David Kelley
Donald W. Whittier Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Bio
David Kelley's work is dedicated to helping people gain confidence in their creative abilities. He employs a project based methodology called Design Thinking within both the Product Design Program and the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design.
Design Thinking is based on building empathy for user needs, developing solutions with iterative prototyping, and inspiring ideas for the future through storytelling.
The Product Design program emphasizes the blending of engineering innovation, human values, and manufacturing concerns into a single curriculum. Kelley teaches engineering design methodology, the techniques of quick prototyping to prove feasibility, and design through understanding of user needs.
Honors & Awards
-
Chrysler Design Award, Chrysler (2000)
-
National Design Award, Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt Museum (2001)
-
Sir Misha Black Medal, Royal College of Art (2005)
-
Edison Award, Edison Electric Institute (2009)
Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations
-
Member, National Academy of Engineering (2000 - Present)
Professional Education
-
MS, Stanford University, Product Design (1978)
-
BS, Carnegie-Mellon University, Electrical Engineering (1973)
2024-25 Courses
- Advanced Creative Studies
DESIGN 365 (Win) - Introduction to Human Values in Design
DESIGN 121 (Aut) - Judging Historical Significance Through the Automobile
DESIGN 238 (Spr) -
Independent Studies (13)
- Curricular Practical Training
DESIGN 191A (Aut, Win, Spr) - Curricular Practical Training
DESIGN 391A (Aut, Win, Spr) - Engineering Problems
ME 391 (Spr) - Engineering Problems and Experimental Investigation
ME 191 (Spr) - Experimental Investigation of Engineering Problems
ME 392 (Spr) - Graduate Independent Study and Research
DESIGN 391 (Aut, Win, Spr) - Honors Research
ME 191H (Spr) - Independent Study and Research
DESIGN 191 (Aut, Win, Spr) - Ph.D. Research Rotation
ME 398 (Spr) - Ph.D. Teaching Experience
ME 491 (Spr) - Practical Training
ME 299A (Spr) - Practical Training
ME 299B (Spr) - Writing of Original Research for Engineers
ENGR 199W (Aut, Win, Spr)
- Curricular Practical Training
-
Prior Year Courses
2023-24 Courses
- Advanced Creative Studies
DESIGN 365 (Win) - Introduction to Human Values in Design
DESIGN 121 (Aut) - Judging Historical Significance Through the Automobile
DESIGN 238 (Spr)
2022-23 Courses
- Advanced Creative Studies
DESIGN 365 (Aut, Win) - Introduction to Human Values in Design
DESIGN 121, ME 115A (Aut) - Judging Historical Significance Through the Automobile
DESIGN 238 (Spr)
2021-22 Courses
- Design Impact Master's Project I
ME 316A (Aut) - Introduction to Human Values in Design
ME 115A (Aut)
- Advanced Creative Studies
Stanford Advisees
-
Master's Program Advisor
Jia Natalia Chen, Hadil Habashneh, Peter Harkins, Bem Iordaah, Ahmad Mahmoud Shukri Abubaker, Yaayaa Pajibo, Natalie Rush, Maria Sanchez, Arianne Spaulding
All Publications
-
Reclaim Your Creative Confidence
HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW
2012; 90 (12): 115-?
Abstract
Most people are born creative. But over time, a lot of us learn to stifle those impulses. We become warier of judgment, more cautious more analytical. The world seems to divide into "creatives" and "noncreatives," and too many people resign themselves to the latter category. And yet we know that creativity is essential to success in any discipline or industry. The good news, according to authors Tom Kelley and David Kelley of IDEO, is that we all can rediscover our creative confidence. The trick is to overcome the four big fears that hold most of us back: fear of the messy unknown, fear of judgment, fear of the first step, and fear of losing control. The authors use an approach based on the work of psychologist Albert Bandura in helping patients get over their snake phobias: You break challenges down into small steps and then build confidence by succeeding on one after another. Creativity is something you practice, say the authors, not just a talent you are born with.
View details for Web of Science ID 000311592400045
View details for PubMedID 23227579