IDEO Method Cards

IDEO Method Cards were first released in 2003 as a printed deck intended as inspiration for practicing and aspiring designers, as well as those seeking a creative spark in their work. With more than ten thousand decks in distribution, an IDEA Silver award and continued coverage in the press, we are very proud of the tool’s success in the marketplace. However, as a design tool meant to help people explore new approaches and develop their own, we realized it was time to evolve its form. We wanted to experiment with a mobile platform and make it more readily available to an ecosystem of users who can take this tool to a new level. Thus, the Method Card iPhone app.

After talking to avid Method Card users, we uncovered interesting insights when translating the cards from the physical world to the virtual world. We found that users have their favorites embedded within the 51 cards, as “go-to” sets for use in the field. In addition, with the coupling of the Voice Memos app, you can now record your observations in the field while sliding through the cards. Navigation of the cards is similar to the experience of browsing through photos in the Photos app.

The Method Card app is released as a free download with 8 cards for you to experience on your iPhone or iTouch. You can purchase the full deck of 51 cards for $4.99 within the application, eliminating the step of having to leave the app to upgrade your experience.

Inspired by playing cards, the 51 cards are classified as four suits—Ask, Watch, Learn, Try—that define the types of activities involved in using each method. Each approach is illustrated by a real-life example of how the method was applied to a specific project.

• Learn: Analyze the information you’ve collected to identify patterns and insights.
• Look: Observe people to discover what they do rather than what they say they do.
• Ask: Enlist people’s participation to elicit information relevant to your project
• Try: Create simulations to help empathize with people and to evaluate proposed designs.

Use the Method Card app to take a new view, to inspire creativity, to communicate with your team, or to turn a corner in your thinking.

Share what you learn at methodcardapp@ideo.com