New Ideo consultancy to use design to tackle poverty

The new organisation, called Ideo.org, will work with the social sector on projects that aim to improve the quality of life of low-income communities or groups around the world.

The human-centred design projects will take the shape of products, services, businesses or systems that improve areas such as health, agriculture, water and sanitation, and financial services for low-income communities.

Ideo.org will be led by executive director Jocelyn Wyatt and creative director Patrice Martin, both of whom currently work as co-leaders of Ideo’s social innovation practice.

Wyatt and Martin have previously worked with clients such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Nike Foundation, the Acumen Fund and the American Refugee Committee.

Wyatt says, ‘Ideo.org is the result of interest from non-profits and foundations that seek more access to innovative ways to address some of the world’s most challenging problems and create tangible impact through design.’