IDEO Employee Review

Current Employee – been working at IDEO

Pros – IDEO has amazing staff, connections and clients. The range of consulting projects is truly mind-boggling. From highly detailed mechanical engineering innovations for the healthcare industry to brand-strategy, government work, consumer electronics, campaigns, web experiences, food and beverage, startup incubation, non-profit work, the list goes on. Employees are highly capable and motivated and come from a wide range of design disciplines. IDEO takes quality of life seriously and goes out of its way to make a good working environment for staff and support them in their personal and extra-curricular endeavors. It's a great place to get a lot of design experience under your belt. Newly generous vacation policy is nice too.

Cons – Since the work is project based, your whole experience depends on your client and your project leader. If a project is over-scoped you might end up working some intense hours. Monetary compensation leaves something to be desired. Being a very flat hierarchy there aren't many opportunities to advance into mid-level management roles so it's a common pattern for people to spend several years as a designer at IDEO and then head to another company for a more senior role.

Advice to Senior Management – Increased transparency with senior management decisions. Continue working to get the compensation level in-line with local markets.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend