Patrick Haney is data-driven product designer and community leader that has been crafting exceptional user experiences and solving complex, human-centered challenges for over a decade.
His relentless pursuit of innovation allows him to continuously push boundaries, challenging conventional design norms through creative problem solving. An investor with Adventure Fund and connoisseur of chicken wings, he's constantly looking for new ways to engage with the world and improve experiences for everyone.
As a kid, my answer to the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" was never "a Product Designer!" I wanted to be an "Inventor" and come up with all sorts of new things that solved problems. Maybe I always knew what I wanted to be, but didn't know how to say it?
An early adopter from an early age
Before I was able to ride a bike, I had already found an interest in trying new technology. Pocket television at summer camp? That was me. First Sony Discman? I suffered through the skipped songs. Zelda on the NES? I was playing on Day 1.
Went from digging through code to solving design challenges
Long before I took my first Computer Science class at RIT, I was typing in code for games on our home TI-99/4A and even created a custom Periodic Table of Elements program for my TI-82 graphing calculator. Eventually I began a career as a Front-End Developer, but the challenges I was most excited about facing dealt with the user experience, and the transition to Product Designer began.
Just an entrepreneur at heart
In the past 20 years I've worked at 5 startups, created 2 companies of my own, and now invest in other founders as a Limited Partner with Adventure Fund. I also volunteer my time with the UC Venture Lab in Cincinnati as an EIR Mentor to entrepreneurs going through their 8-week accelerator program.
Meeting up with a few Adventure Fund folks in DC
Design is everywhere and I'm never not thinking about it. From the typography on a restaurant menu to the handle on a door, I can't help but notice and appreciate (or shake my fist at) the things we interact with on a daily basis. But like most designers, it's not the only thing I'm passionate about.
Pretty things and problem solving
As an inspiring "Inventor", I've always been trying to solve problems for myself and others. While I excelled in math classes, critical thinking is where I set myself apart. When it comes to design though, my sweet spot is the blending of both beauty and function.
Play is not a luxury
My younger self would spend hours after school running around the playground shooting hoops, hitting baseballs, or taking slapshots. Thanks to my competitive nature, sports have always been a big part of my life. These days I mostly stick to golf, soccer, playing catch with our football-crazed son, and cheering on my hometown Buffalo Bills.
Ready to cheer on Buffalo with my amazing family
Weekends and wanderlust
38 states, 8 countries, and counting. Traveling for business or pleasure is always a pleasure, and I love seeing and exploring new places or spending time in familiar ones with familiar faces. Whether it's volcano activity in Hawaii or the sound of music in Austria, I'm up for the adventure.
The drive to have fun
It all started with a poster of a red Lamborghini and a handful of Matchbox cars. Though I've never designed any infotainment systems or dashboard gauges, automobiles fascinate me on so many levels. I don't live my life a quarter mile at a time, but I do very much enjoy cruising around town or down country roads and leaving the rest behind.
