Our Impact
• The d.school’s impact involves many people and takes many forms.
We are a community of curious individuals putting their ingenuity to work.
17,000+
current and former academic students
25,000+
current and former professional learners
The d.school doesn’t produce one kind of designer. We advance the widespread use of design so our students find their own way to shape the world.
Alumni create change that is both
global & local,
pioneering & proven.
Matt Rothe found a way to significantly reduce the methane emissions of cattle through the creation of an algae-based supplement.
Chris Rudd evolved his design practice by putting those most impacted by the challenge in charge of the solution–using co-design to disrupt racism. Read More.
Laura Schutz developed a way to hear tumors for better surgical success. Read More.
Adam & Lena Seltzer helped transform Michigan’s public benefits system by redesigning their application forms and processes.
“To me, design is a way to bring people together to make the world better.”
Every year, the d.school sparks new topics, connections, collaborations & ideas.
400+
courses created at the d.school for Stanford students over the last 20 years.
50,000+
resources downloaded from the d.school since 2025.
56+
professional development workshops & Events 2025-2026
400,000+
books by d.school authors are in the laps, desks, shelves, and tablets of readers around the world.
People apply what they've learned at the d.school to their work in organizations, communities & causes that benefit millions.
Alumni create change that is both
measurable & intangible,
responsive & proactive.
Edith Elliott & Shahed Alam have trained, through Noora Health, over 50 million caregivers and patients and 22,000k health care professionals across India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Nepal.
Darel Scott runs a brand agency that brings culture, particularly Black culture, into food and the environment—a powerful force for change.
Gabby Dweck and Kelly Redmond started Oleo as a way to address the problem of unsustainable oil supply chains.
Debbie Sterling filled a gap in the toy market by designing STEM-based learning experiences for girls.
When people see the world through a design lens, it opens up new possibilities.
Read more stories about our alumni
