MIGUEL LÓPEZ — INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER

Smarter products and packaging.

I am a Master’s graduate in Product Development specializing in engineering-led packaging and ergonomic innovation. Now bringing Mexican creativity and global experience to the German industrial landscape.

Explore technical projects and CAD development.

SELECTED WORK

Portfolio Highlights

Nefab Global

Sustainable Packaging

Packaging CAD Supply Chain

I developed technical packaging solutions for global logistics, focusing on material reduction and structural integrity for industrial manufacturers across Europe.

At Nefab, I was tasked with redesigning existing heavy-duty packaging to meet new sustainability standards without compromising the safety of high-value components. My process involved ArtiosCAD structural modeling and testing prototypes against real-world transport stress. By implementing a new modular insert system, we reduced material waste by 18% and optimized shipping volume. This project required close collaboration with the engineering team to ensure the packaging integrated perfectly with automated assembly lines. The final solution is now a standard for their regional distribution centers, proving that environmental responsibility can go hand-in-hand with logistical efficiency.

A professional product photograph of a complex cardboard structural insert for industrial electronics, showcasing precise folds and geometric strength. Minimal studio lighting against a dark charcoal background.
A professional product photograph of a complex cardboard structural insert for industrial electronics, showcasing precise folds and geometric strength. Minimal studio lighting against a dark charcoal background.
Technical drawing view of a packaging assembly on a high-resolution screen in a modern German engineering office. Soft ambient lighting, professional environment.
Technical drawing view of a packaging assembly on a high-resolution screen in a modern German engineering office. Soft ambient lighting, professional environment.
Close-up of a high-quality finished corrugated box with a clean, minimalist brand logo printed in black ink. The lighting is crisp and detailed, showing the paper texture.
Close-up of a high-quality finished corrugated box with a clean, minimalist brand logo printed in black ink. The lighting is crisp and detailed, showing the paper texture.

ErgoTech MX

Ergonomic Tools

Industrial Design CAD Prototyping

Developing specialized tools for manufacturing personnel, focusing on human-centered design, user testing, and advanced ergonomic research for factory environments.

The ErgoTech project addressed the high rate of repetitive strain injuries in assembly line workers. I conducted extensive field research and ergonomic analysis to design a new handle interface for pneumatic tools. Using SolidWorks, I iterated through twenty distinct grip profiles, which were then 3D-printed and tested by actual factory workers. The final design incorporates a dual-material grip that reduces vibration transfer and fits a wider range of hand percentiles. This design was later featured in my published research paper. The result was a 15% increase in comfort reported by users and a significant reduction in work-related fatigue over 8-hour shifts.

A series of 3D-printed ergonomic prototypes for a handheld tool, arranged neatly on a mid-gray surface. Each prototype shows a different iteration of grip geometry.
A series of 3D-printed ergonomic prototypes for a handheld tool, arranged neatly on a mid-gray surface. Each prototype shows a different iteration of grip geometry.
A close-up of a designer's hand using a high-precision digital caliper to measure a 3D-printed component. Professional lighting, technical focus.
A close-up of a designer's hand using a high-precision digital caliper to measure a 3D-printed component. Professional lighting, technical focus.
A high-fidelity CAD render of a handheld industrial tool with complex surfacing, shown from three technical angles against a neutral silver-gray background.
A high-fidelity CAD render of a handheld industrial tool with complex surfacing, shown from three technical angles against a neutral silver-gray background.

DS Smith

DS Smith

Logistics PackagingPackaging Design CAD

InternationalDuring my internship in Brussels, I designed high-volume corrugated solutions for the automotive sector,Working at the DS Smith Impact Centre in Brussels provided a deep dive into the European packaging market. I assisted the senior design team in developing a multi-component shipping box for a leading German automotive manufacturer. My role focused on CAD development and physical sample creation. I learned to navigate complex client requirements where every millimeter of space in a shipping container translates to cost

Opal came to me with a clear ask: their skincare line was gentle, effective, and ingredient-focused, but their visual identity felt generic and overlooked. I redesigned everything from the ground up, starting with a new logotype that felt softer and more considered. The photography direction emphasized natural light and minimal styling—no aggressive shadows or clinical backdrops. I designed a label system that worked across multiple product

