Formation and Founders
IDEO emerged in 1991 through the merger of four renowned design firms: David Kelley Design, Moggridge Associates, ID Two, and Matrix Product Design. The company’s founders, David Kelley, Bill Moggridge, and Mike Nuttall, brought together a diverse range of expertise in industrial design, engineering, and human-centered research.
Key Facts
- Formation: IDEO was formed in 1991 through a merger of several design firms, including David Kelley Design, Moggridge Associates, ID Two, and Matrix Product Design.
- Founders: The founders of IDEO include David Kelley, Bill Moggridge, and Mike Nuttall.
- Design Thinking: IDEO is often credited with popularizing the term “design thinking” and its practice. They have been practicing human-centered design since their beginning in 1978 and took up the phrase “design thinking” to describe the elements of the practice they found most learnable and teachable.
- Expansion: Over the years, IDEO expanded its focus beyond consumer products to include consumer experiences and services. They also expanded into management consulting and organizational design.
- Ownership: In 1996, office-furniture maker Steelcase took a majority ownership stake in IDEO, which allowed IDEO to continue operating independently. In 2016, Japanese holding company Kyu Collective purchased a minority stake in the firm.
- Leadership: Sandy Speicher replaced Tim Brown as CEO of IDEO in April 2019, and Derek Robson became CEO effective January 5, 2023.
- Projects and Clients: IDEO has worked on projects in various industries, including consumer food and beverage, retail, computer, medical, educational, furniture, office, and automotive. Some notable clients include Apple, Coca-Cola, Ford, and Steelcase.
- OpenIDEO: IDEO introduced OpenIDEO in 2010, a collaborative platform for the design process. It was initially designed as an internal tool but is now available to the public. OpenIDEO aims to drive the creative process to solve social problems through collaboration.
- Design Education: IDEO U is an online educational program launched in 2015, providing courses on human-centered design thinking.
The Birth of Design Thinking
IDEO is widely recognized for popularizing the concept of “design thinking.” This approach emphasizes empathy, iteration, and a focus on human needs throughout the design process. Since its inception in 1978, IDEO has championed human-centered design, later adopting the term “design thinking” to articulate the core principles of its practice.
Expansion and Diversification
Over the years, IDEO expanded its scope beyond consumer product design to encompass user experiences and services. The firm also ventured into management consulting and organizational design, recognizing the transformative power of design thinking in various domains.
Ownership and Leadership
In 1996, Steelcase, a leading office furniture manufacturer, acquired a majority stake in IDEO. This partnership allowed IDEO to maintain its operational independence while gaining access to Steelcase’s resources. In 2016, Japanese holding company Kyu Collective acquired a minority stake in the firm, further diversifying its ownership structure.
Sandy Speicher succeeded Tim Brown as CEO of IDEO in April 2019. Under Speicher’s leadership, the company continued to grow and innovate. In January 2023, Derek Robson assumed the role of CEO, bringing a wealth of experience in design and business strategy.
Notable Projects and Clients
IDEO has collaborated with a diverse clientele across numerous industries, including consumer goods, retail, technology, healthcare, education, and automotive. Some of its most notable clients include Apple, Coca-Cola, Ford, and Steelcase. These collaborations have resulted in groundbreaking products, services, and experiences that have transformed the way people interact with the world.
OpenIDEO: Collaborative Innovation
In 2010, IDEO launched OpenIDEO, a collaborative platform that invites individuals from all backgrounds to participate in the design process. Initially conceived as an internal tool, OpenIDEO has evolved into a global community dedicated to solving social problems through design thinking.
Design Education: IDEO U
In 2015, IDEO U was established as an online learning platform offering courses on human-centered design thinking. This initiative aims to empower individuals and organizations to apply design thinking principles to their own challenges and opportunities.
Conclusion
IDEO’s journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a deep commitment to human-centered design. From its humble beginnings as a merger of four design firms, IDEO has grown into a global leader in design thinking, inspiring countless individuals and organizations to embrace creativity, empathy, and a passion for solving complex problems through the power of design.
References
FAQs
What is IDEO?
IDEO is a global design and consulting firm known for its pioneering work in design thinking.
Who founded IDEO?
IDEO was founded in 1991 by David Kelley, Bill Moggridge, and Mike Nuttall.
What is design thinking?
Design thinking is a human-centered approach to problem-solving that emphasizes empathy, iteration, and a focus on user needs.
What industries does IDEO work in?
IDEO works across a wide range of industries, including consumer goods, retail, technology, healthcare, education, and automotive.
What are some of IDEO’s most notable projects?
Some of IDEO’s most notable projects include the first Apple mouse, the Palm V PDA, and the Steelcase Leap chair.
What is OpenIDEO?
OpenIDEO is a collaborative platform launched by IDEO in 2010 that invites individuals from all backgrounds to participate in the design process to solve social problems.
What is IDEO U?
IDEO U is an online learning platform offering courses on human-centered design thinking.
Who is the current CEO of IDEO?
Derek Robson is the current CEO of IDEO, appointed in January 2023.