Patrick Gaule
Professional Summary | Experienced innovative material-led designer with expertise at the intersection of color, materials & finishes (CMF) design and material engineering. I excel in transforming innovative materials into compelling design solutions through considered aesthetics, applying sustainable principles and validation testing. Delivering product experiences that are visually appealing, environmentally responsible and technically superior. With a proven track record in leading cross-functional teams, I utilize authentic storytelling to communicate the product experience vision, resulting in award-winning products.
Skills | CMF Materiality Innovator | Color development and Visual/Digital Mastering | Superior score-Farnsworth Munsell Hue 100 Color test | Cross-functional team collaborator | Applied Research and Trends | Building & Leading CMF Teams | User Experience | Design for Sustainable & Circular materials | Systems Design | Craftmanship & Quality | Material Science | Materials & Manufacturing Sourcing | End to End Product Design | Program Manager | Accessibility design | Brand design | LCA tools | Business & Marketing acumen | KeyShot | Adobe Creative suite |
Experience
Xbox – Sustainability Lead 2021 – Present | Spearheaded the strategic integration of sustainability in Xbox device production, achieving a significant reduction in carbon footprint by developing circular plastic solutions and implementing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools early in the design phase. Pioneered the development of next-gen sustainable device concepts, enhancing device recyclability and establishing a roadmap for post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to meet sustainability targets across the end-to-end product design process, ensuring the alignment of eco-conscious design solutions with Xbox's vision for innovation. Xbox | REMIX SE Wireless Controller / PFAS Compliance / Low Density Plastic initiatives / Circular Plastic resin development / Circular Plastic Wireless Controller prototype / Next Gen Sustainable devices concepts
Microsoft – Senior CMF Designer 2011 – 2021 | As the Sr. CMF Lead, I strategically integrated CMF designs into the product making process, from conceptualization to mass production, creating aesthetic and cohesive product experiences. I spearheaded the development of innovative materiality, encompassing a holistic approach to developing materials that leverage their inherent properties to enhance the functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, while meeting the technical requirements of the product. Established the Asia Xbox CMF team, driving regional capabilities and maintaining product quality across mass production stages, directly contributing to the successful launch of multiple Xbox and Surface devices. Championed sustainability in design across Microsoft's device portfolio, significantly reducing carbon footprint and increasing recyclability, ensuring all Surface, Xbox, and PCA devices contribute to a sustainable future. Xbox | Xbox 360 /Xbox 360E / Xbox One / Xbox One S / Xbox One X / Xbox Series S / 1st gen Xbox Wireless Controller / 2nd gen Wireless Controller / 3rd gen Wireless Controller / Xbox One Elite Controller & Case / Xbox Adaptable Controller / Microsoft | Microsoft Band / Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse / Microsoft Mobile Mouse / Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard / Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse / Teams Modern Headset Wireless/USB-C / Teams Modern USB Speaker / Teams Modern WebCam / Surface | Surface Precision Mouse / Surface Slim Pen & Charger / Surface Book refresh / Surface Dock 2 / Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock
Dell – CMF Lead 2006 – 2011 | Led Dell's CMF strategic innovation, enhancing brand identity and user experience across all Dell brands, by integrating cutting-edge color development and mastering technique. Spearheaded the creation of a high-performing CMF team, delivering industry-leading solutions that set new standards in design quality and sustainability. Pioneered the development of sustainable CMF practices, significantly improving product recyclability and reducing environmental impact, by championing eco-conscious material selection and design processes. Dell | Inspiron / XPS / Latitude | OptiPlex
GE Plastics – Automotive Industrial Designer 1996 – 2006 | Spearheaded the design and development of engineering thermoplastic applications for global automotive OEMs, enhancing vehicle aesthetics and performance through comprehensive color development and multi-material mastery. Pioneered automotive engineering plastics color & trend portfolio development, collaborating with Ford, GM, Chrysler, Nissan, Hyundai, and Toyota, to set industry standards in material innovation and design excellence. Led cross-functional teams in the integration of innovative materials, achieving significant advancements in automotive design and sustainability, as evidenced by partnerships with leading automotive manufacturers. GE Plastics | Ford / GM / Chrysler / Nissan / Hyundai / Toyota
Accolades | Co-led development of first Ocean Plastic Resin | Co-led design of Microsoft’s Ocean Plastic Mouse | GreenBiz Verge Speaker Panelist | Holder of 5 Microsoft Patents |2021 Windows + Devices OAR Award Recipient | Edison Silver Award – Microsoft-Sabic Ocean Plastic Mouse | Authored Microsoft’s Corporate Cosmetic Specification | GE 6 Sigma, Green Belt certified |
Education | Western Michigan University - B.S. Industrial Design, Minor - Art