A wide shot of a modern, minimal packaging laboratory in Central Europe with clean white tables and large structural plotters. The atmosphere is professional and orderly.
A wide shot of a modern, minimal packaging laboratory in Central Europe with clean white tables and large structural plotters. The atmosphere is professional and orderly.
A top-down view of a stack of technical packaging drawings on high-quality paper, with a silver mechanical pencil resting on top. Soft daylight from a nearby window.
A top-down view of a stack of technical packaging drawings on high-quality paper, with a silver mechanical pencil resting on top. Soft daylight from a nearby window.
A close-up of a high-end industrial plotter cutting a complex cardboard structure. The image captures the motion of the blade and the precision of the cut.
A close-up of a high-end industrial plotter cutting a complex cardboard structure. The image captures the motion of the blade and the precision of the cut.

Portfolio work demonstrates professional CAD proficiency and manufacturing

ABOUT

The Engineer’s Mindset

I am an industrial designer who views packaging as a critical engineering challenge. My work is defined by the intersection of structural efficiency, sustainability, and human ergonomics. I recently completed my Master's degree and am now focusing on joining the German innovation landscape.

With experience in Mexico and Belgium, I bring an international perspective to product development. I am a specialist in ArtiosCAD and SolidWorks, dedicated to creating solutions that are both technically feasible and environmentally responsible.

SKILLS

ArtiosCAD SolidWorks Rhino 3D Sustainable Design Ergonomics PrototypingFigma Photoshop

A professional portrait of an industrial designer in a modern, light-filled studio. They are wearing a simple, dark-colored sweater, reflecting a minimal and professional aesthetic. Soft, natural lighting.
A professional portrait of an industrial designer in a modern, light-filled studio. They are wearing a simple, dark-colored sweater, reflecting a minimal and professional aesthetic. Soft, natural lighting.

EXPERIENCE

Academic

Master in Product Design

Nefab

Packaging Designer

DS Smith Brussels

Internship

2023–25

2020–22

2019

Core Competencies

I utilize a robust technical stack to transform conceptual ideas into market-ready industrial solutions with German-standard precision.

A high-contrast macro shot of a laser cutting head in a fabrication lab, with sparks and a blue glow. The focus is on the precision and technical nature of the process.
A high-contrast macro shot of a laser cutting head in a fabrication lab, with sparks and a blue glow. The focus is on the precision and technical nature of the process.
A detailed 3D mesh model of a complex mechanical part on a computer screen, showing the wireframe structure in a dark CAD environment.
A detailed 3D mesh model of a complex mechanical part on a computer screen, showing the wireframe structure in a dark CAD environment.
A collection of sustainable material samples—recycled pulp, bioplastics, and compressed fiber—arranged in a neat grid for study. Neutral studio lighting.
A collection of sustainable material samples—recycled pulp, bioplastics, and compressed fiber—arranged in a neat grid for study. Neutral studio lighting.
ArtiosCAD

Packaging Design

Expert in structural design for corrugated packaging, including advanced layout optimization and structural analysis for industrial logistics.

SolidWorks

SolidWorks

Product Dev

Sustainable

Innovation

Dedicated to Life Cycle Management and selecting eco-conscious materials that align with the circular economy goals of modern European industry.

A close-up of a 3D printer nozzle extruding a precise white plastic layer. The background is a dark, clean engineering lab.
A close-up of a 3D printer nozzle extruding a precise white plastic layer. The background is a dark, clean engineering lab.
A detailed ergonomic heat map shown on a tablet screen, analyzing the grip pressure of a hand on a tool. The tablet is held in a professional workshop.
A detailed ergonomic heat map shown on a tablet screen, analyzing the grip pressure of a hand on a tool. The tablet is held in a professional workshop.
A designer drawing technical sketches with a digital stylus on a large creative tablet. The sketch shows the cross-section of a packaging structure.
A designer drawing technical sketches with a digital stylus on a large creative tablet. The sketch shows the cross-section of a packaging structure.
Prototyping

Rapid Iteration

Translating designs into physical models through 3D printing, laser cutting, and traditional model making to validate ergonomics and assembly.

Research

Ergonomic Study

Expertise in conducting user research and academic ergonomics studies, with published research in industrial design and human factors.

Languages

German A2-B1

Fluent in Spanish and English (TOEFL), and actively improving my German language skills to integrate fully into the DACH region professional environment.

