Bill Thompson, lecturer at the University of Michigan School of Information, has spent two decades pushing the boundaries of automotive user experience design. 

During his 17 years at General Motors, he launched multiple generations of global infotainment systems. Thompson’s leadership as head of the in-vehicle UX team and his vision as a product designer were pivotal in shaping the digital design of GM’s global product portfolio. 

Now, as director of automotive at Aquent, a global work solutions company, Thompson builds teams and creates connected solutions to improve digital mobility across land, sea, air and virtual environments. He knows that innovation needs to be backed by intention — he strives to “ensure design and technology serve humanity at its best.”

As a lecturer, Thompson is passionate about providing UMSI students with a contemporary view of the automotive landscape. He integrates relevant industry content and real-time topics into his courses to “nurture the next generation of product designers and innovators.” In this Q&A, he chats with associate dean for academic affairs Cliff Lampe about what it’s like to take one of his courses, a belief that drives his work, and his shared mission to make UMSI into a leader in the automotive and mobility industries. 

Cliff Lampe: How and when did you start teaching at UMSI?

Bill Thompson: In the winter of 2022, an automotive colleague (Jim Rampton) and I were having a conversation about what the next decade of automotive and mobility needs to look like from a connected vehicle perspective and how the industry will require a much more advanced talent base to achieve the progression. Our conversation drove us to craft a proposal for UMSI with three automotive courses focused on the new automotive digital ecosystems. With guidance, coaching and support from UMSI’s leadership, we crafted and shaped our program.

I began the first customer experience course in winter 2023, but more importantly than when is why. We are on a mission to establish a top-tier, University of Michigan-based talent pipeline invigorated about the future of the mobility industry. We want to make U-M’s students, graduates and our institution itself the home for thought leadership and product design across the mobility space, with an unwavering commitment to transformation.

What do you teach? What’s the top-line learning goal for that class?

I teach two special topics courses at UMSI. In SI 511.155: Concept to Market: Foundations in Product Management, the goal is to prepare students with the strategic and practical skills necessary for digital product management by focusing on user-centric design, innovation and business acumen to successfully plan, launch and manage digital products across various platforms.

In SI 311.155: Special Topics: CXD in the Automotive Industry, the goal is to equip students with the skills necessary to design, evaluate and propose innovative customer experience solutions in the automotive industry while creating value for businesses and consumers.

What’s your favorite thing about working with UMSI students?

Watching the transformation and maturation of thought and work that progresses throughout the semester and invigorating the next generation of automotive thinkers.

Tell me more about yourself. 

A Detroit native born and raised, I have been intertwined professionally in the automotive industry for generations. I have built teams and launched digital and physical products on a global scale, and I hold a profound belief that people + passion = great products. I aim to inspire, guide and help build the future of mobility and digital experiences.

What is something you want folks at UMSI to know about you? 

I believe in the power of human connection, the imminence of change and the strength we gain from our family, friends and colleagues to build a brighter future. I'm passionate about cultivating environments where people can connect, collaborate and create meaningful solutions that drive progress. Whether it's through professional endeavors or personal interactions, my goal is to make a positive impact and encourage others to do the same. 

—Abigail McFee, marketing and communications writer