Helen Kerr
Co-President, Director of Research, Foresight Planning and Strategy
Helen Kerr is a leading Canadian Foresight practitioner with over 15 years of specific Foresight experience. Helen is a professor and researcher in the Master of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation program at OCAD University and Practitioner in Residence at University of Waterloo.
HIGHLIGHTS
She has been principle investigator for Foresight projects in the financial, transportation, defence, health, education, philanthropic and government (municipal, provincial, state and federal) sectors, leading or co-leading participatory and co-creative processes involving enterprise wide engagement. She teaches Foresight, Design Thinking and Strategy courses.
Helen Kerr also has over 25 years experience as the leader of one of North America’s pre-eminent, research driven, innovation and implementation companies. With degrees in both Environmental Studies and Industrial Design, Helen holds over 40 product and process patents and is recognized by the federal government for her research and experimental work. Multi-disciplinary approaches to highly complex problems have been the undercurrent of her career and she brings extensive and deep business experience, modelling, analytics, and creative thinking to the table.
Design, and especially industrial design, is about crafting solutions that will meet a future need or opportunity. That future may be one, five or as many as fifty years off. Designing products, services and systems for the future means continual monitoring of shifts in social behaviour, consumer trends, societal values, and the economy. This has been a standard part of Helen’s practice for over 25 years. As Helen’s practice transitioned from industrial to strategic design, horizon scanning has been incorporated as a continual practice at KerrSmith Design studio. Horizon scanning and Foresight research have informed innovation work in multiple domains, including post secondary education, consumer products, transportation, healthcare, regulation, public policy advice, economic development strategies for the arts, cultural and creative industries sectors, financial services, philanthropy and manufacturing.
Helen’s work is centered on holistic user experiences, both now and in the future, with deep understanding of the pragmatics of implementation in complex situations.
Her Bachelor in Environmental Studies, University of Waterloo, has established her scientific and academic research creditability. Helen’s degree in Industrial Design, OCAD University, gives her broad knowledge of human behavior research. Her professional experience has created extensive experience in business modelling, engagement, business strategies, brand and communications with clients such as Western University, United Way, Levi Strauss, St. Michael’s Hospital, Metrolinx and Munich Re.
Helen is an expert facilitator with deep experience working with a wide variety of clients in the public and private sectors. She has also significant capabilities in the engagement process and as an expert interviewer.
Helen was subject of a CBC documentary ‘Great Minds of Design’ and is the recipient of over 50 awards.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Professor, Graduate Studies, OCAD University, 1995 - present
Foresight Studio - the foundational Foresight methods course and Design/Business Thinking - a project based studio, both in OCAD University’s Strategic Foresight and Innovation Master of Design program.
Health Futures in the Design for Health program at OCADU University.
Practitioner in Residence - University of Waterloo, Master of Future of Cities program, 2022-present
Helen has developed and is leading a new Foresight program at the University of Waterloo: Future Cities.
CORE SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Macro Visioning and Planning
- Large complex problem solving
- Complexity mapping
- Engagement - Workshops, interviews, Town Halls, intercepts, etc.
- Presentations to Senior leadership
- Presentation in public forums conferences and lectures
- Coordinate & facilitate promotional activities
- Develop Recommendations based on insights
- Full Report writing
- Executive summary writing
- Slide show presentations
- Infographics
CONFERENCE & LECTURE EXPERIENCE
Helen Kerr has extensive experience presenting at conferences and in academic forums.
“Building Resilience with Foresight” Rockefeller Foundation
“Slow Design in a Fast World: The Case for Deep Creativity and Intentional Purpose” Keynote Speaker, Scotiabank Design Intersect, Toronto
“Frugal Food and Sustainable Cities – How Resilient Thinking Can Transform Future Cities and Urban Practices” Panelist, Ontario Climate Change Consortium Symposium, Toronto
“3 Horizons and Transportation Design Engineering” Invited lecturer, Harvard University, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Boston, USA
“New Avenues for Architecture”, Marywood University, Scranton, PA.
“Urban Air Quality Challenge”, University of Technology, Eindhoven
“Global Futures – Geneva Perspectives – Local Food Systems and Global Supply Chains” Futures Roundtable, invited facilitator, Geneva
“Fast Forward: Transportation Futures”, invited presenter, Turku, Finland
“Futures of Work in a Complex World” EDIT Exhibition, roundtable discussion
“Futures through the Backdoor” Design, Develop, Transform Conference, invited presenter,
Brussels, Belgium
“Thinking like a Designer” Municipal Innovators Conference, Collaborate, Create, Accelerate workshop
“Strategic Growth Opportunities for Michigan’s Creative Economy” Creative Economy Policy Summit, Invited presenter, Detroit, Michigan
“Data: 21st Century Material” invited presenter, SXSW, Austin, Texas
“The Future of Professional Regulation” Ontario College of Teachers National Conference Inspiring Public Confidence, keynote
“Fluid Strategy for Turbulent Times” Strategic Capacity Network Conference, keynote, Toronto
“Integrated Innovation: An Ecosystemic Approach for Development”, Information and Communications Technology for Development (ICT4D) Conference, invited presenter, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
Ms. Kerr has considerable acclaim over her 25 year career and has won over 50 awards with numerous media articles, interviews and exhibitions.
