About

 

Michael Forbes – Designer Bio

Michael Forbes is a seasoned Product UX/Interaction Designer with a BFA in Product Design from the College for Creative Studies (CCS). With a passion for crafting intuitive digital and physical experiences, he has built a diverse career spanning consumer products, medical devices, automotive interfaces, virtual reality (VR) applications, and interactive digital platforms.

Currently a Product Manager and Designer at Inspire Rx, Michael leads human-centered design processes, collaborating with executives, developers, and regulatory consultants to create user-focused healthcare solutions. His expertise in UX research, prototyping, and digital interaction design drives impactful product development.

Previously, as a UX/Interaction Designer at Elm Park Labs, he spearheaded VR training applications, leading weekly design sprints and scripting interactive 3D experiences for life support training on the Meta Quest 2. His role involved design thinking methodologies and visual storytelling, ensuring seamless user engagement.

At Materialise USA, Michael optimized medical software UX/UI by conducting user research with physicians and developing interactive guides for Mimics Enlight, a cutting-edge digital case planning tool. His work in 3D modeling and CAD simulation enhanced procedural planning for cardiovascular interventions.

During his tenure at Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center, he worked on future mobility UX, bridging human-centered design with automotive innovation. He led IP capture for driver assistance systems, created interactive digital interfaces, and managed a 3D printing lab for prototyping emerging automotive technologies.

Earlier in his career at Henry Ford Health System Innovations, Michael designed interactive medical applications and played a key role in developing and patenting future healthcare solutions, including the Henry Ford Model G™ Patient Gown. His expertise in digital and physical prototyping improved user experiences in both clinical and consumer settings.

Michael’s work has been recognized with multiple patents, an Edison Award, and a spot on Crain’s Detroit Business' “40 under 40” list. His innovative designs have been featured in The New York Times, NPR, and The Washington Post.

Core Skills:

  • UX/UI Design: Wireframing, Prototyping, User Testing, VR Interaction Design

  • Digital Tools: Figma, Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator, CAD, SolidWorks

  • Human-Centered Design: User Research, Design Thinking, Iterative Design

  • Emerging Tech: VR Interface Design, 3D Modeling, Digital Simulation