Damning letter details culture of abuse at Ideo

If you’ve heard the term “design thinking,” then you likely know its originator, the global design firm Ideo. The ideological juggernaut is famous for helping Fortune 500 companies develop new products and experiences, and it prizes a culture of safe, creative innovation. But a new report from ex-Ideo employee George Aye calls this reputation into question. In an open letter he posted this week, Aye claims to be sharing stories from 23 people who’ve worked at Ideo, detailing a culture of workplace abuse, discrimination, and ethical problems.  Read the highlights of his 5,000-word letter here. Also, if you’ve worked at Ideo and would like to share your story, I will protect your anonymity. Email me here or DM me here. — Mark Wilson   Damning letter details culture of abuse at Ideo, design firm behind Apple’s first mouse A former Ideo employee interviews 23 other former employees about their experiences working for a company that publicly extols the virtues of being human-centered—but behind the scenes, it’s anything but.   READ MORE   Biden kills Trump’s classical architecture agenda Biden announces four new appointees to the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, suggesting a progressive new approach to the architecture of the federal government.   READ MORE   This stunning optical illusion reveals the Eiffel Tower like you’ve never seen it before A French artist creates a clever trick of the eye that reimagines the landscape under the country’s famous monument.   READ MORE   In the Israel-Palestine conflict, urban planning is the ultimate weapon The Israeli state aims to expand, connect, and invest in Jewish spaces while dividing, shrinking, and destroying Palestinian spaces.   READ MORE   See the clever way Burger King plans to lure you back to its restaurants (no Whoppers needed) In Belgium, Burger King’s new ad campaign features items customers left before lockdown.   READ MORE

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