Designer Profile

Demetrie Tyler, Director of Product Design, Consumer Products Group

Delivering products that engage consumers in understanding and managing their energy use is a big part of what we do at Tendril. And at the heart of our roadmap is a dedicated team that’s making those products a reality.

Demetrie Tyler is Director of Product Design for Tendril’s Consumer Products Group. His focus day-to-day surrounds designing web applications for a positive consumer experience. Throughout his career from print and illustration to web and interactive design work, Demetrie knows one thing for sure, “When it comes down to it, you are designing for people. Understanding who those people are and how you can help them is a fundamental part of creating something valuable.”

At the start of the design process comes consumer research, which Demetrie says is a key element for successful delivery, and something that Tendril embraces. “If you’re in love with your design, but you haven’t watched people try to use it, you’re in dangerous territory.” In general, it opens the door to create a smart, functional website that the consumer wants to explore for their benefit. On channeling design inspiration, Demetrie says his comes from a combination of two things: the team he works with, and the chance to create innovative products. “I’m very lucky to be constantly inspired by the talented people I get to work with at Tendril on a daily basis, as well as the opportunity to really make a positive difference in the world with products like these.”

The end result of designing the right tools for consumers, he hopes, is to give people a new perspective and understanding on how they’re using energy. “We’ve got an extremely powerful platform upon which we have built a suite of applications that help people understand their energy use. We allow them to find out what they can do to become more energy efficient, support them with social and expert help, give them access to manage their smart energy devices via the web or on their mobile device, and make it easier for them to participate in utility programs. Ultimately, we want people to feel empowered and more in-control of their energy consumption.”

What is it about Tendril’s culture that keeps Demetrie engaged and excited for what’s to come? “Everyone here at Tendril is acutely aware that we are at the forefront of solving some of the biggest, most interesting problems of our day. That excitement is palpable and it’s a really exciting way to spend your day at work.”

When Demetrie isn’t surrounded by his creative arsenal designing the next level of product, he can usually be found enjoying the Monterey Bay with his wife and daughter, or hiking in the coastal mountains near his home in Santa Cruz.