Lou Ward
About Lou Ward
Lou Ward is a Creative Director and Staff Product Designer with extensive experience in the tech industry, including roles at Microsoft, Reddit, and Oculus VR. He is the founder of Tinker Studio, where he develops innovative virtual reality experiences.
Work at Reddit, Inc.
Currently, Lou Ward serves as the Creative Director and Staff Product Designer at Reddit, Inc., a position held since 2022. Prior to this role, Ward worked as a Senior Product Designer at Reddit for seven months in 2022. During this time, Ward contributed to various design projects, focusing on enhancing user experience and product functionality.
Previous Experience at Microsoft
Lou Ward's tenure at Microsoft spanned several years, where he held multiple positions. From 2014 to 2017, he worked as a UX Designer, followed by a role as UX Designer 2 from 2017 to 2020. Ward played a significant role in the development of the first iteration of Microsoft's Hololens, concentrating on design languages and motion design. Additionally, he completed a UX Design Internship at Microsoft in 2013.
Founding Tinker Studio
In 2016, Lou Ward founded Tinker Studio, where he currently serves as the Creative Director. The studio focuses on developing innovative virtual reality experiences. One of the notable projects is 'Tinker,' a VR theater performance that debuted at Sundance New Frontier 2021. This project received funding from an Oculus Launchpad grant and was showcased at various prestigious events, including Siggraph 2021.
Education and Expertise
Lou Ward studied at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Motion Media from 2010 to 2014. He also attended the University of Washington in 2015 for 11 months, further enhancing his skills in design and user experience. His educational background supports his extensive experience in product design and UX across various industries.
Contributions to the VR/AR Community
Lou Ward co-founded the Seattle VR/AR Meetup, which aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the local immersive technology community. His involvement in this initiative reflects his commitment to advancing the field of virtual and augmented reality, as well as his dedication to supporting emerging technologies.