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Patrick Whitney is one of the most influential figures in design today, having spent his career expanding the field’s impact across industries. One of the founding fathers of human-centered design and strategic design, he created the first Ph.D. design program in the US. He served as Dean of the IIT- Institute of Design (ID) for nearly thirty years, developing research and educational programs instrumental in codifying design practice and bringing design to the modern industry.

Business Week featured him as a design visionary for bringing together design and business; Forbes named him as one of six members of the ‘E-Gang’ for his work in human-centered design; Fast Company identified him as a ‘master of design’ for his leadership in linking the creation of value for users and economic value for companies; and Global Entrepreneur Magazine named him one of 25 people worldwide doing the most to bring new ideas to business in China.

Today, he continues to forge new paths for design, bringing design knowledge to public health at Harvard University and Brown University, while exploring new initiatives around Design for Well-being and Democracy. Perhaps Patrick’s most critical contributions have been his advisory and mentorship of many scholars and practitioners across sectors and geographies. The way design is understood, taught, and applied to various contexts is, in many ways, a reflection of Patrick Whitney’s life’s work.

Like so many great design stories, Patrick’s legacy and ways of working have not been expressed thoroughly or cohesively in a unified narrative and collection. But a journey like this cannot be contained in dispersed memories and feelings. This timely project aims to give life to his legacy.

Information to follow on this exclusive Design Week event with a link to Eventbrite for tickets.