Peter De Smidt 

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About

Peter De Smidt 

Student of Design Innovation & Society  and  Business Management at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Currently a Design Research Consultant at Generac .
I’m a design researcher and strategist working at the intersection of public health, community systems, and innovation. With a background in Design, Innovation & Society and Business Management from RPI, I develop products, services, and experiences that respond to complex social and environmental challenges.


My work ranges from harm reduction and regenerative infrastructure to product development and qualitative research. I thrive where design thinking, social theory, and implementation meet; translating deep, interdisciplinary research into community-rooted, actionable solutions.What is Design Innovation & Society ?
In the Design Innovation & Society (DIS) program at RPI, we explore how products, systems, and infrastructure interact with the social, political, and environmental forces that shape them. Using interdisciplinary methods, from scientific research, historical analysis and legal review, we design for the complexities that make up the real world around us.

DIS challenges traditional design by focusing on users, communities, and systems. It empowers me to draw from diverse methods and perspectives to create thoughtful, user-centered, and ecologically conscious solutions.


Software Tools 
  • Rhino 3D, SketchUp, Vectorworks
  • Unreal Engine, Lumion, R Studio
  • Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, Canva
  • Microsoft Office, SQL
  • Qualtrics & Alchemer 







Research & Strategy 
  • Design Research (Qualitative & Quantitative)
  • User Testing & Exploratory Product Research
  • Community Engagement & Systems Thinking
  • Sustainable Material Sourcing
  • User Journey Mapping 
  • Path to Purchase Mapping 
  • Survey Design & Analysis
  • User Interview Design & Analysis  

Technical & Craft 
  • Low, Medium & High-Fidelity Prototyping
  • Wood Working, 3d printing, Resin Printing, Laser Cutting, Injection Molding, Plastics Fabrication 
  • Sketching & Visual Storytelling
  • Ceramics, Clay Sculpting



Design Specialties 
  • Harm Reduction Design
  • Regenerative & Infrastructure-Based Design
  • Creative Packaging & Communication Design
  • Civic Design 
  • Commercial Product Design 
  • Socially Responsible Design 



Download My Resume Connect with Me on LinkedIn  
Design Process