Ryan Znamierowski
Field Test Coordinator
Black Diamond Equipment
How did you get started in product development?
I joined Black Diamond Equipment five years ago, and one of my favorite aspects of BD is how our entire community is involved in product development. We are all skiers, climbers, and runners who are passionate about pushing the envelope. I’ve always been a gear nerd—especially when it comes to skis. I found my way to Black Diamond as a boot fitter in our headquarters store, where I had access to the best backcountry equipment and a flexible schedule that allowed me to enjoy the mountains three to four days a week. While my role has evolved, focusing now on the future of our products, that spirit of collaboration remains a core part of what makes working here so rewarding.
Can you tell us about your role?
I currently serve as the Field Test Coordinator at Black Diamond Equipment, where I oversee field testing for every design team. From carabiners to apparel and everything in between, I manage all our testing efforts through Mesh01. This includes creating tests, collecting and reporting feedback, shipping products, and coordinating with our incredible testing team.
Mesh01 is integrated into every stage of our product development. We can distribute early prototypes to users and receive real-time feedback, helping guide our projects in the right direction from the outset.
What are some of the primary challenges you’ve faced in your role or that Black Diamond Equipment has faced with gathering product feedback during development?
The biggest challenge is ensuring we consistently capture feedback from users at all experience levels. It can be difficult to find individuals who are new to the sports we serve, as they often feel they aren’t experienced enough to test our products. In reality, their insights are exactly what we need.
How do you typically use MESH01 in your work or product creation processes?
Mesh01 is integrated into every stage of our product development. We can distribute early prototypes to users and receive real-time feedback, helping guide our projects in the right direction from the outset. Later, we send out production-representative samples to ensure our users are satisfied with the final product.
How long have you been using MESH01 for product testing?
We’re approaching two years with Mesh01, and it has transformed how we test our products. The platform allows us to track product usage, receive real-time alerts on durability, and check in with our testers instantly. This has been a significant improvement for our design teams and creation process.
How has a product testing platform impacted your work?
Mesh01 has streamlined our data collection, enhanced our visibility on product issues, and provided our teams with a clear path to developing the best possible equipment. I believe our customers will be impressed with the products hitting the market, as they’ve been rigorously tested by our team.
Why is engaging customers during product creation important to you?
Our motto is to be one with the sports we serve, and the best way to achieve that is by involving our core users in the development of our products. We ensure that our teams design gear that makes sense for everyone—from athletes and guides to experts and beginners alike.
Have you ever been surprised by tester feedback?
I’m often surprised by the insights from our testing team, who I believe are the best in the business. We’ve worked hard to build this incredible community, and they consistently uncover issues that can’t be spotted in a lab. They serve as our external eyes, highlighting areas we might overlook. Without this team, innovation in the world of climbing wouldn’t be possible—they are core to Black Diamond Equipment.
What types of product testing feedback are the most useful to you?
I often tell people, ‘We can’t fix good news.’ The best testers are those who approach the product as if they bought it off the shelf. They identify flaws that can be improved and features that excite them, pushing them to go further. Both genuine excitement and total misses are equally valuable to me—one means we’ve solved the equation, while the other signals it’s time to reignite the innovation engine.
Can you tell us about a time when tester feedback significantly shaped a product?
We just launched a new ice tool, the Hydra. Not only is it the coolest piece of gear we’ve developed in recent years, but it was also incredibly tester-driven. Numerous days spent with athletes and testers shaped its development. Some aspects of ice tools can only be validated by swinging the tool and ensuring that the feel aligns perfectly with our vision.
How does product testing impact your business or brand?
Field testing has become a cornerstone of Black Diamond. It has always been and will continue to be an essential part of our development process. Over the past two years, our commitment to excellence in quality has intensified, making field testing of utmost importance. This approach not only ensures that we develop equipment that meets the needs of our users and athletes but also guarantees that it will withstand the test of time and excel in alpine conditions.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get started in a role like yours?
If you’ve landed a job like mine, congratulations! There are few positions better than Field Test Coordinator. While some days are spent behind a computer—an unavoidable part of the job—nothing compares to getting out on the slopes with testers, running alongside athletes, or discussing their upcoming missions. My only advice is to leave your product opinions at the door. Stay unbiased and focus on providing your development teams with the feedback they need to create the best possible equipment.
Do you have a message you’d like to share with your product tester community?
Our testing community is truly amazing! I can’t thank them enough for everything they do. Some team members have been with us for over 20 years, witnessing countless changes, yet they continue to show up and excel every day. I want to express my gratitude to our testing team—both new and seasoned testers. You are one of a kind, and we are incredibly thankful for your dedication to the brand.
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