Design for Innovation in the World of IT - A case study of Dropbox and LinkedIn

Abstract: Along with globalisation and the rising competition in the world, constant innovation has become a necessity for survival. Design has been shown to foster innovation in many different ways, but the research about design in relation to innovation is fairly new and the relationship between them is not yet clear. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the field of business and design by studying the relationship between design and innovation in two IT companies. The objective is to research how these companies define design and innovation, how they work within these disciplines and how they are connected. This thesis collects its empirical data through case studies of the companies Dropbox and LinkedIn. The purpose is fulfilled by comparing the empirical findings with previous literature and theories in the field of design and innovation. The result shows two design conscious IT companies, applying a user-centered approach to innovation rather than a technology-driven, which is more common within the IT sector. Innovation and design are seen as a mindset of creativity integrated in the whole organisation through the culture and workplace design.