As VP of Design, he oversees UX and industrial design teams for Fitbits line of health-tracking wearables.
Before that, Becker spent fifteen years running design studio One & Co., which HTC bought in 2013.
We asked him how he works.
Prior to getting a degree in Industrial Design from CCA, I went to U.C.
Berkeley to get a broader liberal arts degree (in Philosophy) and play on the tennis team.
I cant imagine a better way to spend my time!
What apps, software, or tools cant you live without?
Though it may date me, I cant live without a pen, whether on paper or a whiteboard.
Whats your workspace setup like?
Im rarely at my desk these days, so its a pretty basic arrangement.
a gym bag for lunchtime workouts… it is Fitbit of course!).
The rest of the design studio is where real work happens.
Much of my time is spent reviewing work with my team in the project rooms.
Or in meetings of course.
Whats your best time-saving shortcut or life hack?
Whats your favorite to-do list manager?
I use Google Keep on my phone for all things professional and personal.
What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else?
What do you listen to while you work?
I definitely prefer silence when my work requires strategic thinking.
What are you currently reading?
Or whats something youd recommend?
I bounce back and forth between reading for fun and reading for personal growth.
Within the former category I just finishedThe Sympathizerby Viet Thanh Nguyen and Trevor NoahsBorn a Crime.
How do you recharge?
What do you do when you want to forget about work?
Time with family comes first.
In terms of hobbies, playing guitar provides me an immediate relaxing and immersive experience.
Running, cycling, and calisthenics are also critical for me in both a physical and meditative way.
I also race cyclocross and do some trail running races.
Ive got a competitive streak that started early on.
Whats your favorite side project?
Im working on slap guitar techniques at the moment to get a funk bass feel with a guitar.
Whats your sleep routine like?
Are you a night owl or early riser?
Whom would you like to see answer these questions?
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
It forces you to identify your focus and stretch beyond your comfort zone.
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
Have someone you want to see featured, or questions you think we should ask?
