Approach

OpenIDEO puts the power of human-centered design in the hands of many.

Approach

OpenIDEO puts the power of human-centered design in the hands of many.

Explore how design thinking works in OpenIDEO Challenges.

Our Method

We Design for Good

Design thinking is in our genes. For decades, IDEO has pioneered the human-centered design approach to solving complex problems. 

In 2010, IDEO asked—how might we open up our method, enabling people everywhere to spark innovation where it’s needed most? Our answer: OpenIDEO.

Our Model

We Practice Open Innovation

We believe to solve today’s complex problems, there need to be better ways to come together, share ideas, and coordinate action around the globe. 

We built an open innovation model because it allows us to do just that: help people worldwide break barriers, find support, and iterate on the ideas of many to create real change.

We’ve gained unique insights into the power of open innovation.

Behind it all, we’ve got a team of some pretty amazing humans.

Our People

We Bring People Together

Good people are the key to progress, which is why we work to bring them together in San Francisco and around the world. 

We invest in community because we’ve seen that creating spaces for people to share their diverse skills and perspectives accelerates the journey to impact.

Our Purpose

We Work Toward Impact

Over the years, the OpenIDEO community has engaged hundreds of thousands of people in over 200 countries and territories, generating nearly 19,000 ideas for good. 

Activating a passionate, diverse group of people has powerful results—whether you’re building solutions, enlisting new stakeholders, or encouraging aspiring innovators. With your support, we are designing a better future together.

We’ve curated our favorite stories of inspiration and impact.

“Today’s challenges require the creativity of entire networks. Open innovation allows people to collaborate at scale, and that's changing how the world solves problems.”

Tim Brown

Executive Chair at IDEO

Discover Our Values

Impact

At our core, we design to create a positive impact in the world. We act with intention in service of a cause greater than ourselves.

Make It Matter
Optimism

We are optimistic about the future and believe that applied creativity can make the seemingly impossible possible.

Think On The Bright Side
Action

We learn best when we’re making and testing, so we strive to talk less and do more. We know failure is an opportunity to gain new insights.

Learn By Doing
Empathy

Designing change starts with listening. Humans are at the center of all we do, and understanding people is the key to creating effective solutions.

Humans At The Center
Support

We feel successful when we help others achieve success, and going out of our way to help them get there is part of our DNA.

Make Others Successful
Openness

Transparency sparks new ideas and opportunities. Keeping an open mind allows fresh ideas to take root and grow.

Be Open To Innovate
Collaboration

Diverse, inclusive communities can offer deeper insights and more creative ideas.  Cooperation over competition will propel us further, faster.

Together Is Better

Contact Us

Got a burning question? Be sure to check out our FAQ. If that doesn’t help, you can reach us here!

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