Programme Director for the MSc in Design Innovation at Maynooth University

Trevor Vaugh is programme director for the MSc in design innovation at Maynooth University, an experienced design practitioner, researcher and design innovation advisor. Trevor’s expertise are in human-centered innovation, design strategy, product design, entrepreneurship and design thinking. In recent years Trevor has become increasingly focused on the role of design and design-led thinking in delivering transformative growth opportunities to organisations.

Prior to entering academia Trevor headed the design at Advanced surgical concepts where he developed new strategy, products and systems for companies such as Olympus, Gyrus, Ethicon and Covidien. Trevor was heavily involved in early conceptualisation and development of LESS surgery – an access port, surgical methodology and operative system for Olympus. LESS has been heralded as the next evolution of laparoscopic surgery and has featured in the Cleveland clinics top medical innovations. Trevor work has accumulated a portfolio of over 45 patents, invented new product categories and helped disrupt surgical markets.Trevor has represented the product & industrial design section of the Institute of Designers in Ireland, is a co-editor of Iterations design journal and is an advisor to a number of high potential early-stage ventures. Trevor’s work for VaughShannon, a brand he co-founded in 2007 has represented Irish design internationally and licensed products to multinational retailers.

In 2013 Trevor joined the Department of Design Innovation at Maynooth University where he teaches at undergraduate and postgraduate level. His research focuses on how new ventures create, identify, transform and adapt to new insights, challenges and opportunities.