When IDEO co-founder Bill Moggridge led the design of the first notebook-style computer for GRiD Systems, it was a beacon of the future. But as Bill explains, the real insight for him was recognizing the need for an entirely new design practice to define how users interacted with the computer’s software. This new practice came to be known as interaction design.

I found this so inspiring, that IDEO created only a few decades ago, basically founded IxD, the career I am hoping to persue. Human-centred design has always played a key role in everything that IDEO does. They have done research projects where they literally sit and observe users as they negotiate first-of-its-kind ergonomically designed computer mouses and other newly introduced pieces of tech. This will help them evaluate and note how the human brain reacts towards their work.

IDEO are a Product design company and have designed everything from high-tech medical appliances, to the 25ft. mechanical whale from the movie, ‘Free Willy’. They are not experts in any area, but rather experts in the process of being able to design stuff. They take any product and use their process to figure out how to make it more innovative.

I watched a video on Youtube, which has been said to have been watched in classrooms over the world for decades, which explains how IDEO take a simple everyday item, in this case a shopping trolley, go back to the basics and see how they can develop it. First they looked at problems with safety and theft. They then split into groups to interview people who work with shopping carts daily, to see how they could improve. It’s really interesting to see how all of these individuals, (who all come from different backgrounds, with different sometimes irrelevant qualifications) come together to improve an item, based upon a system. When questions have been asked, they go into the studio and pour their ideas onto a board. No idea is critcized, as every idea could spark another. This is an encouraging mindset to have when working in teams, and could be one of the reasons for their many successes as a company.

IDEO recommend working under time constraints and a trial and error process. Team work skills also seem to be essential. After long hours, a lot of conversation and the demand for new ideas, IDEO believes these formulate a recipe for innovation. They work in an admirable manner and it would be great to practice group work with my own peers once we get the chance.