A moodboard in a designer's studio featuring photos of German industrial architecture, minimalist product details, and typography samples. Very organized and clean.
A moodboard in a designer's studio featuring photos of German industrial architecture, minimalist product details, and typography samples. Very organized and clean.

PROCESS

Engineering-led product development

A structured approach to design that moves seamlessly from user research to technical production and logistics.

STEP 1

Research & Scope

Analyzing the user needs, technical constraints, and environmental requirements to define the project foundations and goals.

STEP 2

CAD Concept

Developing 3D models and structural packaging concepts in ArtiosCAD or SolidWorks to visualize technical solutions.

STEP 3

Technical Validation

Using simulation and structural analysis to ensure the design meets safety, durability, and manufacturing

STEP 4

Prototype Test

Physical sample creation via 3D printing or plotting to conduct user testing and ergonomic evaluations in the field.

STEP 5

Final Production

Delivery of production-ready CAD files, manufacturing documentation, and structural specifications for implementation.

A close-up of high-quality industrial packaging prototypes, including a complex die-cut corrugated insert, shown in a clean, brightly lit European design office.
A close-up of high-quality industrial packaging prototypes, including a complex die-cut corrugated insert, shown in a clean, brightly lit European design office.

SERVICES

Industrial Specialization

I provide technical design services tailored to the needs of the packaging, engineering, and manufacturing sectors in Europe.

Packaging Dev

End-to-end structural development of packaging systems, optimizing for logistical efficiency, protection, and sustainability metrics.

CAD Engineering

Advanced 3D surface and solid modeling using SolidWorks and Rhino, delivering high-precision files for tooling and manufacturing.

Product Design

Holistic product development focused on user ergonomics and functional innovation for industrial and consumer applications.

Research & Strategy

Ergonomic studies, competitive analysis, and strategic innovation roadmaps for long-term product success in the EU market.

Ready for a technical design partnership? Let's discuss your next innovation

PORTFOLIO

Additional Innovative Work

A professional high-quality photo of a sleek, white packaging box for a high-end tech product, featuring minimalist black typography. Soft shadows on a gray surface.
A professional high-quality photo of a sleek, white packaging box for a high-end tech product, featuring minimalist black typography. Soft shadows on a gray surface.
A technical schematic drawing of an automotive part, showing different orthographic views with dimension lines. High-contrast engineering style.
A technical schematic drawing of an automotive part, showing different orthographic views with dimension lines. High-contrast engineering style.
A minimal black and white photo of an industrial warehouse in Germany, focusing on the geometric patterns of the ceiling structure and natural light.
A minimal black and white photo of an industrial warehouse in Germany, focusing on the geometric patterns of the ceiling structure and natural light.
University

Lecturer & Researcher

Ergonomics Education Theory

Contributing to the academic community through teaching industrial design principles and conducting research on human-centered manufacturing environments.

Auto Packaging

Auto Packaging

Component Logistics

Industrial

Future Labs

Innovation Research

Sustainability

"Miguel has a unique ability to bridge the gap between creative product design and technical industrial engineering. His CAD precision is

L. Müller

Project Lead

"His internship at DS Smith showed high dedication and quick adaptation to European packaging standards. A very reliable

M. Janssens

Senior Packaging Designer

"Miguel’s research on ergonomics significantly influenced our production line tool selection. He is a truly human-centered engineer."

A. Garcia

Operations Director

PROFESSIONAL ENDORSEMENTS

Feedback from international

M.Sc

Product Development

5+

Years of Industry Work

3

3

A close-up shot of an industrial designer's portfolio binder with clean, professional layouts of packaging designs. The binder is silver-gray, on an off-white table.
A close-up shot of an industrial designer's portfolio binder with clean, professional layouts of packaging designs. The binder is silver-gray, on an off-white table.

QA

Working with Miguel López

Which CAD tools do you use?

I am an expert in ArtiosCAD for structural packaging and SolidWorks/Rhino 3D for complex product surfacing and mechanical assemblies.

What is your current location?

I have completed my Master's and am currently seeking opportunities in Germany, with full flexibility for relocation to industrial hubs.

Are you available for freelance?

While I am primarily seeking a full-time position in Germany or Europe, I am open to discussing high-impact consulting projects in packaging and CAD development.

CONTACT ME

Ready for the next innovation?

I am actively looking for opportunities to contribute to product and packaging development teams in Germany and across Europe. Reach out to discuss my work, request my full portfolio, or schedule an interview.