What is missing in IDEO designs?

As graphic designers in practice, we often looked up to case studies by the famous design firms such as IDEO or Pentagram for design solutions. However, this practice also implies epistemic injustice when designers in practice risk not questioning the methods and theories of the dominant narratives in the design fields. Thus, this class activity encouraged students to critically read, examine, and question IDEO practices.

Materials included note cards, sticky notes, transparent films, and color markers (red and black). Design students read and annotated one of the case studies that aligned with their design research interests. Then, students summarized their understandings of the case studies visually, questioned the missing areas, and speculating the alternatives. By actively engaging with the design already in practice, students unlimited their understanding of design beyond industrial efficiency and professionalism through visual design.

Acknowledgement: I thanked design students for their agreements in being featured, including Shruthi Manikandan, Maria Gaitan, Casey Vargas, Phoebe Davis, and Kaitlyn Vong.