Panel explores how artificial intelligence and IoT are transforming product design and prototyping
Brooklyn, NY – March 6, 2025 – Jonathan Albarran, Creative Technologist at PepsiCo, will join industry leaders at Smart Design’s upcoming salon event, “Building Intelligent Things: Research and Development in AI-powered IoT,” on March 13, 2025, at the company’s Brooklyn Navy Yard Studio.
The panel discussion will examine real-world applications of artificial intelligence, Internet of Things technology, and contextual data in product development and design thinking. Albarran joins John Anderson, Partner and Executive Technology Director at Smart Design, and Vineeth Voruganti, Co-founder and CTO of Plastic Labs, for an evening focused on thoughtful AI adoption in design.
“The last two decades have seen consumer screen technologies evolve from creative brand expressions to user-experience-driven designs,” said Anderson. “We’re now exploring how AI, IoT, and contextual data create the next generation of intelligent product experiences.”
The conversation will address key topics including hyper-personalization, ethical oversight in AI development, and strategies for enhancing human creativity through technology. Panelists will share insights on how AI can work with designers rather than replace human intelligence in the innovation process.
Jonathan Albarran brings hands-on experience applying AI and emerging technologies at PepsiCo to create consumer experiences that bridge intelligence with imagination. His work spans digital systems, innovation strategy, and creative technologies at PepsiCo Global Design + Innovation, named Red Dot Agency of the Year 2024. He previously developed the technology foundation behind Beyond Meat’s rapid growth and IPO, and serves on Adobe’s Digital Media Customer Advisory Board.
Event Details
Thursday, March 13, 2025
5:30 PM – Doors open
6:00-7:00 PM – Panel discussion
7:00-7:30 PM – Networking
Smart Design Brooklyn Navy Yard Studio
Building 127 (Morris Ave and 4th Street)
Brooklyn, NY 11205
The event is open to design managers, product leads, product managers, innovation directors, technology directors, and engineering leads interested in AI and IoT applications in product development.
Registration: https://go.smartdesignworldwide.com/building-intelligent-things