Doug Field is a name synonymous with innovation in product design. His illustrious career includes shaping pivotal technologies such as the MacBook Air, the Segway, and the Tesla Model 3. Now, Field embarks on his boldest initiative yet: the transformation of Ford, an iconic automobile manufacturer that’s been a staple of the automotive industry for over a century.
As Ford’s chief electric vehicle (EV), digital, and design officer, Field is spearheading the evolution of the company from traditional manufacturing to a digitally-driven, electric future. This mission involves embedding advanced software platforms across all Ford models, effectively creating a nimble startup culture within a historical giant.
“Establishing a startup mentality within a large firm is incredibly challenging,” Field acknowledges. Yet, with his background, particularly from the Leaders for Global Operations program at MIT, he’s well-equipped to foster innovation and creativity. Field understands that organizations often resist such changes, which makes nurturing diverse teams essential.
“Creating an environment where both creativity and execution thrive is crucial,” he explains. His career has revolved around asking how these elements can coexist effectively.
After three decades since his first chapter at Ford, Field is now positioned to fuse Ford’s robust manufacturing capabilities with innovative strategies honed at Apple and Tesla. His goal is nothing short of a complete reimagining of vehicle design and functionality.
A Lifelong Affinity for Design
Field’s passion for automobiles started at an early age. “Cars have always fascinated me because they blend technology, art, and human design,” he states. His artistic mother and engineering father heavily influenced his dual appreciation for aesthetics and technicality in product design.
After acquiring a mechanical engineering degree from Purdue University, Field joined Ford in 1987. However, he quickly discovered that the organization’s bureaucratic nature stifled innovation. He sought environments more conducive to inventive thought and problem-solving, leading him to MIT’s LGO program.
“My tenure at MIT was instrumental in shaping my technical skill set and understanding of manufacturing processes,” Field notes. His experiences there equipped him with insights into systems engineering and collaborative innovation, which he has applied throughout his career.
Leadership and Growth
Post-Ford, Field spent three years at Johnson and Johnson Medical, collaborating with Segway inventor Dean Kamen on projects like the iBOT. When Segway was founded, Field became its chief technology officer for nearly ten years, seamlessly blending his passion for vehicles, design, and technology.
“Segway laid the groundwork for my understanding of modern electric vehicles,” he says, emphasizing the shared technological foundations. Here, he mastered the art of assembling talented, diverse teams focused on pushing boundaries.
After a successful stint at Apple, where he led the development of the MacBook Air and Pro, Field applied his skills in hardware integrated with elegant design, focusing on every aspect of product execution.
Upon joining Tesla in 2013, Field embraced the startup ethos that challenged conventional automobile manufacturing. Leading the team that produced the Model 3 sedan taught him the importance of connecting broader organizational goals with individual contributions—an approach he refers to as “T-shaped leadership.”
Driving Innovation at Ford
In 2018, Field returned to Apple but later decided to reassess Ford’s direction when approached by CEO Jim Farley in 2021. Field was struck by the newfound humility and urgency within Ford’s leadership, marking a stark contrast to his first experience at the automaker.
“They conveyed a powerful message: ‘We have a narrow window to innovate,’” Field recalls. This motivated him to return to Ford, where he believes merging legacy know-how with a startup’s agility will yield results. He describes a new, software-enabled EV platform currently being developed, targeted to centralize all vehicle components.
With competition rising from emerging EV players, Field’s focus remains on positioning Ford at the forefront of this industry shift. “Combining Ford’s strengths with the agility of new-age startups is key,” he asserts.
If successful, Field’s efforts could not only redefine how vehicles are created but also secure a pivotal role for Ford in the competitive world of electric vehicles. “This endeavor is significant not just for Ford, but for the entire U.S. auto industry,” he concludes.
Photo credit & article inspired by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
