Steelcase leader to discuss history of design thinking

The evolution of design thinking, theories related to the process, and its various applications will be the topics of an upcoming presentation sponsored by Grand Valley State University’s Design Thinking Initiative.

"Design Thinking: Theory and Practice" will be presented by Sean Corcorran, general manager of Steelcase Education, September 29 from 6-6:45 p.m. in Loosemore Auditorium located in the DeVos Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus. The presentation will be preceded by a reception from 5-6 p.m. and followed by a Q&A session.

Corcorran played an integral role in the development of the “d. School” program at Stanford University, which provides the experience of the design thinking process to graduate level students. The program was created by IDEO, a design and innovation-consulting firm where Corcorran spent 16 years of his career in design, engineering, product development and innovation consulting.

From 2008 to 2011, Corcorran served as the director of product development and marketing for Steelcase Education. Since co-founding this Steelcase business unit, Corcorran has been responsible for research and development of innovative new products for secondary and higher education.

“We are fortunate to have Sean in West Michigan as his involvement with IDEO and Steelcase put him in the middle of evolving the process of design thinking,” said John Berry, Design Thinking Initiative director. 

Seating for this event is limited. Registration is required by September 21.