GLOBAL ACCLAIM
Helen’s firm, KerrSmith, has been recognized twice by Taschen books of Germany, as one of the top 100 design studios in the world. Helen also been recognized in Business Week magazine with a Gold award for design strategy and was recognized by Phaidon of London as one of the top 100 designers globally. Helen has recently been appointed as a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts.
SELECTED CLIENTS
Helen has worked with an extensive roster of clients bringing effective results across a wide variety of projects and sectors.
Public Sector
- Canadian Forces College
- South Pacific Community
- City of Vancouver
- Elections Canada
- Department of Canadian Heritage
- Canada Council for the Arts
- Metrolinx
- Ontario Ministry of Transportation
- City of Toronto
- National Gallery of Canada
- Western University
Ivey Business School - University of Toronto
- Waterfront Toronto
- Art Gallery of Ontario
- Sobey School of Business
- St. Mary University
- Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer
- St. Michael’s Hospital
- Trent University/UOIT
Not-for-Profit
- Create TO/TO Live
- United Way
- Locksley Project
- Writers’ Trust
- PEN Canada
- Capitalize for Kids
- Creative Many Michigan
- Royal Conservatory of Music
- MoMA
Private Sector
- Porter Airlines
- Scotiabank
- Harvard University
- Gluskin Sheff + Associates
- Brookfield
- Oxford Properties
- Cadillac Fairview
- KPMB Architects
- RBC
- Reinsurance Group of America
- Munich Reinsurance
- Teknion
- Keilhauer/Sittris
- Winners/TJMax
- Cuisipro
- Gourmet Settings
- Canadian Tire
- Levi Strauss
Nigel Smith
Co-President & Creative Director
HIGHLIGHTS
Nigel Smith is Creative Director and Co-President at KerrSmith. He has worked with an international roster of clients to whom he brings astute critical thinking and a global perspective. Nigel Smith’s role as an editor, information designer and project coordinator, communications specialist is central to all of the work produced at KerrSmith. Recognized in 2003 by Taschen books as one of the “World’s 100 Best Graphic Design Studios”, the office has established an international reputation as an elite communications and design leader.
As director, Nigel Smith has collaborated on highly prestigious projects with Harvard University and the Museum of Modern Art in New York and now on a wide range of work in healthcare, education, arts and culture, architecture, retail, finance, development, transportation and philanthropy. Nigel Smith’s first client was Rem Koolhaas, with whom he collaborated on the redesign of Delirious New York. Other collaborations with artists include Ann Hamilton, Mike Kelley, Paul McCarthy, and Peter Doig.
His project experience includes Foresight, wayfinding, signage, architectural graphics, exhibitions, branding, identity work, print communications, websites, editorial design, broadcast design, and large-scale publications. He approaches his work with an assessment of context, user needs, strategy and viability. His design process is a dialogue with clients where research, project understanding, human behavior and needs, prototyping, critique, humour, editing, and writing are used with the formal elements of design to solve problems. His roles include Creative Director, Copywriter, Editor and Project Planner.
TEACHING
Nigel taught for 7 years at Harvard Design School and has lectured extensively in Toronto as well as in North America. He also taught at the University of Toronto and has served on numerous design juries and panels.
CORE SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Skills and Roles
Project Framing, Project Coordination, Client Liaison, Research, Insight, Editing, Writing, Creative vision, Branding & Strategies, Information Graphics, Editorial Design
Relevant Work in Foresight Projects
Creative State Michigan (Creative Many Michigan),
The Digital Stage (Canadian Opera Company),
VOTE2040: The Future of Electoral Administration in Canada (Elections Canada),
Fast Forward (Ministry of Transportation, Ontario),
Self-Regulatory Futures 2024 (Ontario College of Teachers),
Art. Future. Change. (Canadian Council for the Arts),
Future of Philanthropy (United Way),
10 Year Horizon Scan - The Futures of Mass Affluence (Scotiabank)
Writing, Television and Radio
Nigel has written design and branding articles for Canada’s National Post and has contributed to a number of other publications. He occasionally appears on television and radio as a design critic.
