Lessons from innovation's front lines: An interview with IDEO's CEO

Tim Brown, whose company specializes in innovation, distills the lessons of his career.

McKinsey Quarterly, November 15, 2008 — Many companies claim to be innovative, but few can claim innovation as their raison d’être. One such innovation machine is IDEO—a designer of products, services, and experiences ranging from Apple’s first mass-market computer mouse to aspects of Prada’s store in New York City to the patient-care delivery model at SSM DePaul Health Center, in St. Louis, Missouri.

IDEO’s single-minded focus makes it an intriguing port of call for executives seeking insights on innovation.