Alumnus to discuss design thinking for visual communications

Alumnus Mike Rios, chief innovation officer at 17 Triggers, will present the concepts of design thinking to students on Thursday, September 25 at 6 p.m. in Lake Michigan Hall, room 114.

In this instance, design thinking refers to how implementing the strategic planning and development of visual communications in the beginning stages of different projects can impact the end results in positive ways. During his presentation, Rios will also talk about how he has applied the skills he learned while attending Grand Valley to make a meaningful difference in the world.

Formerly a creative adman, Rios, ’05, began his career working with clients, such as Nike, Coca-Cola and Porsche. Most recently he has worked with organizations like UNICEF Global, World Bank (IFC) and Hagar International.

Dissatisfied with the direction of his career, Rios branched off and started 17 Triggers in 2010. The company is a “behavior change lab” based in Cambodia that believes in helping governments, non-profits and other social enterprises make breakthroughs in the ways they attempt to solve social problems. Working in 15 different countries, 17 Triggers has provided innovative ideas to initiatives ranging from redesigning newborn care services to improving early childhood education programs.

Originally from Grand Rapids, Rios currently lives in Phnom, Penh, Cambodia with his wife.