Robert Brunner is a distinguished American industrial designer whose career has significantly shaped the landscape of product design over the past three decades. He began his journey in industrial design after earning a Bachelor of Science degree from San José State University in 1981. In 1984, he co-founded Lunar Design, where he pioneered innovative approaches to technology product aesthetics and usability, setting a new standard for design in the tech industry.

Brunner’s most notable role came when he served as the Director of Industrial Design at Apple Computer from 1989 to 1996. During this transformative period, he was instrumental in establishing Apple’s design principles and led the design direction for iconic products, including the PowerBook. His foresight in hiring Jonathan Ive, who later became a key figure in Apple’s design legacy, underscores his influence in the company.

In 1996, Brunner transitioned to a partnership at Pentagram, where he continued to lead strategic design initiatives for Fortune 500 companies. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Ammunition Design Group in 2007, a firm that emphasizes human-centric design. Under his leadership, Ammunition has created award-winning products, including the Beats by Dre headphones, showcasing the emotional connection that design can foster between products and users.

Brunner’s contributions to industrial design have been recognized globally, with numerous awards from the Industrial Designers Society of America and inclusion in prestigious collections such as the Museum of Modern Art. His philosophy that great design is fundamentally humanistic continues to inspire the next generation of designers, solidifying his legacy in the field.