, design evaluation, need finding and redefining research goals.