Rachel Young
Building a BETTER-DESIGNED FUTURE
I am a...
Design leader, researcher, and strategist with 25 years of experience, including almost a decade in leadership at IDEO. Guiding numerous companies through complex design challenges, product launches, and strategic pivots. Most of my work at IDEO is privileged and confidential. Public case studies below.
Experience
IDEO
Executive Director
2022–2024
Ideo
Senior Portfolio Director
2021–2022
Ideo
Director
2020–2021
Ideo
Senior Design Lead
2019–2020
Ideo
Design Lead
2016–2019
Character Lab
Director of Engagement
2013–2016
Kipp Schools
Senior Creative Manager
2009–2013
I Have a Dream Foundation
Senior Program Manager
2005–2007
Teach for America
Teacher
2003–2005
Work
The Center for Creativity
We Created:
The foundational research, vision, and signature experiences for a new kind of global destination, based in Miami, coming by 2030.
Deliverables:
Research insights, Value Prop, Vision, Signature Experiences
RoLe:
Executive Director
Ethiqly
We Created:
A new app that uses generative ai to help teachers give personalized feedback on essays — while also supporting students in the writing process. Recently mentioned in the NYT.
Deliverables:
Design research, value prop development, product design, AI prototype, development, brand, brand strategy, gtm strategy
RoLe:
Portfolio Director
Bendable
We Created:
A free learning app that connects residents to local learning opportunities through a city’s library system
Deliverables:
Research insights, product design, development, brand, brand strategy
RoLe:
Project Lead
Little Book
We Created:
The second edition of the Little Book of Design Research Ethics — a long overdue update of a beloved IDEO resource.
Deliverables:
Fresh research, content development, brand, illustrations
RoLe:
Head of Research
National Science Foundation
We Created:
A year-long design curriculum to teach scientists convergence research methods in order to get science to the American people faster.
Deliverables:
Curriculum, strategy, and implementation of modules
RoLe:
Portfolio Director
Ebo
We Created:
Ebo, a digital literacy app and game (in English and in Arabic) for young children with Down Syndrome and other developmental delays.
Deliverables:
Curriculum, game mechanics, product design, development, brand, and implementation strategy
RoLe:
Curriculum and learning Design Lead
Impact Study
We Created:
A 50-page study narrating the research, impact, and key learnings of the 10 year implementation of IDEO's cafeteria redesign work in San Francisco Unified School District.
Deliverables:
Research insights, Analysis, and Visual Report
RoLe:
Portfolio Director
Verizon
We Created:
Verizon Explorer Lab, an immersive digital STEM learning experience — with an associated iPad game — that takes place entirely on a bus.
Deliverables:
Curriculum, bus design, product and game design and development, implementation roadmap
RoLe:
Curriculum and learning Design Lead
Along
We Created:
A brand for Along, a new type of digital tool to facilitate meaningful conversations between students and teachers.
Deliverables:
Brand identity, strategy, expression, and guidelines
RoLe:
Portfolio Director
About
Rachel Young is a design leader and strategist who guides organizations through complex design challenges, product innovation, and strategic transformation. Over nearly a decade in leadership at IDEO, she collaborated with companies like Sony and Microsoft to shape products, scale teams, and define future-facing strategies.
Her work spans brand systems, inclusive digital experiences, storytelling, and qualitative research. Rachel bridges the gap between strategy and making—equally at home crafting high-level vision as she is sketching, prototyping, and building.
Rachel is currently writing a book about inclusive interaction design. She lives in Oakland, California.
Acknowledgements
I’m grateful for the collaboration I’ve shared with my design colleagues and friends. I am especially grateful to
Sandy Speicher,
Becky Bermont,
Lynda Deakin,
Clark Scheffy,
Zena Barakat,
Dan Perkel,
Marta Cuciurean-Zapan,
Alysha English,
Becky Lee,
Brian Pelsoh,
Brittany Butler,
Diane Robinson,
Margarita Florez,
and Mary Clare Reilly
for their mentorship and guidance.
