Six things to know about human-centered systems thinking, a holistic approach to problem solving that starts with people.

Are you struggling with a challenge at work and wish you could get some words of wisdom from someone who’s been there? In our new Creative Confidence Podcast series, Mentor Moment, we call on IDEO professionals to help our IDEO U community.

IDEO’s Michelle Lee and Brendan Boyle share small ways you can experiment with bringing a playful mindset into your work and examples of using play to surface innovative approaches to serious challenges.

Intercorp’s Chief Innovation Officer Hernán Carranza shares how innovation keeps a company moving toward realizing their purpose and ways creative leaders can act now to have long-term impact.

Khan Academy Founder Sal Khan reflects on the past, present, and future of Khan Academy and shares his vision for the evolution of education. If you hope to have greater impact in the world or you’re working up the courage to take a chance on a business idea, look to Sal’s journey for inspiration.

Tips from IDEO Founder David Kelley on getting design thinking methods and mindsets to take root at your workplace.



It happens to the best of us. You’ve got a great idea and you’re excited to make it happen. But when you introduce this brilliant gem to the organization—wham! Up go the roadblocks. Obstacles to innovation can creep up when you least expect them.

When the company purpose focuses on making a meaningful change in the world, it stokes employees’ passion, inspires them, and injects powerful meaning into their work. 

Having recently joined IDEO, I was fascinated by the way design researchers can enter any situation, and instantly make people feel at ease. They can interview anyone, from wounded veterans to wedding planners, and encourage them to open up and share their unfiltered opinions. 

We sat down with IDEO Founder & Chairman David Kelley to hear his insights on how to empower employees and instill creative confidence throughout a team or organization.