Hello! I'm Joe Gambino, product designer, data scientist turned creative developer, and public transit enthusiast. For the past six years, I was a data scientist at IDEO, an international product design consultancy, where I led projects and developed a particular interest in storytelling through simulation.

Before that, I was a mechanical engineer working in manufacturing and product design. So whether it’s machine learning or injection molding, throughout my career I’ve been one of the engineers building the product who can act as a translator to those focused on understanding the users or building the business.

I’m currently working freelance – with a focus on automation through generative AI – and splitting time between my hometown of Chicago and my future home in Amsterdam. If my background intrigues you, let's get in touch.

I started my career in manufacturing and machine shops, with a focus on injection molding. While the lead product designer at a dental tools start-up, I built out the consulting arm of our company by helping other early-stage start-ups craft their first prototypes. I pivoted to data science because I missed coding and am lucky to have landed at IDEO, where I didn’t have to leave the hands-on prototyping behind.

At IDEO, I worked in all manners of data science and design, but became particularly known for my use of simulations as storytelling. I’m most proud of my traffic simulation for a fast-food client and a fictional song contest for a professional awards organization. I am also quite passionate about civic issues; below you will see that in my personal work, I have a particular interest in public transit.