Bill Flora
Co-Founder
Tectonic
Bill Flora is an award-winning design director and strategist with more than 20 years of experience in leading teams and shipping product. During his two decades with Microsoft, he led design efforts for Xbox, Zune and Encarta, and was the design force behind Microsoft Metro design language. Flora’s influences can be found in the design of software that lights up millions of screens around the globe every day.
Flora recently co-founded Tectonic, a strategic experience design firm, where he works with the world’s leading companies, envisioning the future and expressing brands through software. Clients include Microsoft; Bang & Olufsen; Amazon; Beats by Dr. Dre; HBO; Sports Illustrated; Samsung; NBC and many others.
The New Industrial Revolution
Panelist
In design, making is as much an ethos as it is a necessity. As designer-makers in the 21st century, we generally believe that the things we make are part of ourselves—an extension of our identity that allows us not only to distinguish ourselves, but also to invite others into our creative community. As a result, the design industry is changing—from the mass production methods of the past to a new era led by a new generation intent on doing, co-making, adopting DIY approaches and creating new tools that serve new needs. How will the new industrial revolution transform our profession and influence our society?
