(Profile)
McKay Nilson is a design strategist specializing in AI and emerging technology. At HP, he works on early-stage product strategy across personal computing, gaming, and workforce collaboration. Recently, he co-led strategy and experience direction for the HyperX × Neurable headset, the first gaming headset with an integrated brain-computer interface.

Before HP, he was at Smart Design, leading hardware experience design for Gatorade's Gx Smart Bottle along with industrial design and research-led strategy for clients including Harley-Davidson, OXO, and Major League Baseball.

His background in industrial design grounds his strategic innovation work in technical understanding gained through years of hands-on product development.
(Contact)
→ mckay@mckaynilson.design
→ LinkedIn
(Selected Recognition)
→ CES 2026
16 awards and recognitions for the Neurable × HyperX headset, including Tom’s Guide “Best of CES,” TechRadar “Best Headphones,” and Headphonesty “Most Futuristic Headset.”
→ WIRED MAGAZINE
“All the Coolest Tech We Saw at CES 2026”
→ PC MAG
“The 9 Most Mind-Bending Prototypes of CES 2026” / Neurable x HyperX
→ FAST COMPANY
Innovation by Design Awards Finalist / Gx Smart Bottle, 2023
→ FORBES
“The 10-Yr Innovation Journey Of Gatorade’s Gx Ecosystem” / 2023
→ WALL STREET JOURNAL
“Switch Hitters: Desk Lamps That Perform a Bonus Task” / 2023
(teaching & talking)
→ Advanced Design: Offsite
Cohort Portfolio Advisor / 2023 – 2025
→ SMART DESIGN
Design Internship Manager / 2021 – 2023
→ Keyshot x Core77
Masterclass: 3D Visualization / 2022
→ Michael Graves College of Art & Design
Guest Lecture, Visual Communication / 2020
→ Advanced Design
Event Lecture, "Failing Forward" / 2019
→ University of Utah
Guest Lecture, Visual Communication / 2019