How to design breakthrough inventions

Summary

David Kelley, founder of IDEO, is a pioneer in Design Thinking, a method that integrates human behavior into design. His firm has created numerous influential products, including the first Apple mouse. Kelley emphasizes empathy for consumers and collaboration among diverse teams to innovate. He worked closely with Steve Jobs, contributing to Apple's success. Kelley also established the d.school at Stanford, teaching design thinking for innovation across various disciplines.

Takeaways

• 🌟 David Kelley is recognized as one of the most innovative thinkers of our time and the founder of IDEO, a leading global design firm.
• 🖱 IDEO has been instrumental in creating groundbreaking inventions such as the first computer mouse for Apple and the stand-up toothpaste tube.
• 🤔 Design Thinking is an innovative approach pioneered by Kelley that emphasizes human behavior in design, allowing for collaborative idea building.
• 👥 IDEO's approach to problem-solving involves diverse teams with different backgrounds, fostering a culture of collaboration and empathy.
• 🔍 Kelley's method focuses on empathy for the consumer, observing human behavior to understand needs and improve products.
• 💡 The Design Thinking process often involves creating prototypes to visualize solutions and iterate based on user feedback.
• 💼 Kelley was a close friend and colleague of Steve Jobs, and IDEO helped design several Apple products, including the Apple Mouse.
• 🏫 Kelley established the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University, also known as the d.school, to teach design thinking across disciplines.
• 🌐 IDEO's work impacts a wide range of industries, from redesigning kitchen tools to improving access to safe drinking water in developing countries.
• 🎓 The d.school at Stanford is highly sought after, with twice as many students wanting to take classes as there are available seats.
• 🚗 David Kelley's personal passion for making things is evident in his workshop, where he and his daughter work on projects like building a 3D printer.

Q & A

Who is David Kelley and what is his significance?

David Kelley is the founder of IDEO, a global design firm in Silicon Valley known for creating thousands of breakthrough inventions. He is also a pioneer in Design Thinking, an approach that incorporates human behavior into design.

What is Design Thinking and how does it work?

Design Thinking is an innovative approach that allows people to build on each other's ideas, incorporating human behavior into design. It encourages collaboration, diversity, and empathy for the consumer, often involving brainstorming and prototyping to solve problems.

How did David Kelley's company contribute to Apple's product designs?

IDEO helped design dozens of products for Apple, including the Apple Mouse, Apple III, and Lisa. They were tasked with creating a mouse for $17 that would be used in all of Apple's computers.

What was the issue with the first Apple Mouse prototype?

Steve Jobs was not satisfied with the sound the ball made on the table, so IDEO had to rubber coat the ball, which presented a significant technical challenge due to the requirement for no seams.

What is the role of empathy in Design Thinking?

Empathy in Design Thinking involves understanding what humans really want by observing them. It's about building a connection with the consumer to figure out their needs and preferences.

Can you provide an example of how IDEO used Design Thinking to improve a product?

IDEO redesigned Zyliss kitchen tools to make them easier to use and developed a heart defibrillator that talks to and guides users during an emergency with visual cues.

How did David Kelley's childhood influence his approach to design?

Kelley's childhood in Barberton, Ohio, taught him the value of building with his hands and fixing things. He was a tinkerer who enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together.

What was the turning point in David Kelley's career that led him to become a design thinker?

The turning point was when Kelley joined Stanford University's product design program, which synthesized art and engineering, and later working with Steve Jobs.

What misconception does David Kelley believe people have about Steve Jobs?

Kelley believes the misconception about Steve Jobs is that he was malicious or mean. In reality, Jobs was deeply focused on getting things done right.

How did Steve Jobs support David Kelley during his battle with cancer?

Steve Jobs advised Kelley to go straight to Western medicine for his cancer treatment and was there for him emotionally, even giving him an iPhone right after it was announced.

What is the d.school at Stanford University and how is it related to David Kelley?

The d.school is a program at Stanford dedicated to teaching design thinking as a tool for innovation. Kelley approached Stanford with the idea of setting up the school, and it was funded by a wealthy client, Hasso Plattner, with $35 million.