Jason Robinson relaxing at Wanted Design.
Jason Robinson walking through South Sudanese IDP camp with UNICEF's Adolescent Kit.
Jason Robinson discusses pieces at his solo art and design show.
Off to the shop.
Jason repairing his 3D printer.
Selecting walnut veneered plywood,
Designer Jason Robinson standing in Zaatari refugee camp.
First photos of the art piece, 'On the Nature of Inertia'.
Applying veneer to Canopy Table.
Designer Jason Robinson presents his side table (Laguna Table) at Wanted Design 2022.
"For me - art, design and all that fall in between - are part of the human experience. It is this exploration of the human experience that drives my creative practice. I strive to create work that is beautiful, useful, engaging and thought-provoking."
- Jason Robinson
Jason is a multidisciplinary artist and designer based in Brooklyn, NY. His practice reflects his diverse interests and cuts across a wide creative spectrum - from art to humanitarian design. At every opportunity, he brings his own hands to his creations, keeping a human-centered approach as the focus. His work has been shown at the Museum of Modern Art, Design Miami and WantedDesign Manhattan.
Prior to launching his eponymous studio, Jason spent four years working exclusively with UNICEF Headquarters and UNICEF country offices as a designer, creative director and Innovation Focal Point with the Office of Innovation and Programme Division. The goal of that work was to develop the next generation of tools and resources for humanitarian workers and the people they serve. Over the course of this period, Jason led the design of three global resources: the Adolescent Kit for Innovation and Expression, the Gender-based Violence in Emergencies Resource Pack, and Including Children with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action.
Before joining the teams at UNICEF, his design practice flowed through his first company, Planetyou. Over the course of fourteen years, Planetyou worked with clients such as Save the Children and Plan International; released a number of innovative products including an e-tutoring platform called Mindsync; and was a finalist for the MacArthur Digital Media and Learning Competition (conceptualizing the future of learning labs).
The seeds of Jason's design career were sewn as a senior associate at the international design firm, IDEO as a researcher in the medical practice. That experience helped establish a strong foundation in human-centered design that he's carried throughout his creative career.
If you'd like to learn more about Jason or discuss how he might work with you on your next project, please reach out here.
Achievements
WantedDesign Launch Pad (2024) - Atlas Table: Marking the return to the NY-based fair with his latest furniture design.
WantedDesign Launch Pad (2022) - Laguna Table: A staple in the US, Launch Pad at WantedDesign Manhattan presented with media partner Design Milk, is an outstanding international platform for emerging designers that introduces new concepts and showcases prototypes of furniture, home accessories, and lighting. It is the best place during NYCxDESIGN for manufacturers to meet new designers, discover fresh ideas and potential products to develop. Each of the two categories, Furniture/Home Accessories and Lighting, features international pre- selected design studios and independent designers.
Hue+man Design Competition (2021 Finalist): Sponsored by USM Modular Furniture and Joba Studio, this competition sought to spotlight designers of colour through funding and mentorship. His piece, 'My So-Called Digital Life' was displayed at the 2021 Design Miami.
Museum of Modern Art (MOMA): The Adolescent Kit for Expression and Innovation was featured in the Museum of Modern Art’s (MOMA) ‘Insecurities: Tracing Displacement and Shelter’, an exhibit that explored the ways in which contemporary architecture and design have addressed notions of shelter in light of global refugee emergencies.
Spitzer School of Architecture: Design review panel member for candidates of the Zahn Innovation Prize. Guest speaker on the topic of designing for the humanitarian sector.
MacArthur Digital Media and Learning Competition: 2010 Finalist; Conceptualizing the future of learning labs.
Education
B.Sc, Science, Technology and Society (STS)
Stanford University
MA, Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education
Stanford University
Athletics
Jason trained as a competitive athlete in track and field for over thirty years. He represented Canada in the under-20 and under-23 age-groups. This led to the collegiate level where he competed for Stanford University. By the time he retired, Jason had medalled at the Canadian Championships and competed in six Olympic Trials. His retirement didn't last long however as he returned to the track to compete as a Masters athlete (40yrs and over). It would seem old habits die hard!
World Masters Track and Field Championships (2016)