Mr Peter Bartlett
BSc, M.Ed
Expertise
Leading Bristol’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Peter uses design to create value for organisations and users by implementing human-centred innovation principles to develop creative solutions and strategies.
Current positions
Associate Professor in Design and Innovation
Centre for Innovation
Interim Director of The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Centre for Innovation
Contact
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Biography
Before joining Bristol, Peter held a professorship at Savannah College of Art and Design and taught at the University of Cincinnati, connecting academic learning with professional practice through industry partnerships. As Head of User Research at Huntington National Bank, he led insights and research across retail and commercial banking, using an understanding of people’s behaviours to inform corporate strategy. His global marketing work at Hewlett-Packard brought an international perspective to the relationship between design, technology and commercial strategy. His design work has resulted in multiple US patents and recognition through Red Dot, iF, IDEA and Good Design awards.
These experiences have shaped Peter’s interest in design as a way of navigating uncertainty and addressing challenges that extend beyond any single discipline. His expertise brings together human-centred research, design strategy and interdisciplinary innovation, informed by commercial practice and academic leadership. At Bristol, he applies this perspective to the evolving role of design education and the relationships between universities, industry and society. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Research interests
Before joining the university, Peter has led billion-dollar worldwide product launches, partnered with young start-up companies, and worked for industry leaders including Huntington National Bank, Hewlett-Packard, ACCO Brands, University of Bristol, University of Cincinnati, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Crown Equipment delivering award-winning design strategy and leadership, product & brand marketing, user-centered research, product development, and industrial design expertise.
Specialties: Banking, Consumer Electronics, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Industrial Equipment, Soft Goods, Juvenile Products, and Design Recruitment
Teaching
Peter’s teaching expertise spans design thinking, user research, service design, creative problem solving, systems thinking and design strategy. He designs and delivers undergraduate and postgraduate learning that connects theory with practice through live briefs, external partnerships and collaborative projects. His approach emphasises authentic assessment, inclusive participation and culturally responsive learning, enabling students to draw on their experiences while developing the confidence and capabilities to work across disciplinary boundaries.
Peter has led the development of eight new programmes, including the undergraduate Design with Innovation integrated master’s and a postgraduate Design Innovation suite encompassing Design Strategy, Design Futures, Service Design and Regenerative Design. His current activity connects curriculum innovation with staff development, student experience and external engagement, preparing graduates to address social, environmental and organisational challenges.