Barry Lachapelle / About
Trusted by companies like IDEO and Nike to design next generation products—let’s create yours together.
After leaving art college in 1997, I’ve spent my career in various digital landscapes—ranging from video game publishing and advertising to design consulting and tech. My journey began as an “assistant webmaster” (yes, that was a real job title) and evolved as I took on roles such as flash designer, art director, and even the enigmatic “creative technologist” before landing in tech and UX consulting as an interaction designer. This diverse experience allowed me to work with some of the most renowned agencies and companies in the world, including Nike, IDEO, DDB, Hatch, and TBWA.
Through all these experiences, I realized that my true passion lies in being a design generalist—a jack of many trades who thrives on the variety and complexity of different challenges. Rather than specializing in a single discipline, I’ve embraced the versatility that comes with blending UX and brand design, strategy, research, code and analytics into cohesive design solutions. At 46, I’m now more focused than ever on what truly excites me: the early stages of a product, where an idea takes shape and begins its journey from concept to reality. It’s the process of dreaming up, designing, and launching ideas into the world that continues to fuel my passion.
My family and I live near the ocean in Victoria, British Columbia. When we’re not immersed in creative pursuits like family drawing time, we’re exploring the great outdoors—biking, camping, hiking, reading, or embarking on adventures in the world of Princess Zelda.
Work History
Bike Gear Database
Founder / Creative Director 08/2021 - Present
At Bike Gear Database, I've channeled my love for off-road cycling into a young cycling blog. I lead design and development, write content, and work as an editor with a talented team of writers and photographers. Together, we've expanded our reach to 30,000 monthly visits and cultivated a small social media following.
Hatch
Director of Design Systems 09/2021 - 03/2024
At Hatch, I developed and maintained the company’s first digital design system, which continues to be a key resource and is still evolving. This role taught me a great deal about the lifecycle of digital products and design systems.
Nike
Design Lead 03/2021 - 08/2021
At Nike’s innovation lab, I spent five months leading the design of an internal top secret project. The project is ongoing and should be entering the world at some point. Working within one of the largest manufacturers on earth was an amazing experience.
Kuja Kuja
Director of Product Design 03/2018 - 01/2021
At Kuja Kuja, we built a feedback system for people in refugee settlements around the world. The platform helped people communicate needs and suggestions for improving services and living conditions. Kuja Kuja changed my understanding of design.
IDEO
Design Lead 09/2012 - 04/2018
As part of the initial team of the Tokyo studio, I helped establish IDEOs presence in Japan and worked on various digital products for the Japanese market. I also spent a year with IDEO.org in New York City. My time in Tokyo and New York was transformative.