Distinction
Nigel’s work has been recognized extensively and internationally including: Graphis Magazine, Presidential Design Award, and 4 AIGA awards. His work has been published in journals, magazines and newspapers, including Metropolis, eye, Azure, Wallpaper, Newsweek, the Globe and Mail and Toronto Star.
Chrysant Jonatan
Senior Designer & Researcher
HIGHLIGHTS
Chrysant’s design work is integral to all projects at KerrSmith Design. She works on a full range of strategy, branding, graphics, and marketing projects as well as website, user experience, infographics, design renderings and signage. Chrysant is also responsible for conducting research and managing workflow for client projects. She has worked in a variety of sectors that include arts and culture, transportation, retail, post-secondary education, national and regional government, and not-for-profit. Chrysant approaches projects with a holistic and creative perspective.
WORK EXPERIENCE
The Digital Stage (Canadian Opera Company),
VOTE2040: The Future of Electoral Administration in Canada (Elections Canada),
Paderno Branding & Visual Identity (Canadian Tire),
TD Bank Bloor Branch Environmental Design (TD Bank),
Data Sciences Institute Environmental Design (University of Toronto)
B&V Sales Tools (Boszko & Verity),
STLC NEXT Engagement and Website (CreateTO, TO Live),
Durham Strategic Plan (Region of Durham),
FabCo Website (FabCo Custom),
Lecours Branding and Website (Lecours Group),
Molloy Van Wert Website (Molloy Van Wert),
Vancouver 2050 (City of Vancouver),
SPC Agriculture & Forestry Strategy (Pacific Community),
Porter Brand Strategy & Product Design (Porter Airlines),
Vineyard Road Branding (Vineyard Road),
Data Visualization & Report Design (Washington Department of Labor & Industries),
Wayfinding Harmonization (Metrolinx),
Wayfinding and Environmental Graphics (Greenrock Property Management),
Research & Packaging Design (La Rocca),
Editorial Design (Toronto Wholesale Produce Association),
LGA Sales Tools (LGA Architects),
Anne Fenn Website (Anne Fenn)
CORE COMPETENCIES
2D Design
Branding & Visual Identity, Website Design, UI/UX, Communications, Wayfinding, Print & Digital, Editorial Design, Infographics, Data Visualization, Invitation Design, Report Design, and illustration.
3D/4D Design:
Kitchen Product Concept, Signage Design, Packaging Design, and Product UI/UX Design
Photography & Video
Art Directing, Portraits, Still Life, Editorials, Video Editing, and Animations
Foresight & Engagement
Workshop Facilitation, Desk Research
Technical Skills:
Proficient with Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office, familiar with HTML and Wordpress.
Tessa Keller
Researcher, Project Manager
HIGHLIGHTS
Tessa is a researcher at KerrSmith. Her education was focused on arts, technology, and marketing. At KerrSmith, Tessa is responsible for foundational and ethnographic research, project management, and providing general support. She assists on foresight projects, bringing her technological understanding to research analysis. Tessa has participated in a range of projects emphasizing futures, branding research, business strategies, and product user experience.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Digital Stage (Canada Opera Company),
Vancouver 2050 (City of Vancouver),
Data Visualization & Report Design (Washington Department of Labor & Industries),
Brand Strategy (Porter Airlines),
Branding & Visual Identity (Live Well),
LGA Sales Tools (LGA Architects),
Canadian Tire Customer Journey (Canadian Tire),
Canadian Tire Pots & Pans (Canadian Tire),
STLC NEXT (CreateTO, TO Live)
Gary Abric
Office Administrator & IT
HIGHLIGHTS
Gary has fulfilled a number of important roles at KerrSmith over the past 15 years. He sets up and coordinates appointments and office calendars, supports all administrative and office requirements on a daily basis and supports bookkeeping and IT services. As part of our engagement strategies, the coordination of meetings, workshops and individual interviews is always essential.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Vancouver 2050 (City of Vancouver),
The Digital Stage (Canadian Opera Company),
STLC NEXT Engagement and Website (CreateTO, TO Live),
Future of Professional Self-Regulatory Bodies (Ontario College of Teachers),
Future of Mass Affluence (Scotiabank),
Fast Forward (Ontario Ministry of Transportation),
VOTE2040: The Future of Electoral Administration in Canada (Elections Canada),
Future of Public Education (People for Education),
Creative State Michigan (Creative Many Michigan),
Porter Brand Strategy (Porter Airlines),
Durham Strategic Plan (Region of Durham),
SPC Agriculture & Forestry Strategy (Pacific Community),
Wayfinding Harmonization (Metrolinx),
Paderno Branding & Visual Identity (Canadian Tire)
CORE COMPETENCIES
Administration
Project Management, Time Management, Bookkeeping, Scheduling
IT
Server Management, Cyber Security, Database Management
© KerrSmith Design 2023